Exploring Butare, Rwanda
Butare, now officially known as Huye, is a city rich in history and culture, located in southern Rwanda. It’s a place where the past and present coexist, offering visitors a chance to delve into Rwanda’s cultural heritage and educational landscape. Here’s a guide to making the most of your visit to Butare.
Getting to Butare
Traveling to Butare is straightforward. From Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, several minibus companies like Volcano, Horizon, and RITCO offer regular services to Butare. You can catch these minibuses at the Kigali Domestic Bus Station, with a one-way fare costing around FRw 3760. The journey takes approximately three hours, providing a scenic view of Rwanda’s rolling hills.
Getting Around Butare
Once in Butare, you’ll find various transportation options. Taxis, motorcycle taxis, and bicycle taxis are readily available and eager to assist. For those who prefer exploring on foot, you can walk from the northernmost part of Butare, where the bus station is located, to the southernmost part, home to the University of Rwanda, in about 20 minutes. Taxis are mainly used by locals traveling to homes outside the city center.
When to Visit
Butare experiences a tropical savannah climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from June to September and December to February, is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. If you visit during the rainy season, from March to May and October to November, you’ll witness the lush green landscapes, though you should be prepared for occasional showers.
Key Attractions in Butare
Ethnographic Museum Rwanda
Previously known as the National Museum of Butare, the Ethnographic Museum is a must-visit. It offers a comprehensive look into Rwanda’s cultural history, from pre-colonial times to the present. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide insights into the country’s traditions and history. Admission is FRw 3,000 for foreigners and FRw 2,000 for foreign residents, with an extra charge for photography.
Murambi Genocide Memorial Centre
Located near Nyamagabe, about 20 minutes west of Butare, the Murambi Genocide Memorial Centre is a poignant reminder of Rwanda’s tragic past. It commemorates the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with preserved bodies and exhibits that tell the harrowing story of the events that took place. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Memorials of the Genocide. Regular buses from Butare to Nyamagabe cost FRw 450, and a motorbike to the site should cost no more than FRw 2,000.
King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza
About 25 km north of Butare, the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s royal history. Visitors can explore the traditional palace and the modern home of the king built in the 1930s. The entrance fee is FRw 6,000, which includes a personal guide. The palace is a half-hour walk from town or a short moto-taxi ride costing FRw 300.
Local Insights
Butare is also home to the University of Rwanda, where a stroll through the campus offers a look at an active African university. The University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) is another significant institution, providing essential healthcare services and training medical professionals.
For a taste of local life, visit the bustling Butare Market, open every day except Saturday. While you won’t find souvenirs here, it’s an excellent place to observe how Rwandans shop for daily necessities. Be prepared to bargain for the best prices.
Butare’s blend of history, culture, and education makes it a unique destination in Rwanda. Whether you’re exploring its museums, learning about its past, or simply enjoying the local atmosphere, Butare offers an enriching experience for any traveler.
