Rukari King’s Palace – Rukari King’s Palace, also known as Rukari Royal Village, is a historic site located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.
In the old days, the palace was a site of battles, power struggles, and mobility, as narrated by oral traditionalists.
Eventually, the moving palace settled in a permanent location during the reign of King Musinga V in the 1890s.
It housed 2,000 inhabitants and was surrounded by huts.
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1962 when Rwanda gained independence from colonial rule.
Despite this, Rukari remains an influential place for politics and culture, preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.
As you may know, Rwanda treasures its cattle, and visitors are encouraged to visit the grazing areas to see the elegant cows that play a significant role in ceremonies, such as honoring the king.
These cattle are adorned with rich jewelry and trained to follow their handlers’ songs in a stately parade.
Behind the royal compound reside the sacred cows, locally known as the inyambo, which are known for their super-sized horns, spanning up to 2.5 meters.
Rukari Palace was once home to King Mutara III and was built by the Belgians in 1931, serving as the royal palace until his death.
Unfortunately, many of the gifts and furniture he received from visiting dignitaries were stolen during the genocide.
However, the palace continues to hold a legacy as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s history.
It also hosts a popular museum and is known as a place of tragedy due to the death of the royal queen that occurred there.
Despite these events, the palace has retained its beauty, showcasing old-age handicrafts, architecture, and the way of life of early Rwandan natives.
A section of the palace has been reconstructed using traditional materials, offering visitors a chance to experience the historical ambiance.
After visiting the palace, you can engage in additional activities such as:
- Coffee plantation tours near the palace
- Canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park where you can encounter different species such as primates deep in the forest, birds, giraffes, reptiles, and carnivores. With an experienced tour guide, you’ll have the opportunity to spot rare species.
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
- Kigali tour, which includes visits to marketplaces and important political residences
- A relaxing day at Akagera, with game drives, a boat ride, and lunch
The calm and beautiful Rukari King’s Palace warmly welcomes you!
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
