Super User 04 September 2023

Best Travel Guide To King's Palace Museum/Heritage In Rwanda

Explore the King’s Palace, situated on a hill in Rwanda’s Rukari town, showcasing several of Rwanda’s important cultural and historical sites, and was the royal residence seat of Rwanda’s kingdom. This historical location was also of key importance during the colonial era.

The center displays the re-constructed ‘replica’ of the King’s palace, constructed using traditional materials and methods. The Museum offers a detailed look into the Rwandan traditional seat of the old monarchy. It was restored to its 19th-century state and made entirely with traditional materials.

The visitors are guided about the evolutions of construction and farming through centuries in Rwanda. Behind the royal compound are the long-horned sacred cows known as ‘Inyambo’, descended from the King’s herd, whose keepers carefully tend and sing to them, keeping alive a unique tradition that is beautiful to watch. Though these cows look tough, they are generally elegant and simple animals and are part of the royal heritage used in many royal activities and ceremonies.

There are other curiosities to learn about such as why the women who looked after the King’s milk didn’t marry and why the royal beer brewer’s hut had an entrance without a lip. Visitors also get to know about the breeding techniques and listen to the ‘amahamba’ songs the shepherds sing as part of the grooming process.

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

Crowning the hill also is a second palace, built in 1932 by the Belgians for Rwanda’s King Mutara III Rudahigwa. It’s a colonial-style home, more modern, and served as the royal palace until the King’s death. This palace exhibits details of the monarchy and its expansion from the 15th century and information on the kingdom and colonial era under Germany and Belgium's rule. Though much of the palace furniture and gifts to the King were stolen during the genocide, it’s still an interesting place to wander through.

Visitors also get to learn about Rwandese society through history, the king’s lifestyle, as well as the country’s history before the genocide.

Arrange with ULTIMATE WILD SAFARIS for this beautiful tour.

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