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Butare

Rwanda, Africa

Butare, known as Rwanda's intellectual and cultural hub, boasts rich history and vibrant arts. Home to the National Museum, visitors can explore Rwandan heritage, art, and archaeology. The lush surroundings offer stunning landscapes and opportunities for local interactions. Butare's university atmosphere adds a youthful vibe, with cafes and cultural events. Its proximity to Nyungwe National Park makes it a great base for spotting diverse wildlife. Butare combines education, culture, and nature for an unforgettable experience.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

Town

Vibe

History

Airport

Kigali

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

14 Best Things to Do in Butare

1. Visit the National Museum of Rwanda

Explore Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and history.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

2. Explore the Butare Market

Experience local life and shop for fresh produce.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

3. Visit the Ethnographic Museum

Discover diverse Rwandan traditions and artifacts.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

4. Hike Mount Huye

Enjoy scenic views and nature on this hike.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

5. Attend a Traditional Dance Performance

Experience vibrant Rwandan culture through dance.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

1.5 hrs

6. Visit the University of Rwanda

Explore the campus and local student culture.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

7. Tour the Butare Genocide Memorial

Reflect on Rwanda's history and resilience.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

8. Explore the Nyanza King's Palace

Visit the historical royal residence and learn about kings.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

9. Enjoy Local Rwandan Cuisine

Taste traditional dishes in local restaurants.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

10. Visit the National Art Gallery

Discover contemporary Rwandan art and artists.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

11. Explore the Forest of Nyungwe

Experience rich biodiversity and beautiful trails.

Available all year

Adults only

Booking required

4 hrs

12. Visit the Rwanda Development Board

Learn about Rwanda's tourism and development initiatives.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

13. Participate in a Craft Workshop

Make traditional crafts and support local artisans.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

2 hrs

14. Visit the Huye Tea Plantation

Tour the plantation and taste local tea varieties.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Rwanda Franc

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Kinyarwanda

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Brochettes

Grilled meat skewers, popular snack. (National dish)

Ugali

VE

Starchy maize porridge, staple food.

Isombe

VE

Cassava leaves cooked with groundnuts.

Matoke

VE

Steamed green bananas, often served with sauce.

Ibihaza

VE

Pumpkin pieces, often cooked or mashed.

Phrases to learn

English

Kinyarwanda

Hello

Muraho

(Moo-rah-ho)

Yes/No

Yego / Oya

(Yeh-go / Oh-yah)

Thank you

Urakoze

(Oo-rah-koh-zeh)

Excuse me

Mbabarira

(M-bah-bah-ree-rah)

How much?

Angahe?

(Ahn-gah-heh)