This facility, located in the city center along Burton Street, is not only the oldest, but also the largest taxi park in Kampala. Three streets form its perimeter. The government chose to shut this location in 2020 for reconstruction and improvement to a standard level. Construction lasted many months, and it reopened to taxi drivers in January 2022.
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Old Taxi Park

3.6
·8k reviews·Kampala, Uganda

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peak activity, authentic vibe

CrowdHigh
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This facility, located in the city center along Burton Street, is not only the oldest, but also the largest taxi park in Kampala. Three streets form its perimeter. The government chose to shut this location in 2020 for reconstruction and improvement to a standard level. Construction lasted many months, and it reopened to taxi drivers in January 2022.

Old Taxi Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peak activity, authentic vibe

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

3.6
(8k reviews)

"It's the ultimate test of your driving skills.. though you're only a passenger, watching your life flash by."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Matatu Spectacle

The Matatu Spectacle

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

Reddit
Street Vendor Delights

Street Vendor Delights

Surrounding the park

Explore bustling markets and street vendors offering local snacks and goods.

Instagram+1
A Glimpse of Local Life

A Glimpse of Local Life

Experience the raw, energetic pulse of Kampala's daily life and its transportation backbone.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Organized Chaos

The Old Taxi Park is a vibrant, bustling hub where hundreds of matatus (shared taxis) converge. Expect a lively atmosphere with conductors calling out destinations and a constant flow of people. Patience is key as departures are based on full occupancy, not fixed schedules. Instagram+1

Navigating Your Journey

This park is a crucial transport nexus, connecting Kampala to various towns across Uganda. While it might seem overwhelming, it's surprisingly efficient for reaching your desired destinations. Keep an eye out for directional posters on top of vans. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peak activity, authentic vibe
Crowd
High
When
Late afternoons
Why
Commuters heading home
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Old Taxi Park is one of the starting points for major roads from Kampala to other regions of Uganda. This place has multiple stages for taxi drivers who offer transport services to areas around the city and upcountry. Taxis are one of the most popular means of transport in Uganda. There are no fixed departure times. It starts when all seats are occupied. In 2020, the government decided to close...
eunicetess
125 likes • 1.6K views

🎯 Patience is Your Best Friend

Departures are when seats fill up, so be prepared to wait. It's part of the experience! Instagram

💰 Confirm Your Fare

While generally affordable, confirm the fare with the conductor before boarding to avoid surprises. Reddit

Old taxi park, Kampala 🇺🇬 The Old Taxi Park in Kampala is a central hub of activity, a key transportation point for locals. It's known for its organized chaos, with hundreds of matatus (shared taxis) coming and going, connecting the city to various towns across Uganda. Surrounding the park, there are bustling markets, small shops, and street vendors selling all kinds of goods. Its location gives ...
ngaaliinflightmagazine
0 likes • 29.8K views
Nostalgia alert! 🚕 The Old Taxi Park in Kampala, memories of bustling streets and vibrant city life. What's your story about this iconic spot? #kampala #uganda #kampalawalkingtours #sightseeing #africa #eastafrica #walkingtours #travelafrica #holidays #insideafrica #instatravel #safari #adventure #africanadventure #walking #tia #smiles #instagood #citytour #goodvibes #privatetours #citylife #Old...
kampalawalkingtours
1 likes • 239 views

🚶‍♂️ Stay Aware of Surroundings

It's a busy place, so keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings. Instagram

🗣️ Ask for Directions

If unsure, don't hesitate to ask locals or conductors for guidance to your specific destination. Reddit

Freestyle football Uganda Old taxi park view @thewffa @predatorenergydrink @official_ffn
freestylefootballfederationug
8 likes • 156 views

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! Instagram

💰 Confirm Your Fare

While generally affordable, confirm the fare with the conductor before boarding to avoid surprises. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Stay Aware of Surroundings

It's a busy place, so keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings. Instagram

🗣️ Ask for Directions

If unsure, don't hesitate to ask locals or conductors for guidance to your specific destination. Reddit

📸 Capture the Energy

The park offers incredible photo opportunities of vibrant street life and transportation. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

3.6
(8k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"#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

Authentic local experience
Affordable transport
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Overwhelming chaos
Noise and crowds
Waiting times

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

The park operates throughout the day, from early morning until late evening, to accommodate the constant flow of travelers. Instagram

Fares are typically paid in cash (Ugandan Shillings) directly to the conductor or driver once you are seated in the matatu. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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! InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

You'll find numerous street vendors selling snacks, fruits, drinks, and various local goods. It's a great place to grab a quick bite. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The vibrant scenes, the sheer number of vehicles, and the local interactions make it a fantastic spot for capturing authentic Ugandan life. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Instagram+1

Expect local favorites like roasted meat, chapati, fruits such as mangoes and bananas, and various fried snacks. Instagram

As with any street food, it's advisable to choose vendors that appear clean and busy. Many travelers enjoy the local fare without issues. Instagram

There are many local eateries and restaurants in the surrounding streets and markets of Kampala that offer more substantial meals. Instagram

Yes, bottled water and various soft drinks are readily available from the numerous vendors within and around the park. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The sheer volume of matatus, the dynamic interactions between conductors and passengers, street vendors, and the general hustle and bustle are prime subjects. Instagram+1

It's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. However, capturing the general scene is usually fine. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons offer interesting light. The midday sun can be harsh, but the energy of the park is constant. Instagram

Some suggest getting a slightly elevated view, perhaps from a nearby building or overpass if accessible, to capture the scale of the park. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Old Taxi Park with children can be an adventure! While it's a busy transport hub, it offers a unique educational experience about how locals travel. Focus on the spectacle: the sheer number of taxis and the lively atmosphere can be fascinating for kids. Keep it brief: a short visit to observe the activity might be more enjoyable than a long wait for a taxi. Ensure children stay close and are supervised at all times due to the crowds. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The Old Taxi Park is your ultimate destination for budget-friendly travel in and around Kampala. Matatus are incredibly cheap, offering one of the most affordable ways to get around Uganda. The fares are significantly lower than private taxis or ride-sharing apps. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

🚶 Day-Trippers

If you're a day-tripper looking to explore beyond Kampala, the Old Taxi Park is your gateway. It's the central point for numerous day trips to nearby towns and attractions. For instance, you can easily find taxis heading to Entebbe for a visit to the zoo or the airport area. Instagram

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Matatu Culture

The Old Taxi Park is the heart of Kampala's matatu culture. These shared taxis, typically white minibuses, are the lifeblood of public transportation in Uganda. They operate on a system where departures are dictated by passenger numbers rather than strict schedules, creating a unique and often chaotic rhythm. Conductors play a vital role, not only collecting fares but also actively soliciting passengers and managing the flow of people in and out of the vehicles. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Navigating the Park Like a Pro

Arriving at the Old Taxi Park can be an assault on the senses, but with a few tips, you can navigate it effectively. The sheer density of vehicles and people means that clarity is key. Look for directional posters prominently displayed on the roofs of the matatus, indicating their final destinations. Conductors are usually very vocal, shouting out the names of towns and areas they are heading to. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Photography Opportunities

The Old Taxi Park is a photographer's dream, offering a raw and unfiltered look at urban Ugandan life. The organized chaos provides endless visual narratives, from the tightly packed matatus to the vibrant interactions between drivers, conductors, and passengers. The sheer scale of the park, with hundreds of vehicles converging, creates a powerful sense of movement and energy. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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