When it comes to Rwanda, the major highlight is gorilla trekking in this beautiful country known as “the land of a thousand hills” but actually in this same country is a diverse cultural heritage. Rwanda is among the countries with amazing culture which is both intangible and tangible; ranging from the dances, culinary, dress code, to the cultural sites themselves which offer tourists unforgettable experiences including the history of the country, mythology and above all culture. Different cultural sites in Rwanda include;
Rwanda Genocide Memorial Sites
Truth is Rwanda is a very beautiful country with spectacular views and rolling hills. But it’s dark past of the 1994 Genocide where over one million people lost lives still haunts Rwanda. With this, the government of Rwanda came up with a way forward concerning this and since then it has been tremendously progressing hence ranked among Africa’s fasted developing countries.
On your safari to Rwanda, you will have to visit one or a number of Genocide memorial sites which are in different districts basing on your itinerary, these where made as a remembrance of the fallen ones and also somewhere buried on the site grounds. Make it a point to visit at least one of these sites inorder to hear stories of the genocide about how tribal and racial conflicts can lead to destruction, this is from the survivors themselves.
Some of these sites include; Gisenyi, Nyamata, Nyarubuye, Nyanza, Ntarama, Murambi, Gisozi (located Gasabo district near Kigali) and Bisesero Memorial Sites. Bisesero is among the most visited sites over 30,000 people were murdered in this area and here the skulls and clothing of the victims are displayed at the site hence it can be a bit hard for the faint-hearted to contain this. Tokens of appreciation are always to the guides who take tourists through the various museums and their sections.
Iby’iwacu cultural village
Situated on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park, Iby’iwacu cultural village lies in Musanze district, it is simple but an amazing cultural village open to every visitor especially those on gorilla trekking safaris in the Park. While there visitors learn a lot about Rwanda’s culture such as the traditional foods and medicines, and also engage in a number of activities such as village walks, spending a full day in a life of a Rwandan King or Queen, traditional dances and music, food preparation, farming, and mock hunting among other activities.
How long you spend in this village is based on the time you have, it can even be a full day or a few hours but above all you are introduced to Rwanda’s culture at its best in this village, Iby’iwacu is a place to be.
Ndaba Rock
This is among Rwanda’s most historical attractions which attracts a number of tourists due to its interesting mythical stories both local and foreign tourists visit. It is located approximately a 2hours drive from Kigali City. This rock has a myth which says that the rock drips with honey, which attracted people from the nearby areas and forests including Ndaba who is said to be a greedy hunter who perished in the basin of honey at the bottom of the rock.
According to this myth, before Ndaba died his fellow hunters lowered for him a rope below the rock which he had to use to climb up to collect honey into the pots, though since he was too greedy he stayed there eating honey and kept them waiting, hence they got tired of waiting and left the rock. When it was time to return home, after eating the honey, Ndaba couldn’t climb up because there was no rope and when he tried to climb on his own he slide and fell down hitting his head on a rock and died there and then.
Such a story has taught the Rwanda local people and visitors not to be greedy because greed always brings trouble in the community. On the rock is also a stunning waterfall which leaves visitors amazed.
Cultural Nyamata Museums
It is where a number of ancient colonial and kingship traditions were collected in these Museums in Nyamata. Basically as long as you are on a visit to Rwanda you cannot miss these out. You will be able to learn more about the Rwanda traditions and cultural values.
Rwanda has various unique cultural sites with amazing and unforgettable stories behind; some of them located in the Eastern province that are not to be missed out include; Utubindi twa Rubona, Ryamurari, Urutare Rwa Ngarama, Mimuri, Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Rwanda Ancient History, National Arts Museum Rwesero, King Mutara III’s Royal residence, and Natural History Museum among others.
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