The richness of a country’s history and heritage is a very important aspect that creates an identity for the people of any nation in the world. Rwanda has a rich history that dates back to the Kingdoms, colonial, and post-colonial times, which has not been explored to attract local tourism, bring in revenue, and create awareness of the culture of the Rwandan people.
This led Hobe Australia to prepare for you a story about what you should know about King’s Palace located in Nyanza, somewhere known as Rukari.
The King’s Palace is located in the Nyanza District in the Southern Province of Rwanda, 88 kilometers from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
This house is located in Nyanza, a town that was the heart of Rwanda in the olden days and the seat of monarchy since the reign of King Yuhi V Musinga in 1899.
When his son, Mutara III Rudahigwa, became king, he went to live in Rukari, where he built a house that served as the King’s headquarters.
This house consists of different sections, which provide an analytical picture of the nature of the kingdom and how Rwanda was ruled before the republic. The Rukari Palace includes a large house that was considered the primary residence of the king and queen.
It served as a place where the king welcomed and entertained guests. Another section is dedicated to the royal cattle, known as ‘Inyambo,’ and there is also a section devoted to the storage and distillation of wine and beverages.
Additionally, there is a house where milk was processed, another section, and a large ground where events and games were held within the palace.
The King’s Palace in Rukari was destroyed when the kingdom was overthrown during the Genocide against the Tutsis in 1994. This house was destroyed and looted.
Later, this palace was restored to its 19th-century appearance based on its replica. In 2008, it was opened to all who wanted to visit it. It was built with traditional materials. The long-horned royal cows called ‘Inyambo’ were brought back, as they were one of the basic elements of Rwandan culture and a symbol of the kingdom’s honor.
These cows delight visitors on a regular basis due to their impressive long horns, height, and calm nature.
Near the King’s Palace, there is a modern palace that was built in 1931, where King Mutara III Rudahigwa lived before his death in 1959.
Today, it is used to showcase the history of Rwanda since the 15th century. Near Rukari Palace, there is Mwima Hill where you can visit the resting place of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda, and the last King of Rwanda, Kigeli V Ndahindurwa.
The fees for visiting the Rukari King’s Palace are Rwf 1000 for one Rwandan student (Rwf 500 for a group of at least 20 students) and Rwf 2000 for adults.
The Royal Cows ‘known’ as Inyambo