Cyanika Border Point

Cyanika border point links Uganda and Rwanda. Cyanika border point is an important link that has both travellers and traders of one country accessing the other. The border is strategically located in the district of Kisoro that hosts Uganda’s gorilla national parks; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the side of Uganda and in Burera district on the side of Rwanda. 

The Burera district on the side of Rwanda has two great twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. Burera town is also close to Volcanoes National Park, making it possible for travellers to do double gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda. Cyanika border point plays a very big role in the tourism industry of both Uganda and Rwanda, for it is a point from where travellers from both countries cross to the other to continue their safaris.

. Cyanika border point admits in more tourists to Uganda from Rwanda as compared to Katuna border that though it admits travellers, more of commercial trucks can be seen. Cyanika border point best serves travellers visiting the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, that is Rushaga gorilla sector, which is one of the most visited gorilla sectors.

Crossing Cyanika border point is relatively hustle free if one has the right documents. Below are some of the documents that are required while crossing the Cyanika border point;

Travellers’ passport

Travellers need to present their passports for identifications whilst crossing Cyanika. East African citizens only need to present a valid National Identification.

Valid Visa

To access either country that the Cyanika border point serves, travellers need to have a valid Visa that allows them entry and stay in that particular country. Travellers intending to be in more than one country in East Africa can have an East African Tourist Visa if tourism is what you are after. The East African Visa makes travel easier if visiting more than one country in the East African Community. Purchasing a Visa for each country to be visited whilst in the region could be costly. Travellers can acquire a Visa upon arrival in any of the airports, or even at the border post.

Apart from a valid Visa and passport, you may be asked about your reasons for visiting or the person. When all is done, you will have your passport stamped before you proceed.

Cyanika border point opens at 6am in the morning on the Ugandan side, and 5am on the Rwandan side. Travellers planning on gorilla trekking in Bwindi from Kigali therefore need to work around this time since Cyanika border doesn’t stay open 24 hours a day like Katuna.

With the recent increase in the price of a gorilla permit in Rwanda, travellers have resorted to do gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali. A single entry gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 while in Uganda it is only $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and ugx250,000 for East African citizens.

From Cyanika border point, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are easily reached while from Kigali in Rwanda. Given the long distances from Entebbe or Kampala to both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, many travellers have of recent resorted to landing in Kigali International Airport of Rwanda. Here, travellers start and end their gorilla trekking safari from Kigali. Upon arrival at the airport, travellers are transferred to Uganda via Cyanika border from where they do gorilla trekking and thereafter return to Kigali for departure. From Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is only 3 hours away, unlike the 8-9 hours from Entebbe or Kampala.

Apart from just distance to Bwindi and price of a gorilla permit, travellers opt to visit Uganda despite arriving in Kigali due to the diversity and uniqueness of tourist activities in Uganda. The country not only has the highest gorilla population in the world but also 10 national parks and 13 reserves all of which have a unique experience to offer, as well as an array of activities on River Nile-the longest river in the world.

Travellers can access Uganda’s diverse touristic features easily and faster due to the presence of Cyanika border point. Are you in Rwanda and would like to visit Uganda? Well, you do not need to look as far as reserving a plane ticket to get to the country. Simply get in touch with a trusted tour operator to arrange for you an affordable Uganda safari from Kigali. Even one day Uganda safaris from Kigali are possible, only take time to reach out and you will not be disappointed.