Lilongwe to Kampala by bus (part two)

Part two is the most straightforward journey unlike part one. You will only use two buses and we strongly recommend a proper rest when you get to Dar es Salaam.

• Departure: Grand business park (Lilongwe).
• Arrival: Namayiba bus park (Kampala)
• Bus tickets: Two.
• Distance: 3214 kilometres.
• Cost: USD140 – 160
• Travel time: 48 – 72 hours.

It is an extensive journey that typically involves crossing through Tanzania. While no bus operator offers a single-ticket “direct” service for the entire leg, the trip is  completed by connecting through Dar es Salaam a major transit hubs.

Lilongwe to Dar es Salaam

The first bus is from Lilongwe to Dar es Salaam. Its takes approximately 24 hours or more to complete the journey depending on what time you reach the Songwe border.

The bus passes through several major towns along the way i.e Mzuzu, Karonga, Songwe in Malawi. In Tanzania Tukuyu, Rugwe, Mbeya, Iringa, Morogoro, etc.

Falcon coaches operates twice weekly from Lilongwe on Mondays and Saturdays. Surprise luxury coach operates three times weekly from Lilongwe on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

The bus fare is MWK230,000 / USD76.

Dar es Salaam to Kampala

The second bus is a direct service  offered by Mozaico coach service. The operator provides a twice daily services from Magufuli bus terminal. The first departure is at 06:00am and the second bus departs at 10:00am.

The bus journey in Tanzania passes through Dodoma, Manyoni, Sidinga, kahama, Bukoba, etc. In Uganda it passes through Mutukala, kakoma, kyotela, masaka, Mpigi, etc. In some places the bus has some short recess stops in some places its just a pick and dropping passengers.

The bus fare is Tsh145000 or UGX20500 or USD56.

Immigration

Your passport needs a minimum validity of six months and two blank pages. Don’t leave the immigration counter without your passport being stamped. For this journey your passport should be stamped four times.

• Songwe and kusumula border posts (Malawi/Tanzania).
• Mutukula one stop border post (Tanzania/Uganda)

Tips for travellers

• Valid passport: minimum validity of six months and two blank pages.
• Vaccination: Ensure you have your yellow fever certificate handy—it’s strictly checked at the Tanzanian and Ugandan borders. If you aren’t a COMESA citizen, check your visa requirements for Tanzania and Uganda ahead of time.
• Currency: You’ll be switching between Malawian Kwacha (MWK), Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), and Ugandan Shillings (UGX). Carry some USD for emergencies, but try to use local mobile money (like Airtel Money or MTN) where possible, as it’s king in East Africa.
• Comfort is Key: You are looking at roughly 36 to 48 hours of travel depending on bus speeds and border delays. Pack a power bank, plenty of water, and snacks that won’t spoil in the heat.
• Be Flexible: Delays are common due to road conditions, vehicle maintenance, or long border queues. Do not have a rigid schedule.