Backpacking To Kigali From Nairobi by Bus

Bus travel is among the most daring and cost-effective ways for backpackers to discover Africa. Between Nairobi, the cosmopolitan capital of Kenya, and Kigali, the dynamic capital of Rwanda, travelers will encounter breathtaking landscapes, a wide range of cultures, and remarkable experiences. This thorough guide will teach you everything you need to know about backpacking to Kigali from Nairobi by bus.

Backpacking to Kigali Travel Plans :

Make sure you properly arrange your itinerary before starting your backpacking trip to Kigali. Consider any delays when examining the bus itinerary, departure, and arrival timings. Be aware that the trip could take up to two days, depending on the route, the procedure for crossing the border, and any pauses made along the way. Include accommodations, food, and other activities on your schedule because backing to Kigali will require you to plan to details.

Getting Ready For the journey

Essentials to Pack: Because backpacking to Kigali may be lengthy, be sure to include the necessities to make your travels more pleasant. Think about taking toiletries, a water bottle, a neck cushion, a blanket, ear plugs, snacks, and entertainment (books, music, etc.). Additionally, bring a small daypack so you can easily reach your necessities while traveling. It can be tricky to try access some of your needed items and have to disturb other passengers while doing it. Have a small bag packed with your most needed items during the journey.

Make a list of the things you need to bring, and don’t overpack anything that may be difficult to carry. I prefer to travel light. A power bank, my phone charger, my tablet or laptop, and a few outfits (two pants, four t-shirts, undergarments, two sweaters, a raincoat, two shorts, and three pairs of shoes) are on my list. I can now travel light and do washing as needed thanks to this. Before making a reservation, I make sure to confirm that my lodging has a washing and a dryer. To avoid the last-minute rush and getting taken advantage of because there was no housing available, be sure to make your reservations for your lodging in advance if you’re backpacking to Kigali.

Dressing Conveniently

Dress comfortably because you might be on the bus for a while if you’re backpacking to Kigali. Consider carrying layers because the weather can change during the journey, especially at night. Additionally, a jacket or umbrella ought to be included in case the weather suddenly changes. In case I need to take a sleep, I like to travel with a small blanket. Make sure you have your Covid 19 vaccination certificate, Yellow Fever Card, and a current passport. Any country in East Africa does not require a visa for citizens of East Africa. For information on the requirements to go to any of the nations, contact your respective embassies.

Bring enough local money with you to cover your travel-related expenses because not all places might accept credit cards if you’re backpacking to Kigali. Be sure to have your passport, visa, and any permissions required to cross the Kenya-Rwanda border with you as well. Make use of a money belt or neck pouch to carry your cash and critical documents securely. Having your health insurance and local currency, which may be done in advance, is crucial. Depending on how long you need to stay in each nation, adjust your currency. There are persons who convert currencies near the Kenya/Uganda border, but watch out for swindlers who could deceive you.

Research On Security

It is advisable to perform some pre-trip study on the security situation and travel advisories in Kenya , Uganda and Rwanda before backpacking to Kigali. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially at bus stops and border crossings. Keep an eye on your things at all times and refrain from flashing your expensive items. Don’t go flashing cash and buying everyone things because the main point of backpacking is to discover culture and mingle with people from diverse locations. If you do this, you can become a target and lose your possessions or worse.

Start Your Bus Trip

How to Board the Bus: Show up at the Nairobi bus stop at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time if you’re backpacking to Kigali. Present your ticket and identity documents during check-in, and have your luggage tagged. Obtain your designated seat before boarding the bus. Select a window seat if at all feasible to take in the beautiful scenery as you travel. A bus ticket price varies but expect to pay $55 one way. This will get you to Kigali, Rwanda.

Arrival At The Border With Busia

The formal border crossing between Kenya and Uganda is located at Busia, where most trips between Busia and Kampala begin. You can get off buses in Nairobi or other parts of Kenya at the Busia border crossing on the Kenyan side. When you get there, you must travel through immigration in order to leave Kenya on your backpacking to Kigali trip. This often entails showing your passport, completing the necessary paperwork, and receiving an exit stamp in your passport. Make sure you have all of your travel documentation, such as a current passport, a Ugandan visa (if necessary), a yellow fever and Covid 19 certificate and any other essential permissions, prepared and simple to reach.

Process Of Crossing The Border

You must cross the border on foot from the Kenyan side to the Ugandan side after leaving Kenya on your backpacking to Kigali trip. It’s critical to keep an eye on your stuff and maintain awareness because the border crossing point can be busy. To get to the Ugandan immigration office, either follow the signage or ask for instructions. Once you get there, you’ll have to go through the Ugandan immigration procedure, which entails showing your passport, completing arrival paperwork, and getting an entry stamp on your passport. If you require a visa for Uganda, you can apply for one in person at the immigration office or online before departing. Before your travel, be careful to verify the most recent visa costs and criteria.

Baggage And Customs Check

You might have to go through a customs and baggage check after passing immigration on your backpacking to Kigali trip. Your luggage may be inspected by Ugandan customs officers for products that need to be declared or that are prohibited. It’s crucial to become aware with Uganda’s customs policies and make sure you are not transporting any restricted or forbidden things.

Once the immigration and customs procedures have been finished, you will need to make transportation arrangements from the border to Kampala, which is the capital of Uganda. Buses, taxis, and private automobiles are just a few of the alternatives.If you had booked a bus from Nairobi no need to worry, proceed to your bus and make sure your luggage is properly packed before departure to Kampala.

Buses are a well-liked and reasonably priced choice for travelers, and they run often between the border and Kampala. But because road conditions might change, be ready for the prospect of crowded buses and extended journey times. To ensure a dependable and safe journey, it is advised to either purchase your bus ticket in advance or do some research on renowned bus companies to avoid frustrations on your backpacking to Kigali trip. Taxis and private automobiles could be more flexible and convenient, but they might also cost more.

More Tips On How To Cross The Border

When traveling from Busia to Kampala, keep the following additional advice in mind:
1. Bring enough local money (Ugandan Shillings) in tiny denominations to cover border fees for visas, immigration, and other costs.
2. Maintain the security and accessibility of your passport, visa, and other critical documents.
3. Take your time and be ready for probable delays or lengthy lines at the border. It’s a good idea to provide additional time in your schedule to accommodate potential delays.
4. Be kind and cooperative with immigration, customs, and other officials, and respect local laws and customs.
5. As it might get hot and sunny here, make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and dress comfortably.
6. Be watchful of your surroundings and possessions.

Journey Through Ugandan Countryside

From Busia border, you will enjoy the Ugandan countryside, the lush green vegetation and unique architecture and basically the people. The bus driver might take a stop for refreshments, I like to buy roasted corn which is the best i have tasted in the region. If you have a sensitive stomach you might want to refrain from eating street food.

Crossing the Nile, the largest river in the area, was one of my trip’s highlights. In fact, they refer to Uganda as the Nile’s origin. The Nile is the main river that runs north across northeastern Africa. It discharges into the Mediterranean Sea. According to some analysis, the Amazon River is just marginally longer than the Nile, which is the greatest river in Africa and was formerly believed to be the longest river in the world. The Nile is one of the lesser great rivers in the world when compared to annual water flow, which is measured in cubic meters. Among the eleven countries that make up its drainage basin are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan and more.

Reaching Kampala

The bus will probably drop you off at a predetermined bus station or terminal when you get to Kampala. To get to your selected location within the city, you can then take a cab or a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) from there. It’s significant. I like to stay here, reserve an airbnb, freshen up, and possibly experience Kampala’s nightlife before continuing on to Katuna, the Uganda/Rwanda border, or I just like to rest and get ready for the trip the following day.

Getting On The Bus

Make your way to the appointed bus station or departure location in Kampala on the day of your trip. Arrive early to give yourself enough time for boarding and bag handling. Find your designated seat on the bus and take a seat. Be prepared for a variety of seating configurations and facilities, from basic to more opulent choices, on Ugandan buses, which can vary in terms of comfort. Keep your possessions secure and in your line of sight at all times.

The Route

Depending on the road, traffic, and other variables, the bus ride from Kampala to the Katuna Border may take several hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic settings including undulating hills, luxuriant forests, and tiny towns studded with thatched-roof houses. Local markets will be passed by, allowing you to take in the vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors of Ugandan culture. Keep your camera close by to document the breathtaking landscape and fleeting moments of everyday life as you travel.

No More Refreshments

For rest stops and refreshments, the majority of buses make many stops throughout the journey. These pit stops provide you a chance to get some fresh air, use the restroom, and pick up some refreshments or beverages. Bring some snacks and water with you because the selection and caliber of food and drink at these stops may vary. To prevent any health hazards, be mindful of food cleanliness and always consume bottled or filtered water.

Crossing Borders

The bus will stop at the Ugandan immigration checkpoint as you get closer to the Katuna Border. For exit clearance, you’ll need to show your passport, visa (if necessary), and other pertinent documents. Due to the occasionally lengthy nature of immigration proceedings, plan on spending some time waiting. The bus will take you to the Rwandan side of the border after you pass through Ugandan immigration.

Immigration From Rwanda

You must go through the admission procedure at the Rwandan immigration checkpoint, which includes showing your passport, a visa (if necessary), and other pertinent paperwork. Follow the immigration officers’ instructions and fill out any arrival forms completely. You’ll get an admission stamp in your passport once the entry procedure is finished, allowing you to enter Rwanda. It’s vital to keep in mind that Uganda and Rwanda may have different visa requirements, so do your research and secure the necessary visas or permits in advance to prevent any problems at the border.

Getting To The Border At Katuna

The bus will continue its trip toward Katuna, the border town between Uganda and Rwanda, after clearing immigration on both sides of the border. Important to note that it is quite a distance from the Ugandan side to the Rwandan border on foot. You will be thankful you packed light. You’ll be welcomed by Rwanda’s breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills and terraced farms as you get closer to Katuna. You will be dropped off at the border crossing in Katuna by the bus, where you can get off and get your bags.

The organization, cleanliness, and most importantly, a cloud hanging in the air—a phenomenon I’ve never been able to describe or put into words—all change. a sensation unlike any other. I’m not sure what it is, so maybe I’ll let your experience speak for itself. I’d be interested in hearing about it.

From Katuna Border To Kigali

You have a variety of options for further transit from the border with Katuna. If Rwanda is your final destination, you can either rent a taxi or take a shared minibus (referred to as a “taxi” in Rwanda) to get there. Be sure to discuss the fare and confirm the route and stops with the driver in advance. You can take a bus or a taxi to your next location if you’re traveling further in Rwanda.

Welcome To Kigali

Due to the 60 km/h speed limit, the trip from Katuna border to Kigali is relatively sluggish. Couldn’t help but notice the camera on the side of the road, the fog, and how smooth and clean the roads were. The country of Rwanda is extraordinarily beautiful. You could sense the calm, the chilly air, and the enigmatic grief that hung over you. In comparison to her neighbors, Rwanda’s street lighting is still a wonder, even in its most rural regions. Even as you get closer to Rwanda’s main city of Kigali, hills are everywhere.

Backpacking To Kigali From Nairobi by Bus