Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa, which means it doesn’t have any ports of its own. However, it relies on neighboring countries’ ports for its import and export activities. The nearest ports to Rwanda are located in Tanzania and Kenya. Here are these ports:
List of Largest Ports Near to Rwanda
| Port Name | Country | Types of Cargo Ships Handled | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa Port | Kenya | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 300-400 |
| Dar es Salaam Port | Tanzania | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200-300 |
| Port of Djibouti | Djibouti | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150-200 |
| Port of Beira | Mozambique | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100-150 |
| Port of Durban | South Africa | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100-150 |
| Port of Tanga | Tanzania | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80-100 |
| Port of Maputo | Mozambique | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70-90 |
| Port of Walvis Bay | Namibia | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50-70 |
| Port of Richards Bay | South Africa | Bulk, Container | 40-60 |
| Port of Nacala | Mozambique | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30-50 |
| Port of Lobito | Angola | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 20-40 |
| Port of Luanda | Angola | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 20-40 |
| Port of Lüderitz | Namibia | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 10-30 |
| Port of Matadi | DRC | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 10-30 |
| Port of Lobé | Cameroon | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 10-20 |
Major Ports Serving Rwanda
1. Port of Mombasa (Kenya)
The Port of Mombasa is the primary seaport used by Rwanda for its imports and exports. Located on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, it is the busiest and most important port in East Africa. Mombasa handles a wide range of goods, including petroleum products, containers, general cargo, and bulk commodities. Rwanda relies on this port for goods such as machinery, food products, and construction materials, as well as for the export of agricultural products like tea and coffee. The port’s extensive road and rail networks provide a critical link to Rwanda.
City Location: Mombasa, Kenya
Latitude: 4.0435° S
Longitude: 39.6682° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 485 | A109 Highway |
| Kisumu | 295 | A104 Highway |
| Kampala | 480 | A104 Highway |
| Malindi | 120 | B8 Highway |
| Voi | 150 | A109 Highway |
| Lamu | 230 | C103 Highway |
| Eldoret | 370 | A104 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mombasa Railway Station (Mombasa)
- Nairobi Railway Station (Nairobi)
- Kisumu Railway Station (Kisumu)
- Eldoret Railway Station (Eldoret)
- Kampala Railway Station (Kampala)
2. Port of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
The Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania is another significant seaport for Rwanda. It serves as an alternative route for Uganda’s and Rwanda’s trade, especially for goods destined for southern markets. Dar es Salaam is located on the Indian Ocean and handles a variety of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and oil. It is also well-connected to Rwanda by road and rail, providing a strategic transport link for Rwanda’s imports and exports. The port is increasingly important as Rwanda continues to expand its trade in the region.
City Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Latitude: 6.7924° S
Longitude: 39.2083° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dodoma | 475 | A7 Highway |
| Arusha | 515 | A104 Highway |
| Nairobi | 600 | A104 Highway |
| Kampala | 1,100 | A104 Highway |
| Morogoro | 190 | A7 Highway |
| Tanga | 230 | B1 Highway |
| Mbeya | 480 | A104 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Dar es Salaam Railway Station (Dar es Salaam)
- Dodoma Railway Station (Dodoma)
- Arusha Railway Station (Arusha)
- Nairobi Railway Station (Nairobi)
- Morogoro Railway Station (Morogoro)
3. Port of Kisumu (Kenya)
The Port of Kisumu, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya, is important for Rwanda due to its access to the Great Lakes region. The port is used for the transportation of goods by water, including agricultural products, cement, and other bulk cargo. While smaller than Mombasa, Kisumu provides a critical route for goods traveling from Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya to Rwanda. It also supports regional trade and transportation through Lake Victoria.
City Location: Kisumu, Kenya
Latitude: 0.0917° S
Longitude: 34.7681° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 320 | A104 Highway |
| Kampala | 275 | A104 Highway |
| Eldoret | 230 | A104 Highway |
| Kakamega | 55 | B2 Highway |
| Vihiga | 35 | B2 Highway |
| Mbale | 215 | A109 Highway |
| Maseno | 20 | B3 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kisumu Railway Station (Kisumu)
- Nairobi Railway Station (Nairobi)
- Eldoret Railway Station (Eldoret)
- Kampala Railway Station (Kampala)
- Kakamega Railway Station (Kakamega)
4. Port of Mwanza (Tanzania)
Mwanza, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, is a key port for Rwanda’s trade through the Great Lakes region. Mwanza handles both bulk and containerized cargo and is a critical point for the movement of goods between Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The port is connected to Uganda through ferry services and supports the flow of goods like foodstuffs, industrial materials, and agricultural products. Mwanza is vital for Rwanda’s inland transport network, connecting the nation to international markets.
City Location: Mwanza, Tanzania
Latitude: 2.5167° S
Longitude: 32.9075° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | 600 | A7 Highway |
| Bukoba | 160 | B2 Highway |
| Arusha | 380 | A104 Highway |
| Nairobi | 720 | A104 Highway |
| Kampala | 720 | A104 Highway |
| Mwanza Airport | 15 | A104 Highway |
| Musoma | 210 | A104 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mwanza Railway Station (Mwanza)
- Dar es Salaam Railway Station (Dar es Salaam)
- Arusha Railway Station (Arusha)
- Nairobi Railway Station (Nairobi)
- Bukoba Railway Station (Bukoba)
5. Port of Port Bell (Uganda)
The Port of Port Bell is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda and serves as a key inland port for Rwanda’s trade. The port is used for transporting goods via ferries between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, especially in the case of bulk goods, foodstuffs, and fuel. Port Bell is connected by road and rail to Kampala, which provides a crucial link to Rwanda’s trade routes, particularly with Kenya and Tanzania.
City Location: Port Bell, Uganda
Latitude: 0.3139° N
Longitude: 32.6297° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Kampala | 10 | A109 Highway |
| Entebbe | 35 | A109 Highway |
| Jinja | 80 | A109 Highway |
| Masaka | 150 | A109 Highway |
| Mbale | 230 | A109 Highway |
| Hoima | 230 | A109 Highway |
| Mbarara | 290 | A109 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Port Bell Railway Station (Port Bell)
- Kampala Railway Station (Kampala)
- Jinja Railway Station (Jinja)
- Entebbe Railway Station (Entebbe)
- Mbarara Railway Station (Mbarara)
6. Port of Jinja (Uganda)
The Port of Jinja is an important inland port located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. It serves as a transport hub for goods traveling by water between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Jinja is a key industrial city in Uganda, and the port is crucial for the transportation of goods like fuel, food products, and industrial materials. It is also a critical link for goods that are being shipped to Rwanda through Uganda’s road network.
City Location: Jinja, Uganda
Latitude: 0.5897° N
Longitude: 33.2025° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Kampala | 75 | A109 Highway |
| Mbale | 110 | A109 Highway |
| Entebbe | 95 | A109 Highway |
| Masaka | 120 | A109 Highway |
| Hoima | 230 | A109 Highway |
| Mbarara | 260 | A109 Highway |
| Kumi | 80 | A109 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Jinja Railway Station (Jinja)
- Kampala Railway Station (Kampala)
- Entebbe Railway Station (Entebbe)
- Mbale Railway Station (Mbale)
- Hoima Railway Station (Hoima)
7. Port of Entebbe (Uganda)
Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is one of Uganda’s most important cities for both commerce and tourism. The port of Entebbe plays a significant role in handling passenger ferries and supporting the movement of goods between Uganda and other East African countries via Lake Victoria. While not a large cargo port, it is an important transport hub for goods like food, industrial products, and machinery, especially those coming from or going to Rwanda.
City Location: Entebbe, Uganda
Latitude: 0.3076° N
Longitude: 32.4457° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Kampala | 35 | A109 Highway |
| Jinja | 80 | A109 Highway |
| Masaka | 125 | A109 Highway |
| Mbale | 210 | A109 Highway |
| Hoima | 220 | A109 Highway |
| Mbarara | 270 | A109 Highway |
| Gulu | 370 | A109 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Entebbe Railway Station (Entebbe)
- Kampala Railway Station (Kampala)
- Jinja Railway Station (Jinja)
- Masaka Railway Station (Masaka)
- Mbarara Railway Station (Mbarara)
8. Port of Kisumu (Kenya)
The Port of Kisumu, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, is important for Uganda as it provides a key water transport route for goods moving between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The port is used for bulk goods, containerized cargo, and other commodities like agricultural products. Kisumu offers a significant link between Uganda and its neighboring countries, making it an important port for regional trade.
City Location: Kisumu, Kenya
Latitude: 0.0917° S
Longitude: 34.7681° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 300 | A104 Highway |
| Kampala | 275 | A104 Highway |
| Eldoret | 240 | A104 Highway |
| Kakamega | 50 | B2 Highway |
| Vihiga | 35 | B2 Highway |
| Mbale | 215 | A109 Highway |
| Maseno | 20 | B3 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kisumu Railway Station (Kisumu)
- Nairobi Railway Station (Nairobi)
- Eldoret Railway Station (Eldoret)
- Kampala Railway Station (Kampala)
- Kakamega Railway Station (Kakamega)
9. Port of Tanga (Tanzania)
Tanga, located on the coast of Tanzania, is an important port for Uganda due to its proximity to the East African coast and its accessibility from Uganda by road. Tanga serves as a secondary port for Uganda’s trade, especially for the importation of bulk goods and raw materials. The port handles containerized cargo, oil, and general cargo, and is linked to Uganda through Tanzania’s transport network.
City Location: Tanga, Tanzania
Latitude: 5.0709° S
Longitude: 39.0970° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | 320 | A7 Highway |
| Arusha | 450 | A104 Highway |
| Nairobi | 500 | A104 Highway |
| Kampala | 750 | A104 Highway |
| Morogoro | 150 | A7 Highway |
| Mbeya | 430 | A104 Highway |
| Dodoma | 250 | A7 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Tanga Railway Station (Tanga)
- Dar es Salaam Railway Station (Dar es Salaam)
- Arusha Railway Station (Arusha)
- Nairobi Railway Station (Nairobi)
- Dodoma Railway Station (Dodoma)