Cultural Tours in Rwanda
Rwanda cultural tours are a great tourist experience for anyone visiting Rwanda. Rwanda is an incredibly beautiful country in eastern Africa, with stunning rolling hills that make it one of the best tourist destinations in the region, particularly for nature safaris and gorilla safaris, which are best done in the famous Volcanoes National Park. The Volcanoes National Park is one of four gorilla destinations in the world that hosts mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking safaris here are the most rewarding because there is much more embroidered in the gorilla trekking adventure than cultural tours, which only serve as a stimuli to travellers after Rwanda cultural tours.
Rwanda is also recognised for its beautiful lakes, clean streets, and friendly locals who have a lot to offer with visitors. Rwanda, unlike its neighbours such as Uganda, does not have a diversified culture because the country is home to only three tribes: the Hutu, who were mostly crop growers, the Tutsi, who were livestock breeders, and the Twa, who were predominantly hunters and gatherers. Despite this, Rwanda has a highly rich culture, which the indigenous people are quite proud of and enjoy sharing with tourists who visit Rwanda all year.
Rwanda cultural tours are an excellent tourist activity in Rwanda because they allow visitors to interact with locals on a deeper level while also learning about the various facets of Rwandan culture as described and demonstrated by indigenous people. Rwanda cultural tours can be enjoyed in a variety of locations throughout the country, including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, and Gishwati-Mukura National Park, which was recently established and opened to tourists in 2019. For any traveller on a Rwanda safari tour, whether it is a Rwanda wildlife safari or a Rwanda gorilla safari, including Rwanda cultural tours on your itinerary will allow you to experience and learn Rwanda in depth, in addition to the tourist-like activities that can be done elsewhere in the world; nowhere else will you experience and learn more about Rwanda than in the country itself, from its own people!
Tourists on Rwanda cultural tours participate in a variety of activities, including traditional dances, folk singing, art and craft creation, traditional cooking of local delicacies such as akaro, farming, and beekeeping, among many others. Rwanda cultural tours can be done at many cultural and historical locations, such as:
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
Iby’iwacu cultural village is one of the top sites to visit on Rwanda cultural tours since it contains a wealth of information and knowledge about Rwanda. The Iby’iwacu community is home to a number of former poachers who have now engaged on conservation operations in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors to the Iby’iwacu cultural village will see traditional dances performed by locals, as well as hear diverse folk songs and tales. Travellers can also participate in traditional cooking courses, milking cows and preparing milk products such as local yoghurt and ghee, and brewing local beer, among other activities. Following a gorilla walk in Volcanoes National Park, visitors can visit the Iby’iwacu cultural community.
The King’s Palace of Nyanza
The King’s Palace in Nyanza is an excellent location for a Rwanda cultural tour, since it provides an opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s cultural heritage from all previous monarchs. This dorm-like King’s Palace in Nyanza allows you to visit and learn about the many kings of the past, as well as their regalia such as spears, drums, and other objects like jewellery used and owned by the Kings of the Past. To round off your tour to the King’s Palace in Nyanza, you will be crowned a king or queen and photographed for keepsakes.
Rwandan Genocide Memorial Sites
The Rwanda Genocide Memorial Sites include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, Gisozi Memorial Site, Nyamata Memorial Site, Gisenyi Memorial Site, Nyarubuye Memorial Site, Ntarama Memorial Site, Murambi Genocide Site, and Bisesero Memorial Site, which were established by the government to commemorate the lives of thousands of people who died in the Rwanda genocide of 1994. Travellers that visit Rwanda genocide memorial sites learn about the events of 1994, the extent of the damage caused, and the subsequent relocation of Rwandans. Though rather cold and depressing, visiting the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Sites is an excellent addition to your Rwanda culture excursions.
Ethnographic Museum at Butare.
The ethnographic museum is located in Butare, only 1km from Kigali, and is an excellent spot for visitors to enjoy Rwanda cultural tours to learn about the residents, their culture, and history. The Belgian government created the Ethnographic Museum, which opened to tourists in 1989. The ethnographic museum is divided into seven exhibition halls, each of which features a different display, such as cultural artefacts and an amusement centre.
Other locations where visitors can experience Rwanda cultural tours include the Busegera Reconciliation Village, Rwesero National Arts Museum, Ndaba Rock, Nyamata Church, Richard Kandt House, Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, and Kimironko Market, among others. While on Rwanda cultural tours, consider including or combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, game drives in Akagera National Park, and a variety of other Rwandan activities and sites. Reach out and schedule one of your most unforgettable Rwanda safaris, including Rwanda cultural tours to learn about Rwanda’s indigenous people and culture.
