Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Driving from Tanzania to Rwanda – Tips & Routes

Ultimate Bus Travel Guide: Arusha to Rwanda (Arusha-Kahama-Kigali Route)

1. Arusha to Kahama: Your Journey Begins
Kickstart your adventure by boarding a morning bus from Arusha to Kahama for 43,000-45,000 TZS. The 12-hour ride offers two departure options:
– 6:30 AM (Recommended)
– 7:30 AM (We learned the hard way – this bus terminated early, forcing us to pay an extra 4,000 TZS/person for alternative transport)

Pro Tip: Stay at New Hotel Aquiline opposite the bus station for convenience. Their decent accommodations make early departures stress-free.

2. Crossing Borders: Kahama to Kigali Adventure
The 35,000 TZS journey to Rwanda spans 10 hours total (6 to Resumo border + 4 to Kigali). Arriving in Kahama at 6 PM? Don’t panic! While regular buses stop running, friendly route operators like James can arrange:
– Overnight stay in Kahama (plenty of walk-in hotels near the station)
– Next morning departure (5 AM or 6 AM)

We chose the 6 AM option. The pre-dawn departure led us to Resumo border by noon, where currency exchange drama unfolded:
Official rate: 199 TZS = 100 RWF
Black market: 250 TZS = 100 RWF
Our negotiated rate: 225 TZS = 100 RWF (exchanged 210,000 TZS → 94,000 RWF)

Border Crossing 101:
– East Africa Visa ($100 + 1,000 RWF fee) covers Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya
– Single entry, valid 90 days (void upon exiting any country)
– Processing time: ~1 hour

The final leg to Kigali came with unexpected “luggage seat” fees (initially 8,000 RWF, bargained down to 6,000 RWF). Watch as your bags magically transform into “passengers” the moment payment clears!

First Impressions of Rwanda:
The moment we crossed, the vibrant atmosphere transported us straight into scenes from *Hotel Rwanda*. Each African nation pulses with its own unique rhythm – and Rwanda’s heartbeat is unmistakable.

Of course, no epic bus journey would be complete without… those unforgettable travel aromas. [Facepalm moment]

Bonus Tips:
– Carry small bills for unexpected fees
– Pack snacks – some stops have limited food options
– Download offline maps for Kahama’s accommodation hunt
– Keep documents accessible for border checks

This route offers more than transportation – it’s a cultural immersion packed with authentic experiences. Ready for your East African adventure?