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City in Southern Province, Rwanda
Photo: Dave Proffer, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Butare, also known as Huye, is the third largest city of Rwanda, located in the south.
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The National Museum is a surprisingly comprehensive and interesting museum. Even travellers knowledgeable about recent Rwandan history will learn much about Rwanda's colonial and post-colonial governments, as well as the Tutsi monarchy which pre-dated both of these. Many of Rwanda's idiosyncratic cultural attributes will make more sense after a visit to the national museum. FRw 5000 for non-residents
Butare has a bustling market that is open every day except Saturday. Although there will be no souvenirs on sale, this market is an excellent way to learn how Rwandans shop for their everyday needs. Be prepared to bargain.
Although a stroll through the University would take at most 20 minutes, it is a worthwhile trip to see an active African university. Students here are almost all on full scholarship, selected by test performance; they sleep two to a bed in dorms located on campus.
In 1994, Murambi was the site of a large massacre at a vocational school where several hundred Tutsis were hiding. It was turned into one of the most compelling and graphic genocide memorials with preserved bodies on display. The memorial is located near Nyamagabe, which is about 20 minutes west of Butare along the road to Cyangugu. Regular buses go to Nyamagabe which is 3 km from the sign-posted site. Bus fare is FRw 450, a motorbike to the side and back to Nyamagabe should cost no more than FRw 2000. Since 2023, it's one of four memorials making up the Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero.
Nyanza is a small town with a market, and a few hotels. Main attraction in the Museum of the Kings Palace. Entrance FRw 6000, including a personal guide. You can visit the traditional palace and the modern home of the king built in the 1930s. The palace is out of town, half an hour walk or FRw 300 by moto-taxi.
Kinyarwanda: Inzu ndangamurage, formerly National Museum of Butare
It is also a good source of information on the cultural history of the country and the region. It is also known as the site of the murder of Queen Dowager Rosalie Gicanda and several others during the Rwandan genocide.
The Romantic
Run by the Anglican Church. 8 en-suite rooms (FRw 30000). spotlessly clean. shared balconies. lounge for guests. TV in all rooms, but not always functioning. Also a number of small rooms (FRw 6000).
A bit off the main road, offers quiet and clean rooms along a garden shared with velvet monkeys. Meals are around FRw 3000.
A somewhat modern hotel on the south side of town before you get to the university. They have a newer block with reasonable rooms. Hot water is limited. Food in the restaurant is very good and they have a pool. Rooms for all budgets.
Four Steps Hotel
Shop with lots of handicraft: woodcarvings, baskets, printed cards.
There are several minibus companies make their way from Kigali to Butare. Recommended are Volcano, Horizon and RITCO. It is easy to find in the Kigali Domestic bus station. The fee is FRw 3760 one way.
Read in the guideButare has plenty of taxis, motorcycle taxis, and bicycle taxis, all of which will be eager to serve you.
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