Best Cultural Sites to visit on your Rwanda Safari

Rwanda is internationally renowned as the land of a ‘thousand hills; but also popular for its rich diversity of cultural heritage.  Exploring the eastern province will offer you an insight of the different cultural sites found within this country found in Africa. join us on our exciting Rwanda Cultural Safaris and enjoy the wonders of Rwanda

In this article we highlight the best cultural places you can explore during your visit in Rwanda.

The Royal Palace of King Mutara 111 Rudahigwa

Located in Nyanza, 88 kilometers south of the capital Kigali, this site presents a detailed insight into the Rwandan Cultural seat of their traditional monarchy. There is also a nice museum that was refurbished in the 19th century.

This colonial designed residence was constructed in 1931 by Belgium, and served as the palace of King Mutara. Sadly, all the furniture plus beautiful gifts he received from the dignitaries that visited him were stolen during the 1994 genocide. This residence is still fascinating with its peculiarities including; 3 sitting rooms where he would receive his visitors. King Mutara was the first Rwandan ‘Mwami’ to convert to the Catholic faith and he was well-liked by the Belgians.

Ryamurari

This site is located within Bufunda village found in Nyagatare district. It is found on top of Mukama Hill and comprises of 3 massive earth-work structures plus a stone-cut reservoir. Before the Ndorwa kingdom was joined to Rwanda, this was its capital.

The remains in this place include; bones of cattle plus dung indicating that the occupants used to keep cattle . Also the numerous grinding stones here indicated that the inhabitants were agriculturalists.

This site is among the key archaeological sites in the great lakes region. Locally its also referred to as Mu Bitabo bya Gahaya which means in the local Kinyarwanda language ‘clay curved shape which was built just before a traditional hut’s entrance. The name also signifies a place that was inhabited by a very great person known as Gahaya. The site has impressive earth-work structures right at the top while the swampy depression has salty water. Ancient tales say that this depression was used a trough for the king’s cattle which had constructed these impressive earth-works.

Urutare Rwa Ngarama

Found in Ngarama sector within the district of Gatsibo this site is approximately 20 kilometers from Mu byapa bya Ngarama along the main road heading to Kigali Nyagatare. This large rock that covers approximately 3 hectares of surface area has a number of distinct features which are credited to one of the ancient kings – King Ruganzu Ndoli. Among the features include an area that resonated if hit by a metal or stone, plus foot prints. The local myths narrate that these features were placed here by King Ruganzu, and all the locals living here believe so as well. These are hailed as signs of his overwhelming greatness and outstanding knowledge.

Some other people attribute these features to Ngarama a legendary hero who is thought to have murdered Saruhara. Saruhara was very powerful and had for long ravaged the area before he was murdered by Ngarama.

 Utubindi twa Rubona

Situated 4 kilometers from Kayonza Nyagatere main-road, within Tubindi village – Rubona cell of Kizunguro sector found in Gatsibo district, this amazing site is located in Rubona primary school and it comprises of seven clay-pot like excavations, though without rims or necks. Because of their clay-pot like structure, they were named ‘Utubindi’ a word that means ‘small pots’ in the local Kinyarwanda language.

So many years ago, these unique pots were skillfully dug by King Ruganzu 11 Ndoli as he was traveling from Karagwe. When he reached here together with his men who at the time were very thirsty,  Ruganzu skillfully excavated these pits using his magical spear and his men were able to  obtain water for drinking. At this site you will also see the foot prints of Ruganzu.

The Different museums

Rwanda has a number of impressive museums which you can visit on your safari and these will give you a great insight of the country’s reach cultural heritage. And these include:

• Ethnographic museum (Formerly known as the national museum of Rwanda)
• National Arts Museum Rwesero
• The museum of Rwanda Ancient History
• The Museum of Natural History

for more information about Rwanda’s culture, please visit gorillasafarirwanda.com