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Getting from Kigali to Bwindi: the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing by road Which border to use Destination Border Approximate time from Kigali Border hours Mgahinga Cyanika, via Musanze, then Kisoro 3–4 hours Daytime, roughly 07:00–21:00 Rushaga and Nkuringo (south Bwindi) Cyanika, then Kisoro 4–5 hours Daytime, roughly 07:00–21:00 Ruhija (east Bwindi) Katuna (Gatuna), then Kabale 4–5 hours 24 hours Buhoma (north Bwindi) Katuna (Gatuna), then Kabale 6–7 hours 24 hours Times include the border crossing. From Kigali, southern Bwindi is about 4–5 hours by road via the Cyanika border near Kisoro, and Mgahinga about 3–4 hours; northern Bwindi (Buhoma) is about 6–7 hours via the Katuna (Gatuna) border near Kabale. The crossing itself usually takes 30–60 minutes. You need a passport, a visa valid for Uganda — either a Uganda e-visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa — and your yellow fever certificate.
Flying into Kigali and driving across the border is one of the most popular ways to reach Uganda’s gorillas, because it avoids the 8–10 hour drive from Entebbe. Here is how the route works, which border to use and what happens at the crossing.
Getting from Kigali to Bwindi: the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing by road
Which border to use
| Destination | Border | Approximate time from Kigali | Border hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mgahinga | Cyanika, via Musanze, then Kisoro | 3–4 hours | Daytime, roughly 07:00–21:00 |
| Rushaga and Nkuringo (south Bwindi) | Cyanika, then Kisoro | 4–5 hours | Daytime, roughly 07:00–21:00 |
| Ruhija (east Bwindi) | Katuna (Gatuna), then Kabale | 4–5 hours | 24 hours |
| Buhoma (north Bwindi) | Katuna (Gatuna), then Kabale | 6–7 hours | 24 hours |
The Cyanika route to southern Bwindi and Mgahinga
From Kigali, the road runs north-west on good tarmac through Rwanda’s terraced hills to Musanze, the gateway to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, about two hours away. From there it is a short drive to the Cyanika border, with the Virunga volcanoes rising to the south. After crossing into Uganda, Kisoro town is about 20 minutes further, and Mgahinga’s park entrance about 30 minutes beyond that.
For Rushaga and Nkuringo, the last stretch from Kisoro takes roughly 1–1.5 hours on winding, partly unpaved mountain roads with wide views over Lake Mutanda and the forest. Because Cyanika is a daytime border, plan to cross well before evening. See our guides to the Rushaga sector and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The Katuna route to Ruhija and Buhoma
The Katuna crossing, called Gatuna on the Rwandan side, lies north of Kigali on the main road to Kabale and is open 24 hours. It is the better choice for Ruhija and Buhoma, and for travellers continuing to Lake Bunyonyi, which is a short drive from Kabale. From Kabale, Ruhija is about two to three hours on hilly roads, and Buhoma several hours more via Kanungu. If your permit is for Buhoma, compare the drive with flying from Entebbe to Kihihi.
At the border
The crossing is straightforward. First you exit Rwanda, showing your passport and getting an exit stamp, then walk or drive a short distance to the Ugandan side. There, you present your passport, visa approval and yellow fever certificate, have your fingerprints and photo taken, and receive an entry stamp. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes, longer if several buses arrive at once.
Arrange your visa before you travel. If you are visiting both countries, the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya for 90 days with multiple entries; otherwise, apply for the Uganda e-visa (US$50) online in advance. See Uganda entry requirements.
Vehicles, money and practical tips
Most travellers are collected at Kigali airport by a Ugandan operator’s vehicle, which crosses the border with its own permits, so you keep the same driver for the whole trip. One detail surprises many visitors: Rwanda drives on the right and Uganda on the left, and the switch happens at the border. Rwanda’s ban on plastic bags is strictly enforced, so do not carry them into Rwanda.
Carry some US dollars in clean notes printed in 2009 or later for small costs and tips, and change only small amounts of money with traders at the border, counting carefully. There are ATMs in Kisoro and Kabale. Public buses do run from Kigali to Kisoro and Kabale, but you would still need local transport to the trailheads, which are not served by buses early in the morning.
Planning tips
Leave Kigali in the morning so you reach your lodge in daylight and cross Cyanika during its opening hours. Always plan to arrive at least the evening before your trek, as the gorilla briefing starts at 07:30. If you land in Kigali late, spend a night in the city first. For a full comparison of routes into Bwindi, read how to get to Bwindi or Mgahinga and Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
No. Bunagana is Uganda’s border with Congo. The crossing from Rwanda towards Kisoro is Cyanika, about 20 minutes from Kisoro town.
No. The briefing starts at 07:30 and the drive is 4–5 hours. Arrive at your lodge at least the evening before your trek.
Generally no; it operates during the day, roughly 07:00 to 21:00. Katuna (Gatuna) is open 24 hours. Check current hours before you travel.
Yes, to enter Rwanda. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers both, or check Rwanda’s visa-on-arrival rules for your passport.
