Horohoro & Lunga Lunga Border Crossing

The Lunga Lunga-Horohoro Crossing: The Coastal Route

The border crossing at Lunga Lunga in Kenya, which connects to the Tanzanian post of Horohoro, is the main coastal gateway between the two nations. This is the primary border on the highway that links the great East African port cities of Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. This is a busy, 24-hour crossing, a vital artery for trade and tourism along the beautiful Swahili coast. The crossing is a modern “One-Stop Border Post,” set in a landscape of lush, tropical vegetation, coconut palms, and small villages. The atmosphere is that of a classic, bustling African highway border, but with the laid-back, coastal vibe that defines this historic region. For the traveler, this is the most direct and scenic route for journeying between the beaches and historic sites of the Kenyan and Tanzanian coasts. It is a passage through the heart of the ancient Swahili civilization, a land of dhows, spice trade, and a unique fusion of African, Arab, and Indian cultures.

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.

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.

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.