Cyanika border is one of the popularly used places for visitors crossing between land borders of Uganda and Rwanda. This border point is situated in the Cyanika sector, district of Burera within the Northern Province of Rwanda as well as Kisoro district south-western Uganda where it is referred as “Kyanika”. Not only that, this border point is the biggest determinant of tourism development in Rwanda, Uganda and to some extent the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The district of Burera is known for its magnificent Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera in addition to being a stone throw away from Volcanoes National Park in Rwandan side. For Ugandan side, Kisoro district shelters two beautiful Gorilla Parks that include Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hence possible to undertake double gorilla treks in both Rwanda and Uganda. The Cyanika Border point is fully functional 24/7 for tourists and cross-border businesses.
Besides Cyanika, other main border points between Uganda and Rwanda are Mirama / Kagitumba Hills as well as Katuna / Gatuna crossings. At the backdrop of the border point are beautiful rocky mountain and Hills.
INTERESTING TOURIST SITES CLOSE TO CYANIKA BORDER.
Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the famous tourist destinations close to Cyanika Border and is set within the Northern Province of Rwanda. Thousands of visitors make way to this Park for gorilla trekking with about 12 habituated gorilla groups open for trekking by 96 visitors each day. With each gorilla permit costing $1500 per person, visitors are offered chances of spending up to one hour in the presence of these endangered mountain gorillas. This park is also haven to five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes that include Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Gahinga and Muhabura.
Twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.
The beautiful Twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera can also be explored from Cyanika border. These lava-dammed lakes were formed when the large River Nyabarongo was blocked by Lava, from the volcanic eruption of Muhabura Volcano hence the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. The Lakes are popular for their breathtaking views, fishing and boat cruises.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in south-western Uganda is the smallest Park in the country, bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to three Virunga Volcanoes (Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga). With each permit costing $700 per person, you have an opportunity to trek the only gorilla group in the park in addition to golden monkey treks, Batwa community visits and birding tours.
Lake Bunyonyi.
Situated in south-western Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is another place that is close to Cyanika border and is known for being the second deepest lake in Africa. It is known as a safe swimming destination, rides on dug-out canoes, guided nature walks, scenic hikes, community/village tours and bird watching.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Cyanika Border is easily accessible to the southern sectors of Nkuringo and Rushaga known for gorilla treks, the Habituation Experience, bird watching tours, cultural tours and mountain biking.
Another unmissable place of interest from Cyanika border is Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, known for mountain gorilla treks, chimpanzee treks and habituation experience, bird watching and guided nature walks.
Requirements for crossing Cyanika Border.
Like most border points between Uganda and Rwanda, travelers are required to present requirements, such as:-
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is one of the crucial requirements for travelers crossing between Uganda and Rwanda given the high risk of contracting one of the highest killer diseases in Sub – Saharan Africa and South America.
- Passport / resident work permits / National Identity Card.
Travelers must possess valid passports or National Identity Card for East African Community nationals (Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda) when crossing through Cyanika Border.
A Visa is a must-have when crossing Cyanika Border and its cost depends on purpose of travel or category of visitor. However, given that you are travelling between Rwanda and Uganda, East African Tourist Visa is the most appropriate.
Places to stay near Cyanika Border.
Travelers looking to spend overnight near Cyanika Border can choose from the wide range of options that include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Kisoro Travelers rest hotel, Mount. Gahinga Safari Lodge and Mutanda Lake Resort among others.
How do I reach Cyanika Border?
Cyanika Border is reachable by a 4-5 hour drive from the City of Kigali while 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala City. The nearest Airport/Airstrip for getting there is Kisoro Airstrip in south-western Uganda with flights chartered or scheduled from Entebbe International Airport.
