When it comes to an African safari in more than one country, at some point expect to cross borders. This may seem hectic more so for travelers who are not well-versed with the immigration policies in various states. Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are East-Central African states and they are still developing compared to other African states like South Africa. Looking at this fact, the existing structures and technologies may not be effective in handling border crossings as it might be a case back in your home country.
The DR Congo-Rwanda border crossing
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The Goma border post
If your plan is to visit the DRC for gorilla trekking in the Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park or to hike Nyiragongo Volcano, then your journey will involve border crossing at Goma border post which serves as an essential trade route linking DRC to Rwanda. This border post is in the Eastern side of the DR Congo, Goma City and Gisenyi Town.
Visitors on Congo safari to Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park for gorilla adventure will require a valid Congo visa which you have to secure early and make sure you share your trip details with the tour operator you plan to deal with. Obtaining the Congo visa is a bit challenging especially if you are a tourist unlike in Rwanda and Uganda.
However, as recognized tour operator we make the tedious process of obtaining the Congo visa easier for you. To process the Congo visa, make sure you send your passport details and dates you plan to travel. We can then work hand in hand with the Congolese authorities and park to ensure the documents are processed as quickly as possible. In addition to Congo visa, border crossing to DRC also requires you to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
In case you plan to embark on a charter flight from Kigali International Airport or Entebbe Airport, it is possible for you to process your visa online or inquire from your tour operator to assist you. Booking your visa personally may require you to be informed of flight schedules, the available accommodation facilities and tour related bookings. You can download the visa application form from the Congo Embassy website or send an email to a respective Congolese embassy back in your home country. The Congo visa is obtainable at US Dollars 105.
How to get to Goma border crossing
The best way to get to Goma border crossing is by car hire, public bus, taxi and you can begin your trip from Kigali capital city of Rwanda to Gisenyi Town which is the closest town to the DRC border post. Please take note, the Goma border post will close at 10:00pm.
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The Cyangugu border crossing
In addition to Goma border crossing, it is also possible for you to cross from southwestern DRC to Rwanda via Cyangugu border crossing. This border crossing is found in the southern side of Lake Kivu. Cyangugu is major town in Rusizi district and the border crossing isn’t very busy compared to Goma border post. It is utilized by travelers with intentions to chill in the scenic shores of Lake Kivu prior connecting to Congo to engage in more tourism activities. Connecting to Congo through this border crossing involves crossing a bridge on Rusizi River.
Rwanda-Uganda border crossing
If your plan is to take a flight to Kigali Airport then connect to Uganda, the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing offers the best option. However, a valid visa, passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate are a must-have if you are to go Rwanda-Uganda border crossing. Note, there are 2 major border posts between Rwanda and Uganda.
- Chanika border in the southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Kisoro district.
- Katuna border in the Northern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Kabale district.
Katuna/Gatuna border post lets you cross from Uganda to Rwanda or vice versa. Citizens on plan to make border crossing from Rwanda to Uganda don’t need visas but a national identify card. International visitors require a valid visa.
The Chanika border post is ideal for tourists on gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The border crossing from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National park via Chanika border is usually open at 6:00am Uganda time and 5:00 Rwanda time unlike Katuna border which is open 24hrs.