Explore Butare, Rwanda

Explore Butare, Rwanda one of the remarkable historical and cultural safari destinations. Also most popular as Huye, Butare was once Rwanda’s biggest city/town before 1965 but things changed when Kigali became the country’s official capital city.

Butare is largely an intellectual and cultural capital doesn’t hold political powers like Kigali. During the Belgian colonial era, the place was better referred to astrida city and this was done in commemoration of the Belgium Queen Astrid.

Butare is visitors’ favorite town on Rwanda safari due to the diverse historical and cultural sites. These include the National Museum of Rwanda where the country’s ethnographic collections are contained, plus botanical garden, and craft shops.

Butare town is found in the Southern Province of Rwanda, and capital of Huye District. It holds a population of about 75000 people. It is in Butare where you can also find North Gate University of Rwanda plus the prestigious Nyakibanda Seminary also better known as the Rwandan National Institute of Scientific Research.

If you are interested in religious/faith-based tourism, the best places to consider a must-visit include Ruhande Arboretum and cathedral. Besides, Butare also features the Butare Stadium, a perfect place to visit for relaxation and watch local football matches or get entertained from the country’s great music performance from local artists.

Tourist Sites/Attractions in Butare, Rwanda

Palace Museum in Rakali

The Palace Museum is about 3km off from its original site, and it (Nyanza Palace) was where the monarchy of Rwanda was situated. At the palace, tourists have plenty to explore including the distinct traditions, background information about the power struggles and battles of the royal family.

It is at this palace where the traditional ancient palace of Mwami has been set up and you can be guided through it, visit the King’s room. Mwami palace features a couple of items of the original furniture and fittings.

National museum

The National Museum of Rwanda is one of the iconic attractions to be visited in Butare. The museum features East Africa’s ethnographic collections. The items displayed at this town include decorations, full-scale replica of traditional hut, country’s historical and cultural exhibits as well as traditional handcrafts.

Murambi genocide centre

Learn more about the 1994 Rwanda genocide by visiting the Murambi genocide memorial. At this memorial site, you will explore more about the atrocities this historic town suffered. A perfect illustration of it is all showcased with graphics and devastating events of the civil war.

Butare Roman Catholic Cathedral

This cathedral was constructed in remembrance of Belgian Princess Astrid. It was built in 1930 and happens to be Rwanda’s biggest church with unique plan, and interior design.

Other places to visit in the Southern Province of Rwanda: Nyungwe Forest National Park –home to diversity of primates. This park protects over 13 species of primates –including 400 colobus monkeys, 500 chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, etc. Nyungwe offers the best of Rwanda chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, nature/forest walk, colobus monkey tracking and birding tours.

Accommodation in and around Butare

• Hotel Maisons Sifa.
• Nyungwe Forest Lodge
• Light House Hotel.

Getting there

Butare is accessible by road, 130km from Kigali airport. You can fly to Kigali International Airport (KGL) where you can be picked up and transferred to Butare.