Katuna is one of the border points for travelers crossing between Uganda and Rwanda, making it possible to explore the top attractions in these two beautiful countries within the East African region. This Border is known as “Gatuna” in the Rwandan side and much of the cargo destined for Rwanda from Mombasa Port (Kenya) pass through this border point.
Location of Katuna Border.
The popular border point of Katuna is situated within Katuna Town, Kabale District in south western Uganda. In addition to being known as the main entry and exit point for Rwanda’s imports and exports, it is the last town in Uganda as you proceed to the neighboring Rwanda. It is about 17 miles by road south of Kabale Town.
History of Katuna Border.
Katuna Border is currently an important tourist site and border crossing point between Uganda and Rwanda but also holds a significant history worth discovering during your safari. During the pre-colonial times (around 1600AD), the first Bakiga (who were named after their ancestor “Kashyiga) arrived from neighboring Rwanda to settle at Rwanyena and Kigarama Hills.
These people chose to enter Uganda via this place for fear of crossing the huge water body that was later named “Lake Bunyonyi” but instead found an easier and shorter route through the hills with huge trees for occasional stopovers to rest, play and pray.
FASCINATING THINGS TO SEE NEAR KATUNA BORDER.
Katuna Border and the surrounding areas boast of outstanding attractions worth discovering during your tours to south-western Uganda and these include;
Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa is only about 12 miles north-west of Katuna Border/Town. This stunning lake can be reached from Katuna Border / town by following the well-maintained murram road that traverses through Rubaya and Kakoma.
Stunning mountains and hills.
The stunning mountains and hills surrounding Katuna Town are perfect for hill / mountain climbing adventures. Far from the town is Mount. Muhabura, the dormant Volcano close to Lake Bunyonyi and also wonderful for climbing.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The stunning Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can also be reached from Katuna Border, and offers opportunities of gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, mountain climbing, Batwa cultural trail, Birding tours and so much more.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
When it comes to tourism, Katuna Border is mainly used by visitors crossing between Uganda and Rwanda to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, especially the northern sector of Buhoma as well as the Eastern sector of Ruhija. With the visit to this 321-square kilometer Park, travelers can trek mountain gorillas, undertake Batwa Cultural Tours, mountain biking, bird watching (Ruhija is the best sector for birding), the Gorilla Habituation Experience and guided forest walks.
Katuna Market.
This newly built Market (since 2015) is a stone throw from Katuna Border providing a wide range of goods including fresh food stuff, Tropical fruits, souvenirs and handcrafts and many others.
Requirements for crossing Katuna Border.
For tourists planning to use Katuna Border to explore Uganda and Rwanda, an East African Tourist Visa (at $100 and allowing visitors to explore the two countries with multiple entry for 90 days) as well as National Identity Cards. Your contact details, address and reason for visiting will be requested by the Immigration Officer at the Border point after which be given a stamp permitting you to continue.
Where to stay near Katuna Border?
Katuna Border offers a number of exquisite places for relaxation, meals as well as overnight stays and these include Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Bushara Island Camp, Hawks Eye Lodge Bunyonyi, Itambire Island seeds of Hope, White Horse Inn, Kansiime Backpackers, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Paradise Eco-Hub, Arcadia Cottages and many others.