Katuna, also called Gatuna in Kinyarwanda, is a border point between Uganda and Rwanda. The town on the Rwandan side is called Gatuna, while on the Ugandan side, it is known as Katuna.
This border is mainly used for importing and exporting goods between Rwanda and Uganda, making it the busiest border for Rwanda. It operates 24 hours a day and is commonly used for travel between Kigali and Bwindi for gorilla trekking tours.
If you’re mapping out a Uganda-Rwanda trip, this is a good place to start planning in Uganda.
Katuna Town
Katuna settlement is located in Kamuganguzi Sub-region in Ndorwa County, Uganda. The border is about a 15 minute drive from Kabale.
Historically, in 1600 AD, the Bakiga people believed their ancestors migrated from Rwanda to the hills of Rwanyena and Kagarama. However, they were afraid to cross the large Lake Bunyonyi. They found a shortcut along the plains, where they rested and named the place “Gatuna,” meaning “resting place.”
Gatuna Town
Gatuna Town is in the Gicumbi District of Rwanda, about an hour’s drive from Kigali, the capital city.
The population of Gatuna is estimated to be about 41,000 people.
Areas of Interest Near Katuna Border
Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi, also called the “Lake of Little Birds,” is near the Katuna border. It is an ideal place to relax after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa and has 29 islands, including Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were once abandoned. Visitors can explore the lake’s beauty by taking a dugout canoe or hiking up World Hill for wide views of the islands. Birds in the area include the yellow warbler, papyrus gonolek, pied wagtail, malachite kingfisher, grey-crowned crane, and many more.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park has 15 habituated gorilla families, and eight permits are available daily for each group. Tourists are allowed one hour to observe the gorillas. Bwindi also offers a gorilla habituation experience for $1,500 per person, while regular gorilla trekking costs $800 per person.
Ihimba Hot Springs: Ihimba Hot Springs are located along the Kabale-Katuna road. Locals believe these springs have healing properties for ailments such as back pain, rheumatism, measles, and scabies. The springs are named after the local Bahima people who live nearby. Bird species around the springs include the bare-faced go-away bird and African fish eagle.
How to Reach Katuna Border
Katuna Border is about an 8 to 9 hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. It is also accessible within 4 to 5 hours from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Planning Your Crossing at Katuna
Given its position as one of the busiest and most reliable border crossings between Uganda and Rwanda, Katuna is a natural stop for travelers combining gorilla trekking in Bwindi with a wider look at the region’s attractions, from Lake Bunyonyi’s islands to the healing springs at Ihimba. Its 24-hour operation also makes it a flexible option for those timing their crossing around flight schedules or multi-day safari itineraries spanning both countries.
