Hi All,
I am trying to figure out the fastest way to get from Kigali (the airport) to Kasese, Uganda by bus? Has anyone done this before, and how long would it take?
I arrive mid-day/noon-ish in Kigali. Is it feasible to get to Kabale, Uganda by nightfall, and then the next day be in Kasese? My ultimate destination would be Mutsora in the DRC, close to the border with Uganda.
Thanks.
You can get right from Burundi (Bujumbura) to Kampala in a long day -(two bus companies make that route direct on same bus)
Its not so long from Kigali to the border & you probably will get there before it closes (takes maybe a couple of hours)
There may not be a direct bus to Kabale from Kigali that does not leave til lunch-time. They are more likely to leave early in the day
However a bus to the border & then get a new Uganda taxi (the small white ones with a blue band that carry 14 passengers - going on 20 plus luggage!!) onward to Kisoro
The question you need to think about is: to get from Kigali to Kabale is a 3 hour journey - I would be a bit afraid of taking any part of this journey at night - either in a mini-bus or a big bus - as its very mountainous - and a dirt road. You get the picture.
Its likely you would have to get from Kabale to Kasese early in the morning to find a direct bus - or change in Ntungamo (or Mbarara for a faster road) later in the day
Are you alone or more than one of you?
A "special hire" from the border or Kisoro may be an option to consider - depending on your budget
You should be able to go from Kigali to Kabale in that day no prob. If you have issues with your flight or are running late for some reason, you can get a special hire for about 80-100K ugx (not sure what that is in Rwandan Franks, but its about $50USD).
From Kabale to Kasesse the only direct option that will put in Kassese that day is the Kalita Express bus that leaves Kabale around 3 or 4 am - yes, very early. Just be sure to go to the Kalita Express office in Kabale town that night, or call the reservations number, to let them know you want to be picked up. They'll pick you up wherever.
Also, for your night in Kabale, I recommend staying at Edirsa. They have private rooms from 6,000 UGX and it's nice. It's also a not for profit biz and the money goes to development initiatives they are involved with. They can also help you with your travel arrangements if you need more advice (no additional charge).