How to Travel Between Rwanda and Tanzania

Rwanda Tanzania Travel Options, Traveling between Rwanda and Tanzania is an exciting journey that offers breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and diverse wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a tourist exploring East Africa or a business traveler moving between the two countries, there are multiple transportation options available, including flights, buses, and private vehicles. This guide provides a detailed overview of the best ways to travel between Rwanda and Tanzania, covering routes, costs, travel requirements, and essential tips for a smooth journey.

1. By Air: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option

Flying is the quickest and most comfortable way to travel between Rwanda and Tanzania. Both countries have well-connected international airports, making air travel a popular choice for many travelers.

Major Airports

  • Rwanda: Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the main airport, located in the capital city.
  • Tanzania: Key airports include Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar.

Airlines Operating Between Rwanda and Tanzania

Several airlines offer direct and connecting flights between Rwanda and Tanzania, including:

  • RwandAir (the national carrier of Rwanda) – Offers direct flights from Kigali to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
  • Air Tanzania – Provides flights from Dar es Salaam and other Tanzanian cities to Kigali.
  • Precision Air – Operates flights between Tanzania and Rwanda.
  • Kenya Airways & Ethiopian Airlines – Offer connecting flights via Nairobi or Addis Ababa.

Flight Duration and Costs for Rwanda Tanzania Travel Options

  • Direct flights: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Costs: Depending on the season and airline, one-way tickets range from 150to400. Booking in advance can help secure cheaper fares.

Advantages of Flying

✔ Saves time (ideal for business travelers or short trips).
✔ Comfortable and less tiring compared to long road trips.
✔ Multiple flight options available throughout the week.

2. By Road: Rwanda Tanzania Travel Options Overland Journey

 

For travelers who enjoy scenic road trips and want to experience East Africa’s landscapes, traveling by road between Rwanda and Tanzania is a great option. The journey can be made by bus or private car, with several border crossings available.

Popular Border Crossings

  1. Rusumo Border (Rwanda-Tanzania) – The most commonly used crossing, connecting Kigali (Rwanda) to Ngara and eventually Dar es Salaam or Mwanza (Tanzania).
  2. Kobero Border – Another crossing point, mainly used for travel between Rwanda and northwestern Tanzania.

Bus Travel Between Rwanda and Tanzania

Several bus companies operate cross-border routes, offering affordable and reliable services.

Major Bus Operators:

  • Rwanda Express – Runs buses from Kigali to Dar es Salaam via Rusumo.
  • Jaguar Executive Coach – Offers luxury buses between Kigali and Dar es Salaam.
  • Mash Poa – A Tanzanian bus company with routes to Rwanda.

Journey Duration and Costs

  • Kigali to Dar es Salaam: ~24 hours (depending on stops and border procedures).
  • Cost: Between 30to80, depending on the bus class (economy vs. luxury).

Self-Driving or Private Car Hire

For more flexibility, travelers can rent a car or use private taxis. However, this requires proper documentation, including:
✔ International Driving Permit (IDP).
✔ Vehicle insurance valid in both countries.
✔ Border crossing fees for the vehicle.

Advantages of Road Travel

✔ More affordable than flying.
✔ Opportunity to see rural landscapes and local life.
✔ Flexibility to stop at various points of interest.

Challenges of Road Travel

✖ Long travel time (can be exhausting).
✖ Border delays (especially during peak times).
✖ Road conditions (some routes may be rough or under construction).

3. Travel Requirements and Visa Regulations

Before traveling between Rwanda and Tanzania, it’s essential to check entry requirements:

Visa Policies

  • Rwanda: Offers visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, including Tanzanians.
  • Tanzania: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa. East African Community (EAC) citizens can enter with an ID, while others may require a 50−100 visa.

COVID-19 & Health Requirements

  • Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever is mandatory for entry into both countries).
  • Some airlines/borders may require a negative PCR test.

Customs and Immigration Tips

✔ Carry passport copies and extra passport-sized photos.
✔ Declare any large amounts of currency at the border.
✔ Check the latest travel advisories before departure.

4. Best Time to Travel

  • Dry Season (June-October & December-February): Ideal for road travel and wildlife safaris.
  • Wet Season (March-May & November): Some roads may be muddy, and flights could face delays.

5. Alternative Travel Options

Combining Air and Road Travel

Some travelers fly into one city (e.g., Kigali) and then take a bus to another destination (e.g., Dar es Salaam) for a mixed experience.

Train Travel (Future Possibility)

With ongoing East African railway projects, train travel between Rwanda and Tanzania may become viable in the future.

Traveling between Rwanda and Tanzania can be an enriching experience, whether by air or road. Flying is the fastest option, while road travel offers an adventurous journey through stunning landscapes. Understanding visa requirements, border procedures, and transportation choices will help ensure a smooth trip. Whichever mode of transport you choose, both Rwanda and Tanzania promise unforgettable experiences filled with culture, wildlife, and natural beauty.