The King’s Palace Museum also known as Rukari sits atop the panoramic and scenic hills of Nyanza; a southern province of Rwanda, located 2hrs drive south-west of Kigali City. Nyanza is a historic and cultural hub that was once a vibrant capital of the powerful monarchy of Rwanda Kingdom. Nyanza is a must visit destination tailored on any Rwanda holiday tour offering an in-depth cultural expereince and adventure activities.
The royal court at Nyanza was established and occupied by Umwami (royal title for a King) Yuhi V Musinga in 1899, breaking the monarchy’s old tradition of mobile palaces across the entire kingdom. The palace location on Nyanza was chosen due to its long history as a battle ground and its all-round high elevation above the surrounding mountain ranges. The original royal court complex included the main palace, beehive-shaped huts for kings beer and milk plus an enclose of Inyambo; the beautiful and graceful long horned cow breed owned by the king. The royal palace continued to be used by King Yuhi V Musinga and his successors till the monarchy ceased to exist in 1962.
A tour here offers deep insights into this powerful kingdom and the modern era of Rwanda and its people.
What to see and do on a visit to the King’s Palace Museum at Nyanza
Visit the King’s Palace
King’s Palace at Nyanza is a replica of the royal traditional palace; impressive and an enormous reconstruction made for traditional materials and techniques used in 19th century when the original palace was built by King Yuhi V Musinga. On a guided tour inside the palace, the guides relate the history and traditions of the royal court; explaining significant construction style and cultural relevance of selected materials, the King’s bed position, where armory was laid, Queen’s position, how service personnel and visitors approached, and more. The replica palace complex also houses beehive-shaped thatched huts used for royal beer and milk production for the king and queen.
Visit the Modern Palace now-turned into a Museum
The newer palace built in 1932 for King Mutara III Rudahigwa, is modern set next to the original palace and served as the royal court till the monarchy ceased to exist in 1962. It was transformed into the Museum in 2006 and now contains an exhibition on the monarchical period of the kingdom of Rwanda from 15th to 20th century. On display also are some of the kings’ objects and artifacts. Note, photography isn’t allowed inside the museum.
Experience with the Inyambo Cows
One of the major highlights while on a visit to the King’s palace is the majestic and beautiful Inyambo cows. Loved for their beauty and grace, these royal long-horned cattle are direct descendants of the King’s herd of 1950’s. Inyambo cows enclosure lies behind the palace and, on a visit, you will have a demonstrative experience where attendants keep alive alive old royal traditions such us decollating the cows with jewelry, and sing poems and folk songs as they milk, and graze them.
The short demonstrative tour includes Inyambo cows’ parade that is accompanied by pastoral poems, flute folk songs music showcasing a strong attachment these beautiful cows have with their attendants.
With time on your hands while here, get hands-on as you learn how to milk cows, participate in poem recitals and join in traditional dances.
Visit the Mwima Mausoleum
While here, visit Mwima Mausoleum that lie about 1km past the Rukari or Kings palace to see the final resting place of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda and King Kigeli V Ndahidurwa also the last King of the Rwanda Kingdom buried here on 15th January 2017. The peaceful lush grounds offer an ambience for relaxation and contemplation on Rwanda’s profound history.
Hike the scenic Nyanza Cultural Trails
On a visit to Nyanza explore several cultural trails here that combine an informative cultural expereince past various landmarks excellent hiking. These scenic trails offers a great outdoors and a holistic adventure connecting you to a historical and cultural heritage and natural beauty of rural Rwanda. The trail’s duration and difficulty varies to cater for visitor’s time and fitness levels and all include a tour of the King’s Palace.
Below are Nyanza cultural trails;
- Royal trail 10km
This offers a deep insight into a cultural history and typical modern Rwandan rural lifestyle. Landmarks to see include; includes former royal palace, Kings Palace Museum, traditional royal cow’s mausoleum of the kings of Rwanda, Christ church built by Belgium’s in 1935. The hike also extends to various stunning viewpoints for all-round views.
- Big View Trail km long
The Big view true to its name, provides stunning and an interrupted panoramic view of Nyanza and its surrounding hills. The trail meanders through significant sites related to the ancient Rwanda kingdom passed beautiful rural villages and communities to enjoy Rwanda’s warm hospitality and ordinary life. Naturalists will be entertained by a quality of birdlife as they hike through forest patches, heavily cultivated valleys and along the edges of the small lake of Nyamagana.
- Gatagara trail 15km long
This trail offers a typical rural life experience as you hike through agricultural farms, communities’ homes, along community paths. The trail lead past the largest facility of persons-with disabilities where you can visit workshops, schools, hospitals, church pottery and a café.
Other Attractions to visit along with Kings palace at Nyanza
- Nyanza Diary
- Rwanda Ethnographic Museum at Huye
Getting to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza
The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza lies only 88 km about 2 hrs drive from Kigali the capital and easily visited enroute to/from Nyungwe National Park.