The border between Burundi and DR Congo, winding 236 kilometers along Lake Tanganyika and the Rusizi River, ties together two nations with shared colonial pasts and complex modern ties. Established post-independence in the 1960s, this boundary facilitates trade and refugee movement, often strained by regional conflicts like the 2025 DRC crisis.
You can cross at three main posts: Gatumba-Kavimvira, Kamanyola-Luvungi, and Uvira-Kigoma via Lake Tanganyika’s ferries. Gatumba is the busiest, but recent violence near Uvira has led to unpredictable closures. A notable fact: Gatumba’s proximity to Bujumbura makes it a key trade route, handling everything from fish to electronics.
Rainy seasons (October-May) can flood roads, causing delays, while dry months ease travel but increase crowds. DR Congo requires a visa and yellow fever certificate; Burundi offers visa-on-arrival for some nationalities. Always confirm entry rules.
Explore Bujumbura’s beaches or DR Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorilla trekking. Delays are common during holidays or security flare-ups, so check local news. Carry extra cash for ferry fees at Uvira-Kigoma, as services are cash-only. Patience is key: border officials may scrutinize documents thoroughly.