Ethnographic Museum in Butare

The Ethnographic Museum in Butare was known as the National Museum of Rwanda. It was constructed with the help of the government of Belgium. It was opened in 1989 in this southern region of Rwanda. It preserved Rwanda’s rich cultural tapestry, including the period it was still governed as a monarchy. You can explore the exhibition halls which are at least five. One hall consists of a gift shop where you can see many handmade craft items that you will appreciate and also buy as mementos. In another hall, you could explore the tools including those that were used in agriculture, carpentry, hunting, leather works, and pottery among others. Another hall has a unique display of geological items such as maps of Rwanda’s physical features and others.

Another highlight on display here is the traditional Rwandan attire and architecture. Both of these shed light on people’s way of life including pastoralism. You might as well explore the nearby King’s Palace in Nyanza for more of these experiences. You can also witness Rwandan folktales, food, clothing, poetry, and cosmology. These played a huge role in Rwandese civilization.

The best time to go to the Ethnographic Museum in Butare

The Ethnographic Museum in Butare can be explored throughout the year except for a couple of occasions. For example, it is generally closed on the 7th day of April since this is the Genocide Memorial Day. This is to honor the souls that were killed in 1994. Even during the Umuganda national holidays, the Museum is generally closed from 8-11 am. This day happens every last Saturday of the month. When the Ethnographic Museum is open, you are allowed to explore it from 8-6 pm. This is sufficient time to learn a lot about the history, culture, and religion of the Rwandese.

Reaching there from Kigali

The Ethnographic Museum in Butare is about 124 kilometers from Kigali and the journey on a vehicle will take about 3 hours. Either public or private means can be used to reach the Ethnographic Museum and your choice depends on your preference for budget, ambiance, etc. Standard Safaris is your trusted tour company that can take you to the museum safely. We offer a wide range of vehicles including 4-wheel drive safari vehicles, drones for group safaris, and saloon cars depending on your choice. We also provide a professional driver guide who can drive you while offering insight into Rwanda and the Ethnographic Museum itself.

Other Destinations and what to do in Rwanda

The Ethnographic Museum in Butare is one of the best places you should explore in Rwanda. However, numerous travel destinations are equally exciting and you might wish to explore them. These include.

Volcanoes National Park

This is an Afromontane destination found in the northwest of Rwanda and renowned for its rich biodiversity and landscape. Volcanoes National Park is mainly known for gorilla-tracking safaris where you can explore any of its over 10 habituated mountain gorilla families. Besides the endangered mountain gorillas, the forest has forest elephants, golden monkeys, forest buffaloes, baboons, and giant forest hogs among other mammals. There are numerous bird species as well, including Albertine Rift endemics. Therefore, besides gorilla trekking tours, you can participate in golden monkey tracking, birdwatching, forest hikes, and hiking the volcanoes of Karinsimbi, Bisoke, and others. You can also go for a cultural encounter with the Batwa Pygmies found just outside the forest.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwestern part of Rwanda, is renowned for its lovely landscapes and biodiversity. This tropical rainforest contains over 13 species of primates and the most popular is the chimpanzee. Other primates include the grey-cheeked mangabey, blue monkey, L’hoest’s monkey, and owl-faced monkey among others. Nyungwe Forest National Park is also endowed with over 200 bird species including turacos, bustards, and others. Activities to be done include chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, canopy walking, forest walking, and others.

Akagera National Park

It is located in the eastern part of Rwanda and is also known for its diverse landscapes and biodiversity. Akagera National Park offers a uniquely perfect opportunity to explore its vast savannah teemed with both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species. You can engage in a game drive which is a marvelous way of spotting the African big five. These include the lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo. Other animals to encounter during a game drive include zebras, topi, giraffes, duikers, reedbucks, and many others. You can also participate in a birdwatching tour to experience the 480 bird species recorded in this place. They include shoebills, coucals, bustards, and others. You can also enjoy a boat ride in Lake Ihema and a nature walk in the savannah landscape.

You can also have a Lake Kivu tour in the western part of Rwanda for your relaxation, birdwatching, Island tours, fishing, and swimming among others. While in Kigali, enjoy the city tour to experience the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the busy markets.

What to Pack

Bug repellent
Warm sweater
Light clothes
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Camera or smartphone
Travel documents
Snacks and drinking water bottle
Travel documents

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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