
Old Taxi Park
Kampala's bustling Old Taxi Park: a vibrant, chaotic hub of matatus connecting the city and country. Experience local life!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak activity, authentic vibe

Old Taxi Park
Best Time
Peak activity, authentic vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kampala's bustling Old Taxi Park: a vibrant, chaotic hub of matatus connecting the city and country. Experience local life!
"It's the ultimate test of your driving skills.. though you're only a passenger, watching your life flash by."

🎯 Patience is Your Best Friend
Departures are when seats fill up, so be prepared to wait. It's part of the experience!
💰 Confirm Your Fare
While generally affordable, confirm the fare with the conductor before boarding to avoid surprises.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Matatu Spectacle
Witness hundreds of matatus packed tightly, a true hive of activity and Uganda's primary mode of transport.

Street Vendor Delights
Surrounding the park
Explore bustling markets and street vendors offering local snacks and goods.

A Glimpse of Local Life
Experience the raw, energetic pulse of Kampala's daily life and its transportation backbone.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Organized Chaos
Navigating Your Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Patience is Your Best Friend
Departures are when seats fill up, so be prepared to wait. It's part of the experience!
💰 Confirm Your Fare
While generally affordable, confirm the fare with the conductor before boarding to avoid surprises.
🚶♂️ Stay Aware of Surroundings
It's a busy place, so keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
🗣️ Ask for Directions
If unsure, don't hesitate to ask locals or conductors for guidance to your specific destination.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Patience is Your Best Friend
Departures are when seats fill up, so be prepared to wait. It's part of the experience!
💰 Confirm Your Fare
While generally affordable, confirm the fare with the conductor before boarding to avoid surprises.
🚶♂️ Stay Aware of Surroundings
It's a busy place, so keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
🗣️ Ask for Directions
If unsure, don't hesitate to ask locals or conductors for guidance to your specific destination.
📸 Capture the Energy
The park offers incredible photo opportunities of vibrant street life and transportation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Old Taxi Park is a chaotic yet efficient transport hub, offering an authentic glimpse into Ugandan daily life. Visitors often describe it as an overwhelming but ultimately functional system, where patience is rewarded with affordable travel. While the noise and crowds can be intense, the park's role as a vital connection point for the entire country is undeniable.
"#throwback2018
The Old Taxi Park is where patience goes to die. Imagine thousands of matatus, those white minivan taxis that are the veins of Uganda’s transport system, packed so tightly together you’d swear they were making love. Each one honks like a wounded animal, conductors scream over each other, and passengers climb in and out as if gravity doesn’t apply. From above, it’s a hive. From the ground, it’s survival training.
There are no signs, no timetables, just a conductor yanking your arm and swearing his matatu is heading your way. Somehow, miraculously, these vans do eventually move out, snaking and squeezing through gaps that don’t exist, defying geometry and traffic laws in equal measure.
The air is a cocktail of diesel fumes, sweat, and roasted meat smoke, thick enough to coat your lungs for days. Time loses meaning here, but the chaos has its own rhythm, a brutal efficiency born out of madness.
Come if you dare, it’s the ultimate test of your driving skills.. though you’re only a passenger, watching your life flash by as your driver threads a 14-seater through gaps you wouldn’t trust with a bicycle. If hell has a transport hub, it probably looks exactly like this… organized chaos!"
The Compass Guy
"Ssempijja silver going through deeper into public policy across Uganda today this week now I want everyone members to know that ssempijja silver I want my money and device to work directly in Uganda"
Ssempijja Silver
"For all ur travel plans, it's a collection of all ur desired locations,
I too travel with old tax park kampala"
Kitudde Micheal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Taxi Park is centrally located in Kampala. You can easily reach it by local boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), regular taxis, or by walking if you are in the city center. It's a major landmark, so most drivers will know it.
While apps like Uber and Bolt are available in Kampala, they primarily operate for private car hires. For the local matatu experience within the Old Taxi Park, you'll rely on traditional methods of finding a ride.
The Old Taxi Park serves as a hub for routes connecting Kampala to various city suburbs like Entebbe, Bugolobi, Ntinda, and Nakawa, as well as many towns across Uganda.
Yes, the Old Taxi Park is the primary point for many upcountry journeys. You'll find vehicles heading to numerous towns and regions throughout Uganda.
Look for directional posters on top of the vans and listen for conductors calling out their destinations. If you're unsure, ask a conductor or a local for assistance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to enter the Old Taxi Park itself. You only pay for your actual taxi fare once you board a vehicle.
The park operates throughout the day, from early morning until late evening, to accommodate the constant flow of travelers.
Fares are typically paid in cash (Ugandan Shillings) directly to the conductor or driver once you are seated in the matatu.
No, taxis do not have fixed departure times. They depart once all seats are occupied, which can vary depending on the route and time of day.
Advance booking is generally not a feature of the Old Taxi Park. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis as vehicles fill up.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is one of 'organized chaos' – bustling, noisy, and energetic, with hundreds of matatus, conductors, and passengers. It's a sensory experience!
While generally safe, it's a very crowded place. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid displaying expensive items.
You'll find numerous street vendors selling snacks, fruits, drinks, and various local goods. It's a great place to grab a quick bite.
Absolutely! The vibrant scenes, the sheer number of vehicles, and the local interactions make it a fantastic spot for capturing authentic Ugandan life.
If you're just passing through to catch a taxi, it might only take a few minutes. If you want to soak in the atmosphere and observe, allocate at least 30 minutes to an hour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You won't find formal restaurants inside the park. However, there are many street vendors selling a variety of local snacks, fruits, and quick meals.
Expect local favorites like roasted meat, chapati, fruits such as mangoes and bananas, and various fried snacks.
As with any street food, it's advisable to choose vendors that appear clean and busy. Many travelers enjoy the local fare without issues.
There are many local eateries and restaurants in the surrounding streets and markets of Kampala that offer more substantial meals.
Yes, bottled water and various soft drinks are readily available from the numerous vendors within and around the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer volume of matatus, the dynamic interactions between conductors and passengers, street vendors, and the general hustle and bustle are prime subjects.
It's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. However, capturing the general scene is usually fine.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer interesting light. The midday sun can be harsh, but the energy of the park is constant.
Some suggest getting a slightly elevated view, perhaps from a nearby building or overpass if accessible, to capture the scale of the park.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful. A smaller, discreet camera or smartphone is also good for candid shots without drawing too much attention.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider grabbing a snack from a street vendor as a fun part of the experience. The vibrant colors and sounds can be engaging. If you plan to use a matatu, choose a less crowded time or a shorter route for a more comfortable ride with younger children. Safety first: hold hands and keep a close eye on belongings.
💰 Budget Travelers
Embrace the local experience: riding a matatu is not just about saving money; it's about immersing yourself in the local culture. Be prepared for a more communal and less luxurious journey. Confirm your fare before boarding to ensure you're getting the standard rate. The park is also a great place to find affordable street food and drinks, further reducing your daily expenses.
🚶 Day-Trippers
Plan your departure: matatus leave when full, so factor in potential waiting times. It's advisable to head out early in the morning to maximize your daylight hours at your destination. Pack light: you'll be boarding and disembarking frequently. The park offers a quick and efficient way to access various parts of the region without the need for pre-booked tours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Matatu Culture
For travelers, experiencing a matatu ride from the Old Taxi Park is an immersion into local life. It's a chance to witness the 'organized chaos' firsthand, where drivers skillfully navigate tight spaces and the collective energy of commuters creates a palpable buzz. While it might seem daunting initially, it's an efficient and incredibly affordable way to travel within the city and to many upcountry destinations.
Key takeaways for navigating this system include patience, confirming your fare before boarding, and being aware of your surroundings. The experience is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Ugandan public transport, offering a genuine glimpse into the daily lives of its people.
Navigating the Park Like a Pro
If you're unsure about your specific route, don't hesitate to approach a conductor or a local bystander for assistance. Most Ugandans are friendly and willing to help guide you. Remember that fares are typically paid in cash to the conductor once you've secured a seat. While there are no fixed departure times, the park is constantly active, ensuring that vehicles do eventually depart once full.
Pro-tip: While the park is a hub for transport, it's also surrounded by bustling markets and street vendors. This makes it a great place to grab a quick snack or drink while you wait for your taxi. Just be mindful of your belongings in such a crowded environment.
Photography Opportunities
When shooting, focus on capturing the details: the expressions on people's faces, the textures of the vehicles, and the dynamic flow of activity. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light, but the midday sun can highlight the intensity of the environment. Remember to be respectful; while candid shots of the general scene are common, it's courteous to ask permission before taking close-up portraits.
Key elements to capture include the conductors actively engaging with passengers, the vendors selling their wares, and the unique ways people navigate the crowded spaces. The park is a living, breathing entity, and its visual stories are rich and compelling for anyone looking to document authentic travel experiences.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit