Here is a guide for how to travel from Nairobi, Kenya to Kampala, Uganda by land and how much it will cost you. Kampala is Uganda’s national and commercial capital, bordering Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Hills covered with red-tile villas and trees surround an urban centre of contemporary skyscrapers.
In Kampala, the main thing to do is interact with the locals, have some matoke, throw in the word balance here and there and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Traffic is terrible, in case you ever thought Nairobi’s traffic was awful.
Nairobi To Kampala By Bus
For the bus taking you from Kenya to Uganda, it’s best to book your ticket at least a day before your intended departure to guarantee your seat. Buses from Nairobi to Kampala leave 1-3 times a day, depending on the season. The journey takes around 13 hours or more, depending on traffic and passport control processing times.
We recommend taking the night trips because not all buses are air-conditioned and it can be hot during the day. Also, it’s just more cosy to travel at night, where you can sleep on the bus, save on accommodation, and wake up to a new place in the morning. There are no sleeping cabins but the VIP seat is spacious and comfortable enough to recline in.
The bus will pass through Kisumu and cross from Kenya to Uganda at the Busia border. When you reach the immigration side of Kenya, you will need to get off the bus with everyone else and line up for passport control. They will stamp your passport, and you will be good to go. Remember to bring your yellow fever certificate, a photocopy of your passport, a copy of your return ticket, and any other necessary documents in case the immigration officers request them. One advantage of reserving a VIP seat is the early access to disembark and line up before others, as the VIP seats are positioned near the bus doors.
As you exit, head towards the Uganda Immigration side, which is around 100 meters away. There are lighted signs to guide you. Upon arrival at the entrance, you’ll be given a white application form by a guard. You can fill it out while waiting in line. There may be a significant number of people in line from other buses, so be prepared to wait for 30 to 40 minutes. Once you’re finished, you’ll see the bus outside, waiting for all the passengers, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Documents Required to Travel to Uganda by Road
- Passport: Without this, use your Kenyan ID to get a temporary passport from an e-citizen account valid for 1 year. The process takes less than 10 minutes, and there are cyber cafes at the border to sort you for Ksh 350.
- Yellow fever vaccination card: This will cost you Ksh 2,500, while at the border you could pay Ksh 1,500.
- COVID certificate: You need to have it.
Best Places to Visit in Kampala, Uganda
- Kasubi Tombs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasubi Tombs is the burial site for the kings of Buganda. It provides insight into the history and cultural practices of the Buganda kingdom.
- Uganda Museum: This museum showcases Uganda’s cultural heritage, including ethnological and natural-historical exhibits. It’s a great place to learn about the country’s diverse cultures.
- Namirembe Cathedral: One of the oldest cathedrals in Uganda, Namirembe Cathedral is an iconic religious landmark with stunning architecture and panoramic views of Kampala.
- Gaddafi National Mosque: This mosque is one of the largest in Africa and offers breathtaking views of Kampala from its minaret. Visitors can also explore the mosque and its beautiful gardens.
- Kampala Serena Hotel: A luxury hotel with excellent facilities, including restaurants, bars, and a spa. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a nice place to enjoy a meal or afternoon tea.
- Craft Markets: Visit local craft markets like Owino Market and Nakasero Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and buy traditional crafts, fabrics, and souvenirs.
- Lake Victoria: While not directly in Kampala, Lake Victoria is nearby and offers opportunities for boat rides, fishing, and relaxation on the shores.
- Kabalagala Market: Known for its street food, Kabalagala Market is a great place to try local snacks and dishes.
- Acacia Mall: A modern shopping and entertainment complex with a variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
- Makindye Country Club: A peaceful retreat with beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, and sports facilities, offering a relaxing break from the city.
Nairobi to Kampala Bus Fare Price
Below are some of the bus operators that you may contact to book your ticket.
- MASH Bus (Mash Poa)
- Modern Coast
- Dreamline
- Buscar
- Sr Classic
- Trinity
- Supermetro Executive
The average price for this trip is about $20–$25, depending on the company and class that you choose. The more expensive buses offer air conditioning. VIP seats are also available. These seats are larger and recline further, which makes sleeping a bit easier.
The air-conditioned version of the MASH bus is called MASH COOL. The non-AC bus is called MASH POA. Mash Bus leaves at 4:00 pm. There are 2 ticket options for the 4 pm MASH POA bus:
- VIP class costs Ksh 4,000
- Regular economy class costs Ksh 3,700
There are 3 ticket options for the 7:30 pm MASH COOL bus.
- VIP class costs Ksh 3,000
- Business class costs Ksh 2,800
- Regular economy class costs Ksh 2,500
It’s always a good idea to plan, compare prices, and look for travel deals to get the best value for your money.
| Bus Company | Bus Fare (Ksh) |
| Trinity | 4,000 |
| Sr Classic | 4,300 |
| Simba Cool | 3,500 |
| Mash | 2,500-3,700 depending on boarding time |
| Supermetro Executive | 4,500 |
