Rwanda

Rwanda has a rich history that precedes colonial time and a tour of our museums speak the importance of Rwanda’s culture and history to the country. Most of these sites showcase in the southern province. A replica of the traditional royal residence, the King’s palace museum is a beautifully crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. This museum offers a detailed look into the Rwandan traditional seat of the old monarchy. It was restored to it’s 19th century state and made entirely with traditional materials.

In the olden days, Nyanza was the heart of Rwanda. For a long time, the monarchy was mobile moving it’s court between various locations and when it eventually settled in one place, Nyanza was the obvious choice. The back of the museum, houses a few long-horned Inyambo cattle, descended from the king’s herd, whose keepers carefully tend and sing to them, keeping alive a unique tradition.

The elegant cows derived from the wider Ankole breed, played an important role during ceremonies in honor of the king. They are decorated with rich jewelry, and were taught to listen to a trainer’s songs and follow his movements in a stately parade.

In Huye district lies the Ethnographic museum an impressive exhibit of Africa’s finest collections of pre and post colonial ethnographic, artistic and archeological pieces. Nyanza is a 2.5 hour drive from Kigali while Huye is a 3 hour drive from the capital.