Visa Requirements for Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo & Uganda

Visa Requirements for Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo & Uganda

Planning a safari across the Great Lakes region—Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda? Understanding visa requirements is key to a smooth trip. This safari adventure includes highlights like Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park, chimpanzees and golden monkeys in Rwanda, mountain gorillas and the Big Five in Uganda, and cultural experiences like Burundi’s Royal Drumming.

Visa requirements at a glance:

• Rwanda: Multiple-entry visa on arrival (valid for 3 entries) — $70

• Burundi: Transit visa — $40

• Democratic Republic of Congo: Visa — $100

• Uganda: E-visa — $50

Total visa costs: Approximately $260

The East African Tourist Visa — A Convenient Option

If you’re visiting Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, consider applying for the East African Tourist Visa. This joint visa allows multiple entries between these three countries for 90 days. It costs $100 and is available upon application through any of the participating countries’ embassies or online portals.

Unfortunately, Burundi and DR Congo are not part of this agreement, so you’ll still need individual visas for those countries.

Benefits of the East African Tourist Visa:

• Saves money if visiting multiple countries

• Convenient for crossing borders (e.g., entering Uganda via Kigali)

• Encourages regional travel

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs Compared: Congo vs. Uganda vs. Rwanda

If you’re dreaming of gorilla trekking in Africa, you might wonder how prices compare across these three top destinations. Permit fees differ mainly because each country targets a slightly different market:

• Rwanda promotes luxury tourism.

• Uganda focuses on affordability.

• DR Congo is rebuilding its tourism after years of unrest, offering lower prices to attract visitors.

Here’s a quick comparison of gorilla permit fees:

Note: High season in Congo runs mid-December to mid-March and June to October; low season covers mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo: What You Need to Know

Accessibility:

• Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is just a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, making it very convenient for day trips.

• Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest used to mean a 9-10 hour drive from Entebbe Airport, but now many visitors fly into Kigali and transfer to Bwindi (only 4-5 hours drive), using the East African Tourist Visa to visit both countries easily.

• Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park is more remote but offers a unique chance to see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Accommodation:

• Rwanda offers luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge, perfect for travelers seeking high-end comfort.

• Uganda and Congo provide a wider range of budget to mid-range lodges, often between $30 and $100 per night.

Gorilla Families & Permit Availability:

• Uganda: 24 habituated gorilla groups, with up to 152 permits available daily—making permits easier to get during peak season.

• Rwanda: 12 gorilla groups, 96 permits daily.

• Congo: 10 gorilla groups across Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega, fewer permits available.

Experience Quality:

All three countries offer a 98% chance of seeing gorillas in the wild, with similar one-hour trekking encounters. Uganda stands out with its unique gorilla habituation experience—spend up to 4 hours with gorillas under expert supervision for $1,500 per person. Congo’s Eastern Lowland gorillas are another special draw, different from the mountain gorillas found in Rwanda and Uganda.

Trekking Distances:

The length of your trek depends on the gorilla group assigned and your fitness level. You can request shorter or longer treks, but gorilla movement on the day can change the trekking distance unexpectedly.

Best Time to Book a Safari Across Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda & Congo

You can visit the Great Lakes countries year-round. However, the best months for gorilla trekking are June to August and December to February when rainfall is lowest and trails are less slippery. Traveling during the rainy season (March to May and November) may bring some discounts on lodges but be prepared for wet conditions.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Great Lakes Safari?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in custom, tailor-made safaris that fit your interests and budget. Our dedicated team responds to all inquiries within 30 minutes, helping you plan every detail from visas to permits and accommodation. We ensure all bookings are made well in advance, so your safari is seamless and hassle-free. Reach out to us anytime to get expert advice on visas and to start planning your unforgettable journey through Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda.