When you think of a combined East African vacation to destinations such as Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it is essential to also know how best you can connect to each destination. This is why you must have idea on border crossings for all your destinations to avoid last minute stress when you fail to get there for your trip.

Border crossings usually come with their challenges and sometimes they are unavoidable. There are a number of considerations that often bring about hectic experiences at borders including political insecurities, outbreak of pandemics for instance Ebola, but what is important is to bear with the set measures. Border crossings allow visitors to explore different destinations since each destination has got something unique.

Congo-Rwanda border crossing

The Goma border post

Goma border point/post is the commonly used border crossing for tourists who want to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s destinations, especially Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorilla trekking, or visit Virunga National Park to hike to the summits of Mount Nyiragongo or embark on mountain gorilla trekking adventure.

The Goma border post is located in the Eastern D.R. Congo, Goma city and Gisenyi town. The essential travel documents for guests interested in crossing to Congo for a vacation include the Congo Visa. The ground tour operator can be in position to assist you secure the visa and to do this, your passport details must be sent to help in the processing of the visas and also the dates of travel.

The tour operator coordinates with the Congolese and park authorities to ensure that the relevant travel documents are processed early enough. On actual border crossing, you will also be required to show your yellow fever vaccination card.

Cyangugu border crossing

Cyangugu border crossing is the other important border entry point to Rwanda in the South-western D.R. Congo. This border point is located on the Southern side of Lake Kivu and Cyangugu is also the main town of Rusizi District. It is one of the border crossings that aren’t as busier as the Goma border point.

Uganda-Rwanda border crossing

While it is possible to fly direct to Kigali and start your Rwanda safari, it is also easier connecting from Kabale/Kisoro to Rwanda through the border crossing. This makes it even possible for tourists to enjoy gorilla trekking experiences from both countries. The 2 main border crossings to lead you into Uganda or Rwanda are Chanika or Katuna border. The Katuna border is the Northern border crossing and is ideal for guests starting their road trips from Kabale town and Chanika is in the Southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park –Kisoro district.

Places to visit

In Rwanda, the must-visit destinations include Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. This is a bamboo and rainforest dominated park in Northwestern Rwanda, accessible about 2-3 hours from the heart of Kigali. Other places include Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Nyungwe and Akagera National Park. In Uganda –the accessible destinations in Southwestern Uganda include Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks, Lake Mulehe, Lake Bunyonyi, Mutanda, and others.