Rwanda and Burundi Land Border Crossing Status

Rwanda and Burundi Land Border Crossing Status as of May 2025, the land border between Rwanda and Burundi is still closed for both citizens and foreign tourists. The Rusizi I border post (between Cyangugu, Rwanda and Bujumbura, Burundi) is the primary and most convenient crossing for travelers. Immigration procedures are straightforward with valid visas, and travelers can cross by private vehicle, local taxi, or organized tour.

However there is an option to get to Burundi from Kigali if you are using land borders. You will cross the border from Rwanda Through Tanzania to Burundi. The drive to Gitega will take a new route that is Kigali – Rusomo 167km approx 4 hours, Rusomo-Kobero 56km approx 1 hour, Kobero-Gitega 124 km approx 3 hours

What to Do in Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is clean, safe, and beautifully organized. Top attractions include:

• Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and hiking Mount Bisoke or Karisimbi.
• Kigali – Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and try the city’s emerging food scene.
• Lake Kivu – Relax on the lakeside in Gisenyi or Kibuye; enjoy boat rides, kayaking, or coffee tours.
• Nyungwe Forest – Go chimpanzee trekking, canopy walking, or birding in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
• Ethno-cultural visits – Dance performances and homestays with local communities (e.g., Iby’Iwacu cultural village).

What to Do in Burundi

Burundi is less visited but incredibly rewarding for culture lovers and off-the-beaten-path travelers.

• Bujumbura – Explore the lively capital with its colonial architecture, central market, and relaxed beach cafes.
• Lake Tanganyika – Swim, relax, or visit the “Saga Plage” in Bujumbura; take boat rides on Africa’s deepest lake.
• Gishora Royal Drums – Near Gitega, this UNESCO-listed cultural site features spectacular traditional drum performances.
• Rusizi National Park – Take a boat ride to see hippos and rare birds near the border with the DRC.
• Kibira National Park – Hike through montane rainforest and discover Burundi’s unique biodiversity.

Best Route for Crossing Rwanda and Burundi

Rwanda and Burundi Land Border Crossing Status, Recommended Direction:
Start in Kigali, Rwanda, and travel southward to Nyungwe Forest, then cross into Burundi at Rusizi I, ending in Bujumbura. This route offers a logical flow from city to rainforest to lakeside culture.

Alternative Direction:
Start in Bujumbura, explore central Burundi and cross into Rwanda via Rusizi I, continuing to Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu, and ending in Kigali.

Sample Itinerary: 8 Days – Rwanda & Burundi Combo

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

• City tour: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Caplaki Crafts, local restaurants.

Day 2: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

• Golden monkey trek or cultural village visit.
• Overnight in Musanze.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes

• Morning gorilla trek; afternoon scenic drive to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi).

Day 4: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest

• Visit Kibuye en route for views, lunch.
• Overnight near Nyungwe.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking + Canopy Walk

• Half-day forest activities; afternoon drive to Rusizi border.
• Cross into Burundi and overnight in Bujumbura.

Day 6: Bujumbura City & Lake Tanganyika

• Visit Rusizi National Park, Livingstone–Stanley monument, and relax by the lake.

Day 7: Day trip to Gitega & Gishora Drum Sanctuary

• Attend a royal drum performance; return to Bujumbura.

Day 8: Departure from Bujumbura

• Morning at leisure or local craft shopping.
• Drop-off at Bujumbura Airport.

Notes:

• Visas: Rwanda offers e-visas and visa-on-arrival for most nationalities. Burundi requires an e-visa in advance.
• Transport: Hire a local tour operator or private driver for smoother border transitions.
• Best Time to Go: June to September and December to February (dry season, ideal for trekking and travel comfort).

3 Days Tour to Burundi from Kigali

Below is the 3 Days Trip to Burundi from Kigali;

Day 1:

Pick up from your hotel in Kigali at 6am and Proceed to Gitega in Burundi, you will cross the border from Rwanda Through Tanzania to Burundi. The drive to Gitega will take a new route that is Kigali – Rusomo 167km approx 4 hours, Rusomo-Kobero 56km approx 1 hour, Kobero-Gitega 124 km approx 3 hours

Overnight: Jerusalem hotel in Gitega

Meal: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2:

Drive to Bujumbura, Visit the Royal drummers in Gitega after Drive to Bujumbura, visit the Karera water falls and other sites in Bujumbura and stay besides Tanganyika Lake.

Overnight Hotel Club Du Lac Tanganyika Bujumbura.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.

18^th October 2025

Day 3:

Drive back to Kigali, you will cross the border from Burundi Through Tanzania back to Kigali

Meal: Breakfast and lunch.

End of the Trip

This includes;

Transportation, accommodation and meals as per the itinerary above, English speaking guide, all mentioned activities in the itinerary, 2 Tanzania Visas $100 and Burundi Visa $40

This excludes;

Rwanda Multiple entry Visa $70 that you will get on arrival at Kigali Airport, tips and personal expenses.

Contact us here to book this trip for you