Mombasa to DRC Logistics and Transport

Haraka Freight International provides Mombasa to DRC logistics for transit cargo bound for the east of the country. Our coverage includes transit commodities to Goma and Bukavu, the main cities of North and South Kivu. As a Mombasa DRC freight forwarder, we manage the port release, the long road journey along the Northern Corridor, the border crossings and the hand-over for clearance in the DRC.

Route options from Mombasa to eastern DRC

Each option has its own documents, border procedures and risks. We choose the route with you, based on the final address and the conditions at the time of dispatch.

What our Mombasa to DRC logistics service includes

• Pre-arrival document checks and transit declarations at Mombasa
• Port release and container collection
• Mombasa to DRC transport by truck, under customs transit control through Kenya, Uganda and, where used, Rwanda
• Coordination of transit bonds or guarantees for third-country transit
• Border facilitation at each crossing
• Hand-over for clearance with the DRC customs authority, the DGDA (opens in a new tab)
• Cargo insurance for the full journey

DRC freight forwarding from Mombasa: documents

Cargo for the DRC usually needs:

• Bill of lading showing the DRC consignee and the transit routing
• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Transit declaration(s) for Kenya and the other transit countries
• The DRC importer's registration details
• Permits or certificates for regulated goods
• Cargo-tracking or pre-shipment documents required by DRC authorities for your shipment. Requirements depend on routing and cargo, so we confirm them before shipping

Mombasa to Goma and Mombasa to Bukavu

Goma, on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, sits directly across the border from Rubavu in Rwanda. Bukavu, at the southern end of the lake, faces Rusizi. Because both cities border Rwanda, cargo from Mombasa often travels through Rwanda for the final leg. Rwanda's Rubavu Port on Lake Kivu, which became operational in December 2024, also serves trade with Goma (Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure (opens in a new tab)).

For city-level detail, read our guides to Mombasa to Goma freight and Mombasa to Bukavu freight.

Mombasa to Lubumbashi and Kinshasa

People often search for Mombasa to Lubumbashi or Mombasa to Kinshasa logistics. In practice, Lubumbashi in the south-east is usually reached from Dar es Salaam through Tanzania and Zambia, and Kinshasa in the west from the Atlantic port of Matadi. We will tell you honestly which route makes sense for your cargo. See Dar es Salaam to DRC logistics.

Border and security conditions

Eastern DRC has seen repeated disruption. In May 2026, for example, the Goma–Rubavu border posts were closed after an Ebola case was confirmed in Goma, and restrictions were eased about a month later with health screening in place (The EastAfrican (opens in a new tab)). Before every dispatch we confirm:

• Which border posts are open, and their hours
• Health, security or administrative requirements in force
• Whether an alternative crossing is safer or faster

Step by step: Mombasa port to DRC

1. Plan. We agree the final destination, the route and the documents.
2. Port. The container is discharged and released for transit.
3. Corridor. The truck travels through Kenya and Uganda under customs control.
4. Final transit. Through Rwanda or directly from Uganda to the DRC border.
5. Entry. The cargo crosses into the DRC for clearance and delivery to the consignee.

Related services and guides

Combine this route with freight forwarding, road transport, customs clearance and cross-border logistics. For the full importer's guide, read Mombasa to DRC freight, and for transit customs, how customs clearance works for transit cargo to the DRC.

Frequently asked questions

Which parts of the DRC can be reached from Mombasa?

Mombasa and the Northern Corridor mainly serve eastern DRC, including Goma in North Kivu, Bukavu in South Kivu and towns reached through Uganda. Kinshasa, in the west, is mainly served via the Atlantic port of Matadi, so Mombasa to Kinshasa logistics is rarely the most practical option.

Which border crossings are used from Mombasa to the DRC?

Cargo can enter eastern DRC from Rwanda (Rubavu to Goma, Rusizi to Bukavu) or from Uganda (for example Mpondwe to Kasindi or Bunagana). The best crossing depends on the final destination and the current border situation.

Is the DRC part of the EAC Single Customs Territory?

The DRC joined the East African Community in 2022, but its import clearance is handled by its own customs authority, the DGDA. Cargo travels through Kenya and Uganda or Rwanda in transit and is cleared in the DRC.

Is it safe to ship cargo to Goma and Bukavu?

Conditions in North and South Kivu can change quickly, and borders sometimes close for security or health reasons. We confirm the situation, the routing and the documents before every dispatch and advise you honestly if a lane is disrupted.

Can you deliver to Lubumbashi or Kinshasa from Mombasa?

These cities are usually served by other routes: Lubumbashi via Dar es Salaam and Zambia, Kinshasa via Matadi. Contact us to discuss your cargo and we will advise on the options.