Cultural Tours and Experiences in Rwanda
The cultural tours and experiences in Rwanda are meant to uncover the traditions and way of life of the people. With the coming of modernity and civilization, Rwanda has reshaped its cultural structures while maintaining the traditional touch.
Rwanda is among the few countries that have jealously protected its culture from the pressures of civilization and modernization. This land of a thousand hills is not just famous for harboring endangered mountain gorillas but also for cultural experiences. The political turmoil that reigned in the country shaped and defined Rwanda’s future of rebuilding and reconciliation. Though the country faced a rough time in the past years, these times didn’t erode the cultural significance form the people of Rwanda.
Come with us as we unveil the cultural tours and experiences in Rwanda.
What are some of the Cultural Sites in Rwanda?
As you seek to uncover some of the cultural experiences and traditions, the following take the central stage as important sites in Rwanda:
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Located a few kilometers from Volcanoes National Park, Iby’iwacu cultural village is an important aspect of the culture in Rwanda. The cultural village showcases the cultural artifacts of Rwanda taking visitors on a trip down memory lane of how the Rwandans used to live before civilization.
The villages also take visitors through the cultural traditions of songs and dances by the traditional dancers. The Iby’iwacu cultural village has proved to be the best spot for cultural tours and experiences in Rwanda.
Nyanza Genocide Memorial
The Nyanza genocide memorial is not just a major memorial site for the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis by the Hutu militias but also a cultural site. A total of over 100,000 Tutsi were killed in this area.
The Queen of Rwanda Kingdom, Queen Rosalie Gicanda was among the many people murdered and buried here at this Nyanza genocide memorial.
King’s Palace Nyanza
In the Rwandan culture, the Nyanza King’s palace is something the people of this nation hold dearly. This palace was the official residency of the King of Rwanda and was established in 1931 by King Mutara III Rudahigwa. It is made of thatched roofs and wooden structures, giving it a beehive-like shape.
Some of the noticeable tourist attractions that visitors might encounter while at the King’s royal palace may include historical photographs and documents, royal regalia and memorabilia, and traditional Rwandan artifacts like masks, jewelry, and drums.
While at this palace, visitors can witness the gentle Inyambo cattle the royal cows of the King. These majestic creatures are the descendants of the Ankole long-horned cattle in western Uganda.
Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda is located in Butare and was constructed by the Belgian government. It was offered to them as a gift and was opened in 1989.
The Ethnographic Museum has different sections showing different cultural artifacts such as a gift shop. While here, you can see many handmade craft items, the tools including those that were used in agriculture, carpentry, hunting, leather works, and pottery.
You can also explore a unique display of geological items such as maps of Rwanda’s physical features and others.
Bugesera Reconciliation Village
The tragic 100 days of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi by the Hutus was during this period. This is where long-standing friends and neighbors turned enemies in the blink of an eye. Shortly after the death of the president of Rwanda, Juvenile Habyarimana who was a Hutu by tribe, the majority of Hutus turned guns to their Tutsi brothers and started killing them. These killings went on for 3 months went the current government took over power and overthrew the genocide government.
After the genocide ended, the people especially the Tutsi victims were torn to forgive their killers as some were their neighbors. The government worked tooth and nail to bleed the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation into the masses. This led to the establishment of the Bugesera reconciliation village where many people went and talked out their differences and paved the way for forgiveness.
This is an important cultural site for the people of Rwanda and can be explored on cultural tours and experiences.
Inema Art Center
What started as a small gallery by two art enthusiastic brothers, has now developed into a global art expedition center. The Inema Art Center is located in the heart of Kigali City and it showcases art paintings from different local artists and also other artwork in the form of craft. It is one of the biggest art studios in East Africa bringing together artworks from across the globe.
Best time to Visit Rwanda for Cultural Tours and Experiences
Rwanda is open to cultural tours and experiences throughout the year. However on some public holidays most of the cultural sites are closed for visitors. These days include the 7th of April, the Genocide Memorial Day, and the Umuganda national holidays that happen every last Saturday of the month.
Cultural tours are best done during the dry season when the weather is good. This will enable visitors to participate in different cultural ceremonies and rituals. The dry season runs from June to September and December to February since Rwanda experiences an equatorial type of climate.
