How to get from Kigali to Bujumbura by Bus
Posted: August 11 2023 | Tagged: Rwanda, Burundi, Border Crossings
Travelling from Rwanda to Burundi on the Volcano Express Kigali Bujumbura Bus via the Kanyaru border.
NOTE: Burundi closes its border with Rwanda. This is from January 2024. I don't have any updates, so make sure you check with the authorities if you are planning on going.
NOTE: Burundi closes its border with Rwanda. This is from January 2024. I don't have any updates, so make sure you check with the authorities if you are planning on going.
I spent 4 nights in Kigali. I visited Rwanda Genocide Memorial but there will never be a blog post about it.
I took a photo of the sign in downtown Kigali though:
I took a photo of the sign in downtown Kigali though:
I bought my Kigali to Bujumbura Volcano Express bus ticket the day before at the Kigali bus station (Nyabugogo Bus Park):
The kiosk you need is sandwiched between the Volcano Express sign and Shalom sign:
The Volcano Express buses depart at 7 am, 8 am and 10 am. The ticket price @2023 is 17,000 RWF (14.50 USD +/-)
Leaving Kigali:
Leaving Kigali:
Rookie error, changing all my Rwanda Francs into Burundi Francs on the bus. The rate was good, but, I had no change to buy food at the stop for lunch:
Arrival at the Kanyaru border. The road is narrow, twisty, and busy with trucks. It takes 5 hours.
The bus parks up, and you leave your stuff on the bus:
The bus parks up, and you leave your stuff on the bus:
Rwanda exit stamp. Another empty page used!
After immigration, you walk across the bridge:
Shock Horror! They are still checking temperatures upon arrival in Burundi:
Do you need a visa for Burundi?
Yes, unless you are from one of 6 neighbouring African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, Tanzania and South Sudan, who can visit without a visa for 3 months.
Can you get a Visa on Arrival in Burundi?
Well, the information detailed on the UK Goverment Website is not entirely correct regarding entry requirements for Burundi.
It details that visas for a different amount of days are available at all entry points.
Supposedly since December 2021, all nationalities who require a visa can get on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and all land borders for up to 30 days.
The immigration officer had said," Give me 40 USD".
I paid my dues, thinking the cost of the visa had dropped but my passport came back with a stamp and a receipt for the 40 USD for just 3 days. WTF.
I was informed that I would have to go to the immigration office in Bujumbura to get a visa extension.
Burundi entry stamp:
Supposedly since December 2021, all nationalities who require a visa can get on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and all land borders for up to 30 days.
The immigration officer had said," Give me 40 USD".
I paid my dues, thinking the cost of the visa had dropped but my passport came back with a stamp and a receipt for the 40 USD for just 3 days. WTF.
I was informed that I would have to go to the immigration office in Bujumbura to get a visa extension.
Burundi entry stamp:
Receipt for the 40 USD:
Waiting (all part of the African experience).
Processing a bus full of people takes ages.
The bus arrives. You get your luggage, it's given a cursory check. I was just waved through.
Then you wait. And wait a bit more. It's super hot. There is little shade. You can change money. You can get drinks and brochettes. It's a soulless place.
Almost 3 hours at the border!!
The ride to Bujumbura is slow. Arrived at 6 pm. Total time 10 hours.
Welcome to Bujumbura!
Processing a bus full of people takes ages.
The bus arrives. You get your luggage, it's given a cursory check. I was just waved through.
Then you wait. And wait a bit more. It's super hot. There is little shade. You can change money. You can get drinks and brochettes. It's a soulless place.
Almost 3 hours at the border!!
The ride to Bujumbura is slow. Arrived at 6 pm. Total time 10 hours.
Welcome to Bujumbura!
Distances to various towns in Burundi:
Fun fact: Bujumbura is no longer the capital. Whilst Bujumbura is the economic capital, Gitega has been the political capital since 2019.
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