Here are the best Airbnb locations in Uganda
For those new to the Airbnb market, careful consideration of location can make the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one.
Airbnb, a popular online marketplace for short-term lodging and homestays, has revolutionized the travel and hospitality industry worldwide. It allows property owners to rent out their spaces to travelers looking for unique and affordable accommodation options, often providing a more personal and localized experience compared to traditional hotels.
In Uganda, the popularity of Airbnb has grown significantly, offering lucrative opportunities for property owners. However, as expert Cris Bona highlights, success in this business is highly dependent on the location of the property.
According to Bona, many new investors are initially attracted to areas like Kisaasi, Kyanja, Kyaliwajala, Kira, and Kulambiro. These neighborhoods are popular due to the availability of new properties at relatively low prices, making them seem like ideal choices for starting an Airbnb business.
“Many people enter the Airbnb business from an emotional perspective, opting for these areas because of their affordability and the freshness of the properties. However, despite the appeal of new constructions, the turnover rate in these locations is generally lower,” Bona explains.
One key reason for the lower occupancy rates in these suburbs is their distance from Kampala’s city center, where many business travelers, tourists, and expatriates prefer to stay. Bona points out that prime locations such as Muyenga, Lubowa, Kololo, Bukoto, and Bugolobi tend to attract more guests because of their strategic positions closer to the city center and the convenience they offer.
“Even though properties in these areas might come with higher price tags, they compensate with higher occupancy rates and better returns. These are well-established areas with amenities that travelers seek, making them much more attractive.”
For investors who may not have the capital to purchase or rent properties in high-end areas like Muyenga or Kololo, Bona recommends looking into more compromising spots such as Mengo, Mulago, and Old Kampala. These locations offer a balanced compromise between affordability and proximity to the city center.
“A guest considering Kololo can find Mengo to be a suitable alternative because the travel distance from Mengo to Kampala city center is comparable or only slightly more than from Kololo to the city,” Bona notes.
This means that travelers who are cost-conscious but still desire easy access to Kampala’s central areas can find suitable accommodation in these middle-ground neighborhoods.
However, this strategic advantage is not present in areas like Kyanja, which are considerably further away, making them less attractive for guests who prioritize accessibility and convenience. Bona stresses the importance of understanding the needs and preferences of potential guests when choosing an Airbnb location.
“The success of an Airbnb property is not just about the house itself; it’s largely about location. Travelers look for convenience, and they are willing to pay a little more for a place that offers easy access to the city’s main attractions and business hubs,” he advises.
Bona’s insights emphasize the importance of strategic location choice for Airbnb investors in Uganda. While new and affordable properties in suburban areas might seem like a good deal, the key to higher occupancy and better returns lies in picking locations that balance proximity to the city with reasonable property costs.
For those new to the Airbnb market, careful consideration of location can make the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one.
