king_palace_museum

nyanza, rwanda

The King’s Palace Museum, located in Nyanza, southern Rwanda, offers a glimpse into the royal history and traditions of the Rwandan monarchy. The museum features a reconstructed traditional palace with a thatched-roof royal hut, a modern colonial-style palace used by King Mutara III Rudahigwa, and the sacred royal Inyambo (long-horned) cattle, which are trained to respond to songs. Visitors can learn about Rwandan kingship, cultural practices, and royal artifacts. The best time to visit is year-round, with entry fees starting at $12 for international visitors. The museum is accessible via a 2-hour drive from Kigali and is often combined with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum in Huye.