Destination
Nyanza & the Royal South
The seat of Rwanda's kings: the royal palace, long-horned Inyambo cattle, and the museums and memorials of the south.
See Tours- Location
- Southern Province
- From Kigali
- About 2 hours by road
- Nearby
- Huye, Murambi, Nyungwe
- Known for
- Royal history, Inyambo cattle
About Nyanza & the Royal South
Before colonial rule Rwanda was a kingdom, and Nyanza was its royal capital. The King's Palace Museum rebuilds the great thatched royal residence in traditional style, next to the later palace of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, and the long-horned Inyambo cattle once kept for the king are still tended and sung to here.
Nyanza sits on the road south to Huye and Nyungwe, which makes it easy to pair with the Ethnographic Museum, one of the finest collections of traditional objects in East Africa, and the Murambi Genocide Memorial.
Things to Do
The experiences that make Nyanza & the Royal South worth the trip.
King's Palace Museum
Step inside the reconstructed royal residence and learn about the court, its customs and traditional architecture.
Inyambo Cattle
Meet the royal long-horned cattle and hear the traditional songs and poems sung to them.
Intore Dance
The famous warrior dance of the royal court, performed with drums.
Ethnographic Museum, Huye
Crafts, farming, hunting and ceremony through the centuries, in one of East Africa's best collections.
Murambi Genocide Memorial
A quiet and moving memorial in the hills on the road to Nyungwe.
Plan Your Visit
The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.
Best time to visit
Fitness level
Getting there
What to bring
- Modest clothing for the memorial
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun hat
- Camera
Tours in Nyanza
Ready-made trips you can book as they are or have Justin adapt.
1 dayNyanza
1 Day Heritage & Cultural Tour
South to the King's Palace at Nyanza, the Ethnographic Museum in Huye and the Murambi Genocide Memorial, with an Intore dance performance.
- Culture & Heritage
3 days / 2 nightsAcross Rwanda
3 Day Culture, Canopy & Waterfall Adventure
The royal south, the Nyungwe canopy walk and Ndambarare Waterfall in three days, with two nights on the edge of the rainforest.
- Culture & Heritage
- Canopy Walk
- Hiking
10 days / 9 nightsAcross Rwanda
The 10 Day Ultimate Rwanda Experience
Kigali, the royal south, Nyungwe's chimpanzees, Lake Kivu, gorillas and golden monkeys in the volcanoes, and a camping safari in Akagera: the whole country in ten days.
- Gorilla Trekking
- Primates
- Game Drive
Plan Your Visit to Nyanza
Tell Justin your dates and interests and he will put together an itinerary and quote for your group.