Approximate Border Location
Wait Times
Cars 20-90m; peaks 120-360m
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Operating Hours
06:00 AM-06:00 PM
Crossing Types
Ped,cars,buses; border controls
Border Type
Land crossing via road (regional)
Peak Times
08:00-10:00 AM; 04:00-06:00 PM
Daily Crossings
3,000-15,000/day
Currency Exchange
TZS; BIF in Kigoma; cash changers
Safety Information
Crowding at peak; standard caution
Languages Spoken
Kirundi, Swahili, English
Accessibility Features
Paved lanes; step-free varies
About Manyovu & Mugina
The Manyovu-Mugina border crossing operates as a key land connection between Tanzania and Burundi, situated in a trade-oriented region of western Tanzania and eastern Burundi. You reach this point most commonly when traveling overland from Kigoma in Tanzania toward Bujumbura or other parts of Burundi, or vice versa, often via shared taxis or private vehicles along the Kabingo-Kasulu-Manyovu-Mugina road. Alternative names include the Manyovu border, Mugina checkpoint, or Kumugina/Mabanda crossing (with Mabanda as a nearby Burundian town).
Location and Basic Connection
Manyovu lies in Tanzania’s Kigoma Region, near the town of Kasulu, while Mugina sits across in Burundi’s Makamba Province. The crossing links Tanzanian highways to Burundian roads, forming part of a regional corridor that connects Dar es Salaam port to Bujumbura and beyond. It handles passenger vehicles, trucks, and foot traffic, with a focus on goods and people movement in this hilly, rural area.
Historical Background
The border traces colonial-era lines from British and Belgian administrations, with the current setup shaped by post-independence agreements. It gained importance as a trade route linking Tanzania’s economic hub to landlocked Burundi. Efforts in the 2010s and 2020s aimed to establish a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) here under East African Community initiatives to speed processing and boost commerce. Infrastructure upgrades, including road improvements, supported growing bilateral ties. Geopolitically, it remains stable compared to Burundi’s volatile frontiers with DRC or Rwanda, serving as a reliable option amid regional challenges.
Current Operating Status
As of early 2026, the crossing functions daily with standard daytime hours, often from around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM or similar local time (UTC+3 for both sides, with a one-hour shift noted in some reports). It supports passenger and freight traffic without major reported closures recently. Visa policies: Tanzania offers visa-on-arrival for many nationalities (or e-visa in advance, though land entry may require on-arrival processing); Burundi typically requires pre-obtained visas or on-arrival for eligible travelers (often $50-90 USD cash). Confirm with embassies or recent accounts, as processing can vary. The point sees steady use for trade and locals, with no widespread disruptions from regional instability.
Practical Crossing Procedures
You cross on foot or by vehicle. From Tanzania at Manyovu, complete exit at immigration and customs for stamps and checks. Proceed across the short distance to Mugina in Burundi for entry. Burundi entry involves visa payment (cash in USD preferred), document review, and possible questions. Tanzania exit usually requires stamps and may include vehicle inspections. The process often takes under 30 minutes to an hour for straightforward cases, with separate counters for people and goods. Have passport photos, cash for fees, and proof of onward travel ready. No major e-visa restrictions noted for this land point.
Wait Times and Peak Periods
Processing stays quick outside busy times, with formalities completed in minutes to under an hour in many cases. Midday or market/trade periods add slight volume from buses or trucks. Early mornings tend toward faster passage. Seasonal trade or holiday movements can extend waits modestly, but this crossing avoids extreme crowds seen at larger ports.
Transportation Options
Shared taxis run from Kasulu or Kigoma to Manyovu on the Tanzanian side. In Burundi, connections head to Mabanda or Makamba, then onward to Bujumbura (several hours). Private vehicles cross with paperwork; use official lots for hires. The road remains paved on Tanzanian approaches but transitions to variable conditions in Burundi. Direct shared rides sometimes manage the border stop while you clear formalities.
Scams and Safety Warnings
Reports of targeted scams remain low at this quieter crossing, but general caution applies. Touts may offer “help” with forms or currency at poor rates; ignore and use official counters. Petty overcharges for transport occur occasionally. The area feels rural and low-risk for foreigners during open hours, with no major crime waves noted. Burundi’s broader instability (political tensions, occasional unrest) warrants awareness beyond the border. Stick to marked zones and avoid unsolicited deals. Many governments advise standard precautions for Burundi, but this crossing itself poses few unique threats.
Road Conditions and Scenery
Tanzanian approaches feature decent paved roads through hilly terrain, passing villages and farmland. The short border zone includes basic facilities. On Burundi’s side, roads vary from paved sections to gravel, with rolling hills, tea plantations, and open countryside. Dry season keeps conditions passable; rain can create mud in low areas.
Seasonal Variations and Weather Impacts
Dry months (June-October, December-February) offer clearer roads and steadier travel. Wet seasons bring rain that slows vehicles and adds minor delays, though the crossing rarely closes. Trade peaks align with harvest or market cycles, increasing modest crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Manyovu provides basic markets and border-town feel. Nearby Kasulu in Tanzania offers local culture and access to Lake Tanganyika views farther north. In Burundi, Mugina leads toward Makamba with rural landscapes. The region suits those interested in East African overland routes over major sights.
Cultural and Economic Role
Trade in goods, fuel, and agriculture sustains the crossing, supporting jobs in transport and markets. It reinforces ties between communities in this corridor, with OSBP plans aiming to enhance efficiency. The point aids regional connectivity in the East African Community framework.
Final Planning Tips
Arrive early with USD cash for visas, printed documents, and offline maps. Prepare for cash payments and basic facilities. Check recent status via embassies or forums. With prep, you handle formalities quickly and continue your journey across this stable frontier.
Wrapping Up the Crossing
Manyovu-Mugina offers a straightforward, trade-focused link between Tanzania and Burundi. Time it for quieter periods, stay practical with requirements, and it provides reliable access to regional travel. Safe journeys.
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