National Museum of Butare

The National Museum of Butare remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994. The National Museum is located in Butare. It was donated in 1989 by the Belgium government with some ethnic collection, the design and concept all realized in co-operation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren, Belgium. Butare is 135 km from Kigali.

A visit can be organized as a day excursion out of Kigali. You can also visit Butare on your way to Nyungwe NP. Nyabisindu (Nyanza) is situated 45 km from Butare and 90 km from Kigali.

This is a modern building with different sections .It displays a wide collection of monochrome pictures, traditional artifacts and objects, tools and different craft products. Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to the theme giving premium information on the daily life.

Traditional ceramics and basketry are still manufactured and belong to the finest handicrafts of the region Highlights: Visit of Nyanza, Museum of Butare, and the craft shops in Butare.

It is the finest and it reflects well the time spirit at the end of 19th Century when the East-African Kingdoms came in contact with the first Europeans. The rich insights about Rwanda’s traditional life and culture and the subsequent development during history will contribute to a better understanding of African history and should be compelled for everybody who’s interested in Africa.

The weather is sunny and warm and there fore recommendable for those interested in the typical tropical climate.