Rwanda and Tanzania share a border near Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. For travelers combining a Rwanda safari with Tanzania’s iconic destinations — Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro — a cross-border car rental from Rwanda into Tanzania provides the most flexible and cost-effective way to connect the two countries.
Rwanda-Tanzania border crossings
| Border Post | Rwanda Side | Tanzania Side | Nearest Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rusumo Falls | Kirehe District | Ngara, Tanzania | Kagera Region → Mwanza → Serengeti |
| Kagitumba / Mirama Hills | Eastern Rwanda | North Tanzania route via Uganda | Alternative Uganda route |
The Rusumo Falls border crossing is the most commonly used entry point into Tanzania from Rwanda. It is approximately 180 km from Kigali and 80 km from Akagera National Park’s eastern boundary.
Popular Rwanda-Tanzania road trip routes
- Kigali → Akagera NP → Rusumo border → Serengeti: Drive east from Kigali to Akagera for 2-3 nights of self-drive safari. Cross at Rusumo into Tanzania and continue south to the Serengeti. Total: 5-7 days.
- Full East Africa loop: Kigali → Volcanoes NP (gorillas) → Nyungwe NP (chimps) → Akagera (Big Five) → Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) → return Kigali via Uganda. 12-16 days.
- Kigali → Akagera → Tanzania → Kilimanjaro → Nairobi: For travelers combining Rwanda with Tanzania’s northern circuit and flying home from Nairobi.
What we arrange for Rwanda-Tanzania rental
- Cross-border permit — for the Rwanda-registered vehicle to operate in Tanzania
- COMESA Yellow Card — covers Tanzania alongside Rwanda and Uganda
- Border briefing — Rusumo crossing procedure, documents required, typical wait times
A Tanzania cross-border extension requires at least 7-10 days advance notice due to permit processing. Contact us early when planning a Rwanda-Tanzania itinerary.
Frequently asked questions: Tanzania car rental from Rwanda
Do I need a Tanzania visa?
Most nationalities require a Tanzania visa. Apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz before travel. The East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya but NOT Tanzania — a separate Tanzania visa is required.
How long is the drive from Kigali to the Tanzania border?
Kigali to Rusumo Falls border crossing is approximately 180 km and takes about 3-3.5 hours on paved roads. From Akagera National Park’s eastern areas to Rusumo is about 80 km — 1.5 hours.
Can I drop the vehicle in Tanzania?
One-way drop-off in Tanzania (Mwanza, Arusha or Dar es Salaam) can be arranged with significant advance notice and relocation fee. For most Tanzania-bound travelers, a return rental to Kigali or a one-way to Uganda is more practical. Discuss your route with us →