Most East Africa safaris cross at least one international border. Here is our honest guide to the four you are most likely to use.
**1. Kenya ↔ Tanzania: Isebania (Mara → Serengeti)**
- Open 7am-6pm daily
- Paperwork: Kenya exit stamp, walk across no-man's-land, Tanzania entry stamp, vehicle permit (Carnet de Passage or TIP form for hire vehicles)
- Time: 1-3 hours depending on queues
- Cost: Tanzania visa ($50 if required), vehicle permit ($20)
- Tip: arrive before 11am to avoid the worst queues
**2. Kenya ↔ Tanzania: Namanga (Nairobi → Arusha/Moshi)**
- Open 24 hours
- The easiest, most-used crossing. Good tarmac road both sides.
- Time: 45-90 minutes
- Cost: Tanzania visa ($50 if required)
- Tip: most Nairobi-Arusha shuttle buses use this crossing. Book a seat for $25-40.
**3. Kenya ↔ Uganda: Busia or Malaba**
- Open 24 hours
- Busia is the better-maintained crossing. Malaba is busier and slower.
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Uganda visa ($50), East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 covers Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda — recommended)
- Tip: get the East Africa Tourist Visa if visiting 2+ countries. It saves money and time.
**4. Uganda ↔ Rwanda: Katuna (Kabale → Musanze)**
- Open 24 hours
- Fastest crossing for Bwindi (Uganda) → Volcanoes NP (Rwanda) gorilla double-treks
- Time: 30-60 minutes
- Cost: Rwanda visa ($30 if arriving at border; free if applying online at least 48 hours before)
- Tip: Rwanda visas are FREE if you apply online in advance. Do not pay at the border.
**Visa strategy**
- **East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)**: $100, valid 90 days, covers Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda (NOT Tanzania). Best for K-U-R itineraries.
- **Single-country visas**: $50 each. Best for single-country trips.
- **Tanzania**: not part of the EATV. Always requires a separate visa ($50 single-entry, $100 for US citizens on arrival).
**What to bring to every border**
- Passport with 6+ months validity and 4+ blank pages
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required if crossing from a YF endemic country — i.e. between Uganda/Rwanda/Kenya)
- Printed visa (if pre-purchased online)
- Cash USD post-2013 bills in good condition (for visa-on-arrival)
- Patience
We handle all border logistics on our multi-country packages. Message us to plan.