Rwanda Uganda Self Drive Safari Guidelines

Planning a self drive safari trip from Rwanda to Uganda can be quite a hectic process if you’re not familiar with the border immigration policies. In 2019, Rwanda and Uganda fell into a diplomatic feud with both countries blaming the other for interfering in their private affairs. Because of this, Rwanda warned its citizens not to enter Uganda because of allegations that some Rwandans had been detained and in some cases tortured and sometimes deported without consular support or due process. Uganda on the other hand did not spell any grievances against Rwanda though speculations in the Uganda press state that Rwanda tried to infiltrate Uganda’s security apparatus. These Rwanda Uganda Self Drive Safari Guidelines will help you in planning for your self drive adventure in the two countries.

This clash between the two governments put trade on a standstill. Truck drivers could not cross with goods and also local traders at the borders like money changers, those selling drinks and porters went out of business. Tourism was also affected in the long run because of Covid-19 and even after the pandemic was over, it was impossible to cross over from either countries. This went on for 3 years until February 2022 when the two countries made peace.

Right now, you can easily drive from Rwanda to Uganda for a safari trip.. If you intend to go on a gorilla trekking trip, it is considered cheaper to fly into Kigali Airport and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is only 700 dollars compared to 1500 dollars in Rwanda and Bwindi is just 4 hours drive away from Kigali  compared to the 9hours drive from Entebbe. This doesn’t mean that you can’t trek gorillas in Rwanda.

There are three active border points for the two countries and these are Gatuna (Rwanda) and Katuna (Uganda), Cyanika (Rwanda) and Kyanika (Uganda), Kajitumba (Rwanda) and Mirama Hill(Uganda). Though it is less busy than the Gatuna border, the Cyanika border is considered a more reliable point for tourists with intentions of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. This is because it is located in Kisoro District In Uganda where Bwindi forest is found. It is also close to Rushaga sector which is the most visited sector in Bwindi. Kisoro is also close to Mgahinga National Park famous for the three beautiful Volcanoes and golden monkey trekking. Still at the Cyanika point is Burera town in Rwanda which is home to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. It is also close to the Volcanoes National Park and the Musanze caves making this border point a tourist hot spot for both countries.

To drive from Rwanda to Uganda, speak to your car rental provider about cross border arrangements.  You will need a passport, a driver’s license, a yellow fever vaccination card, an East African visa if you’re an international tourist. East African Citizens do not need this visa or even passport.  All they need is  a valid national identification. The Rwanda side of the border has more strict policies and you may be required to hand in your bags for checking. Your car will also be inspected for insurance, mechanical condition and other related paper works. If you have the required documents,  the immigration process is quite easy and your passport will be stamped for you to proceed with your journey. You’ll find money changers on both sides of the border so it is important to have your currency changed for smooth transactions. Important to note is that unlike other borders, the Cyanika border doesn’t operate for 24 hours. It opens at 6am Ugandan time and 5am Rwandan time. Uganda is one hour ahead of Rwanda so when you cross to Uganda, the time on your watches or devices automatically changes.

After crossing into Uganda, you’ll have  to drive on the left side of the road unlike Rwanda where driving is on the right. Apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National park, other safari destinations to check out in Uganda include Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park among others. Do not forget that since Uganda is relatively bigger than Rwanda,  you’ll have to drive long hours to get to your desired safari destinations so brace yourself.  If you can not drive very long distances, you can organise for a chauffeur with car rental services in Uganda. Contact us to know more about these Rwanda Uganda Self Drive Safari Guidelines.