Is the Uganda-Rwanda Border Open Now?

The Uganda-Rwanda border was closed for about 2 years due to the COVID-19 epidemic and other political reasons. However, on 7^th March 2022, the borders were open again. This gave a smile to the migration offices of both states as well as tourists planning Uganda and Rwanda safaris. Directives for border opening of Uganda and Rwanda were stated out by the cabinet of the ruling government of Rwanda. The closure of the border could have led to a decline in the economy of both countries. Several other people were affected like traders, students, and people with families on either side of the country. The reopening of the Rwanda-Uganda border has boosted tourism and other economic activities between the two countries.

If you are planning a combined Uganda and Rwanda safari, crossing the Uganda-Rwanda border should be none of your worries. One of the popular gorilla trekking safaris recently is the 4 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali. The proximity between the gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda and Rwanda has made the Uganda-Rwanda border a busy place lately.

What procedures are followed across the Uganda-Rwanda border?

There are several procedures that travelers on their Uganda and Rwanda safaris have to follow during the cross of the Uganda-Rwanda borders and they include;

Travelers are supposed to be having valid passports, and national identification cards.
Visas are supposed to be acquired from the migration offices or travelers can also acquire an East African Visa that allows them to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Document clearing for the motor vans from one state to another. This clearing involves the payment of the insurance and third-party fee for the state they are moving to
The purpose of the visit should be stated in the Visa
Currency exchange to the local currency

Uganda-Rwanda border posts

While planning to visit the Uganda -Rwanda border, there are several border posts and these include;

Gatuna / Katuna border

This is the busiest border post between Uganda and Rwanda. It is one of the fast-growing borders between Rwanda and Uganda and it is open 24 hours a day. It also shows the imports and exports of both countries. This point came into existence after the Belgian rule in Rwanda. It was a main route for people who were escaping from Rwanda to Uganda seeking refuge. The distance from Kampala to Katuna border is about 500 kilometers and from Kigali is about 82 kilometers to the border.

Cyanika / Kyanika border

This border post is used by travelers on their Rwanda and Uganda safaris and it is not so busy like the Katuna border. The major form of business is tourism in terms of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kyanika border is found in the Kisoro district in Uganda and the Burera district in Rwanda. This post is located near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. From Kigali, travelers take about 2 hours to reach Cyanika border post whereas from Kampala it takes about 9 hours to reach this border point. Other border posts include the Kagitumba and Mirama Hills border. These borders are the secondary border posts of Uganda and Rwanda.

Tourism activities done beyond the Uganda and Rwanda borders

Beyond the border of Rwanda and Uganda, there are several activities that tourists engage in and they include;

Gorilla trekking tours

Gorilla trekking is done within the Volcanoes National Park which a home to the mountain gorillas. This activity gives you a close encounter with gorillas. Gorilla trekking takes you through the forests of the park in search of the mountain gorillas. It takes about 2 to 7 hours of the day to search for the mountain gorillas. Tourists engaging in gorilla trekking in Rwanda are supposed to have booked a gorilla permit to ensure availability. The activity is done in southwestern Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks have several gorilla-habituated families that are available for tracking. In Uganda, there are over 152 gorilla permits that travelers encounter during the safari and tourists are supposed to book in time to ensure availability.

Golden monkey trekking expeditions

Golden monkey trekking is another activity that tourists engage in during a safari in Volcanoes National Park. The small primates live with the gorillas in the park. This activity takes about 2 to 5 hours of the day and during the activity also offers a chance to see mountain gorillas.

Canopy walking adventures

This activity is done in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. The walk takes tourists to a walk that is above 50 meters from the ground. The walk is done on a high suspension bridge with views of the valleys and surrounding areas of the park.

Hot air balloon Safaris

Hot air balloon safaris are done within the Akagera National Park. This is the only savannah park located in the east part of Rwanda. The safari takes you in the sky to view the wildlife in the park and the wildlife seen includes; elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and many others.

Gorilla habituation

In Uganda, it is only where tourists engage in the gorilla habituation. Gorilla habituation is the process where gorillas are trained to get used to human interference. This activity gives you more time with the gorillas and it is done by a limited number of people. It is only done in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Rushaga sector.

Chimpanzee trekking tours

Chimpanzee trekking gives tourists a close encounter with the chimpanzee in the forest of the country. The close encounter of these primates takes about 2 to 7 hours of the day. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is available in the Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Bugoma Forest Reserve, and Budongo Forest Reserve.

Game drives

Game driving is one of the primary activities that are carried out within the savannah parks of Uganda. This gives a close encounter of wildlife with tourists. It is carried out in the Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. The wildlife sites in the park are lions, leopards, zebras, hippos, elephants, giraffes, and many others.