Cultural sites and safaris in Rwanda

Cultural sites and safaris in Rwanda. Rwanda is a rich cultural destination in Africa and its people are not shy to show off their heritage to whoever cares. In addition, Rwandese celebrate their rich culture through music and dance as these play a big role in the traditions of the people and these are accompanied by exciting music with rhythmic sounds of the “lulunga” and a harp-like instrument.

Most Popular Safaris

2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari through Kigali

4 Day Rwanda gorilla trekking & wildlife viewing safari

5 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari

4 day gorilla trekking & Dian Fossey tomb visit

4 Day Uganda Safari via Kigali

14 Day Uganda Safari via Kigali

3 Day Akagera National Park Safari

3 Day Bwindi Double trek via Kigali

Even though the kingship no longer exists in Rwanda, the palace is still recognized as their traditional heritage. The black and white print is significant to the people of Rwanda as it is used for decoration. The presence of long horned cattle is a representation of one of the main activities of the people of Rwanda as they are cattle keepers.

The ethnographic museum in Huye is a major representation of the tradition of the people of Rwanda with a collection from the past before modernization including hunting tools, pottery, fishing, and dress code to mention but a few. Contact us for more information.

What Are the Cultural sites and safaris of Rwanda

Rwanda Ancient History Museum

Rwanda had Kingdom and its kings reigned but were antagonized by the colonialists and the unending civil wars. What is left of this kingdom is the Museum in Rukari.

According to history, during the reign of King Yuhi V Musinga in 1899, Nyanza was the Royal capital of Rwanda. After the fall of the Rwanda kingdom, what is left is the traditional royal palace of the Rwandese king, the royal traditional cows called Inyambo and the residence of King Mutara III Rugahingwa which was built in 1932.

From the palace, visitors can visit the Royal tomb site of King Mutara III Rugahingwa who passed away in 1959. Besides his grave is the of his Queen Rosalie Gicanda who passed away in 1994. These tombs are situated on Mwima hill.

Art Museum

The Art Museum in Rwesero Nyanza was supposed to be the second palace for King Mutara III Rugahingwa but he passed away before occupying it. Currently, this is a museum used for showcasing artwork a testimony of the creative nature of the people of Rwanda. This art museum is located 2 kilometers from Nyanza town.

Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum in Huye was inaugurated on September 18^th, 1989 in the southern province of Rwanda. This museum is a collection of the everyday things used by the people of Rwanda before the influx of modernization.

In this museum are representations of the traditional tools used for farming, fishing, hunting, pottery, traditional dress code to mention but a few. At this museum, training is held for the young generation to learn how to make arts and crafts including pottery, beading, weaving, hunting tools with influence of the Rwandese designs. These aims are conserving and preserving the culture of the Rwandese amidst the influence of modernization. This is a community based project but supported by the Rwandese government.

Traditional dance of Rwandese

The rhythm of the Intore dance is very contagious with the accompanying drums. The Intore dance was originally performed in the Royal palace during the royal functions and it played a huge role in the traditions of the people of Rwanda.

The Intore dance is accompanied by an orchestras which produce hypnotic and exciting explosion of intertwining rhythms. Traditionally the word “Intore” means the “chosen one”. The Intore dance moves resemble the nuptial dance moves performed by the crested crane the way the ladies swing their hands and twist their bodies. The men often swing the furred skin tied to their heads with rattles tied to the feet.

The Intore dance may be possible to watch at the National Museum of Rwanda at Huye.

The Hoe Rwandese dance is also another dance move that is performed by the farmers. This dance performance represents the farming techniques used by the people of Rwanda. The hoe dance moves originate from the northern part of Rwanda which are the main farmers.

Arts and crafts of Rwandese

The people of Rwanda have mastered the tradition of making arts and crafts a tradition they have held on since time immemorial. A range of crafts are molded and carefully decorated by the people of Rwanda including ceramics, gourd containers, baskets, wood containers, contemporary paintings and others. One of the points where you can get access to such great crafts is at Kaplaki in Kigali.

The “Imigongo” cow dung painting is incredible with its history. The tradition dates back in the 9^th century when Prince Kakira used cow dung to decorate the interior of his palace. The Imigongo painting is still practiced in villages such as Nyakarimbi. 

The technique used to decorate using cow dung includes natural materials dominated by unique black, brown white whorls and geometric abstractions. This creative decoration is amazing and has a geometric array of neutral and bright colors.

The Nyakarimbi is the home of crafts in Rwanda and chance to witness cow dung painting firsthand.

Tradition Dress code for the Rwandense

Other than the dance and crafts-making performances in Rwanda, their unique dress code is outstanding. You may get a chance to try on Rwandese traditional wear from the bridal hiring shops across Kigali city. The females dress in a long shirt with a top and tie a light cloth a cross from the waist to the left shoulder.

The male traditional attire of the Rwandese includes a long-sleeved shirt on top of a long shirt and a cloth across the body from the waist to the left shoulder. This dress code is enhanced by carrying a walking stick that can be used as a protective tool if the need arises.

For more in depth understanding of the Rwandese culture, attending a traditional marriage ceremony would be a great idea. Rwanda is a land of a thousand hills and so is also referred to as a land of milk. You may get the chance to also try milking a cow in case you wish and experience that is everlasting. Note that most of the traditional foods of Rwandese include a milk product.

When is the best time to Do A Cultural Safari in Rwanda

Anytime is a visit to Rwanda with no particular season that is recommended. The Rwandese live their normal life all year and nothing influences the way they live. Rwanda is a tropical country with two main seasons that is dry and wet season.

The dry season of Rwanda is normally June to September and December to January when the country is expected to receive less rain. The country being the land of a thousand hills still maintains low temperatures. This is the peak tourism season of Rwanda.

During the high tourism season in Rwanda, more tourists visit the country and so demand for the limited logistics that support tours in the country is high. Even the cost of hiring some of these logistics is high too. In case you plan to do the Rwanda cultural safari in this season, advance reservation is required.

In addition to the Rwanda cultural experience, you can also plan a combo of gorilla trekking, game safari, chimpanzee trekking to mention but a few.

The wet season is open for Rwanda cultural experience but you need a vehicle to transport you from one location to another because the rain in Rwanda normally falls almost the entire day. The wet season in Rwanda is normally March to May and late October to Early December. Get in touch for more information.

What is the cost of a cultural safari in Rwanda

The cost of the Rwanda cultural safari varies with your interests. Note that at the traditional museums of Rwanda, entrance fees are required. The entrance fee is used to support the fund that runs the affairs of these museums and acquire more items to add to the museum.

Although a self-guided tour of the cultural centers of Rwanda is possible, using the assistance of a guide provides a better insight into the factual information about the items you come across. The guide in the museum is hired at a fee but this requires prior arrangements so that he or she is allocated to you.

Other possible costs on the Rwanda cultural safari include transport, accommodation to mention but a few.

We encourage our tourists to tip generously during any safari as a token of appreciation to those who extend a service to you. It is an encouragement for those who provide information at the destinations to even better themselves with more facts.

How Long Is The Visit To The Cultural Centers Of Rwanda

The time to take at the cultural centers on Rwanda safari varies with your mission for visiting. Most of the centers have opening time and closing time. It is best to stay in contact with the management of these cultural centers in order to be updated with the events at these centers.

Some level of patience is necessary for you to enjoy the experience at the cultural centers in Rwanda. You can also participate or assist in preparing some of the material to be used in order to save time. This is quite engaging and memorable too. Rwanda is a land coffee too and the aromas from the locally brewed coffee is irresistible so while waiting for the performance, you may sip a cup of Rwandese coffee to pass time.

Are Cultural performances in Rwanda All age Appropriate

From the traditional dance move to the crafts and art making in Rwanda, all are universal with no age limit. It is fun watching the performance of the Intore dance with children and engaging too. For crafts and art making, it is time to bond with those in your company as you get down and dirty together. Participating in arts and crafts is a moment that you may cherish forever during the visit to Rwanda

The performers of the traditional dance moves of Rwanda dress decently too and every action of this traditional performance is universal.

What more to do on a visit in Rwanda

Rwanda has other safari destinations you can combine with a cultural tour including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, Golden monkey Safaris, Birding in Rwanda, and Mountaineering in Rwanda to mention but a few.

To understand more about Rwanda you need to plan at least 3 days Rwanda safari.

What to Do and No To Do On Rwanda Visit

Rwanda may be a small African state but the government has very strict rules and the law implementers are ready to deal with those who violet these rules

• In case you must have a visa before entering Rwanda, you must present one on arrival or acquire one at immigration. Failure to have such documents may end in not allowing you into the country no matter what your reason for traveling is.
• Using of drugs and dealing in them is forbidden in Rwanda. Anyone who violates this rule may end in the prisons of Rwanda or face charges.
• The main means of exchange of Rwanda is Rwandese Francs however there are other mediums used to exchange goods in Rwanda that are approved by the government.
• Avoid garbage dumping in Rwanda as it is a pro-eco friendly country. Failure to abide by this may end in getting a penalty including some time in prison.
• No wearing camouflage in Rwanda as these are gazette as military attire that is preserved to the security bodies of Rwanda.
• Mind about the security of your belongings while in Rwanda especially in the town centers because just like any other busy city, there are petty thieves that can walk away with your belongings.
• In case of self drive, Rwanda driver use the left as it is a former French colony. In case you may not be sure of the roads, use the service of a local driver. Ensure to follow the necessary road signs because violating them may end in a hefty penalty.
• Avoid talking on the phone while driving in Rwanda because when the law catches up with you, you may be penalized.

Contact us for more information.