Monthly Update (August 2026):
Horohoro–Lunga Lunga remains a steady coastal crossing in August, handling a mix of buses, private vehicles and freight. The EAC reviewed the crossing in July as part of a wider push to improve border processing and small-scale trade, so this is one of the busier Kenya–Tanzania posts receiving attention at the moment. For travelers, passenger traffic generally moves more easily than the trucks, particularly outside the morning rush.
About this crossing
A History on the Swahili Coast
The history of this border is the history of the Swahili Coast. For over a thousand years, this coastline has been a major center of international trade, a network of powerful city-states like Kilwa, Zanzibar, and Mombasa that grew rich on the trade between the African interior and the Indian Ocean world. The border between modern Kenya and Tanzania is a legacy of the late 19th-century colonial "Scramble for Africa," a line drawn between the British sphere of influence in the north and the German sphere in the south. The line cut through the traditional lands of the Digo and other coastal peoples. The Lunga Lunga-Horohoro crossing became the main formal checkpoint on this new colonial frontier. In the post-independence era, it has grown into a major economic corridor, the lifeline that connects the two largest ports and commercial centers in East Africa. The recent upgrading of the crossing into a modern One-Stop Border Post is a testament to its critical importance for the economies of both nations and for the broader integration of the East African Community.
The Border Crossing Procedure: The One-Stop Border Post
The border is open 24 hours. The process is now consolidated into a large, modern One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), which has made the process much more efficient and streamlined with reduced wait times for light vehicles.The One-Stop Process: The new OSBP is a large, modern complex that houses the officials of both countries in a single building. The key principle is that you only stop once to do all your paperwork.Exiting Tanzania and Entering Kenya: You will arrive at the OSBP. You will first go to the Tanzanian immigration counter and get your passport stamped for exit. You will then walk a few meters to the Kenyan immigration counter in the same hall. Here, you will present your passport. You can obtain a Kenyan visa on arrival or use a pre-arranged e-visa. You will pay the fee in US dollars. You will also need your yellow fever vaccination certificate. After getting your Kenyan entry stamp, you will go through a single customs check for your luggage.Exiting Kenya and Entering Tanzania: The process is the same in reverse. You will get your Kenyan exit stamp and your Tanzanian entry stamp (visa on arrival is also available for Tanzania) in the same building. The OSBP system makes this a very smooth and hassle-free process.
Nearby Border Crossings
Route, Onward Travel, and The Swahili Coast
This crossing is on the main A14 coastal highway. The road on both sides is paved and in good condition. The most common and highly recommended way for travelers to use this crossing is by taking one of the many direct, high-quality international bus services that run between Dar es Salaam and Mombasa. Companies like Tahmeed are very popular. The journey is a long one, typically taking 10-12 hours, but the buses are comfortable, and the company staff assist with the border formalities, making it a very easy and stress-free option. The journey is a beautiful one, passing through sisal plantations, small coastal towns, and offering glimpses of the Indian Ocean. From the border, on the Tanzanian side, the road leads south to the historic city of Tanga and on to Dar es Salaam, the gateway to Zanzibar. On the Kenyan side, the road leads north to the bustling port city of Mombasa and the popular beach resorts of Diani and Malindi.
Final Planning Advice for the Coastal Gateway
The Lunga Lunga-Horohoro crossing is a modern, efficient, and scenic border. It is the best and most logical route for any traveler journeying along the East African coast. The One-Stop Border Post has made the formalities very smooth. The key to a successful crossing is to be prepared for the visa on arrival process. Have the correct amount of clean, new US dollar bills for your visa fee and have your yellow fever certificate ready. Taking one of the direct international bus services is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to make the journey. This crossing is a passage through a land of incredible history, a journey along the ancient trade routes of the Swahili civilization. It is a beautiful and relaxed gateway that perfectly connects the stunning coastlines of these two great East African nations.
View all border crossings between Tanzania and KenyaPractical information
Fuel
Tanzania: <1 km - Kenya: <1 km
Currency
Exchange near Lunga Lunga (TZS, KES)
Safety information
Safe, traffic moderate
Connectivity
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
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