Car Rental Rwanda Uganda: Cross Border Self Drive in 2026
How to drive a Rwandan rental car into Uganda in 2026: the borders, paperwork and insurance, Uganda's cheaper gorilla permits, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga, and driving on the left.
More and more travellers are combining Rwanda and Uganda in one trip, and many of them do it by driving a Rwandan rental car across the border. Kigali is closer to Uganda's gorilla parks than Kampala is, Uganda's permits cost less, and the south west of Uganda is some of the most beautiful country in East Africa. Here is how to do it properly.
Why cross into Uganda from Rwanda
- Cheaper gorilla permits. Uganda charges USD 800 per person, or USD 600 in April, May and November, compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda.
- Bwindi is closer to Kigali than to Kampala. The southern sectors of Bwindi are about four and a half to five hours' drive from Kigali, plus the border.
- More to see. Lake Bunyonyi, Mgahinga and, further north, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Two countries, one car. No flights, no second rental.
Our Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking comparison helps if you are choosing between them.
The border crossings
Cyanika
North of Musanze, about 30 minutes from the town. It leads to Kisoro, the base for Mgahinga and the southern Bwindi sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. This is the natural crossing if you are combining Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park with Uganda.
Gatuna (Katuna)
North of Kigali, the main road crossing between the two capitals. It leads to Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi and the Ruhija and Buhoma sectors of Bwindi.
Paperwork for cross border car rental
This is what you need at the border. We prepare the rental documents as part of the booking.
- A cross border authorisation letter from us, naming you as the driver, with dates and destination.
- Insurance for Uganda: a COMESA Yellow Card or Ugandan third party insurance for the vehicle.
- A temporary import permit issued at the border for the length of your stay.
- Your passport and visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya on one visa.
- Driving licence and International Driving Permit.
Budget for Uganda's road user charges and the permit at the border. Give us a few days' notice to prepare everything. The cross border paperwork guide covers each item in detail.
The big difference: Uganda drives on the left
Rwanda drives on the right. Uganda drives on the left. The switch happens at the border, and it catches out almost everyone for the first few kilometres. Go slowly after the crossing, take roundabouts carefully and remind each other at every junction. Visitors from the UK, Ireland and Australia will find Uganda easier than Rwanda.
Which car for Rwanda and Uganda
We recommend a Land Cruiser Prado at USD 75 per day or a Toyota Land Cruiser at USD 110 per day for any cross border trip. Roads to Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Bunyonyi are steep, partly unpaved and frequently wet, and help is further away than in Rwanda.
A sample Rwanda and Uganda route
- Kigali to Musanze, with gorilla or golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.
- Cross at Cyanika to Kisoro, and trek gorillas in Bwindi's Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.
- Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for two nights of rest on the islands.
- Cross back at Gatuna and return to Kigali.
Our two day Bwindi safari from Kigali is the fastest version.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a Rwandan rental car to Uganda?
Yes, with a cross border authorisation letter from the rental company and insurance for Uganda arranged in advance.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in 2026?
USD 800 for international visitors, or USD 600 in April, May and November.
Which border is best for Bwindi?
Cyanika for the southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Gatuna for Ruhija, Buhoma and Lake Bunyonyi.
Does Uganda drive on the left or right?
On the left, the opposite of Rwanda.
How much notice do you need for a cross border rental?
A few days, to prepare the authorisation letter and insurance. Tell us at booking if you already know.
Planning Rwanda and Uganda together? Send us your route and dates and we will prepare the car and the paperwork. Call or WhatsApp +250 788 504 614. More at cross border car hire Rwanda to Uganda.
