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The King’s Palace in Nyanza is an essential destination for anyone visiting Rwanda. This historic site is home to the former Rwandan monarchy, and visitors can experience the rich history and culture of the country through a visit to the palace. In addition, you will get the chance to see the Inyambo, or “Royal Cows”, which are bred exclusively for the country’s traditional ceremonies. In this post, we will guide you on how to get to Nyanza, provide insights on the King’s Palace and Inyambo, and offer tips to help you make the most of your visit. Additionally, we will share a video of the singing ceremony that the Inyambo trainer performs with the cows, which is a unique and captivating experience. Read on to learn more!
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Where is Nyanza?
Nyanza is located in the Southern Province of Rwanda, about 90 kilometers southwest of Kigali.
How to Get to Nyanza From Kigali
If you are visiting Rwanda, chances are you are spending at least some of your trip in Kigali. Because the capital city is centrally located, it is pretty easy to get to Nyanza.
By bus
If you want to save money, you can go to the Nyabugogo Taxi Park and take a bus to Nyanza for 1850 Rwandan francs (about $1.71 USD). The trip takes about 2 and a half hours, but the traffic and mountainous terrain could lengthen the trip.
By taxi
If you want a little more comfort, you can take a taxi to Nyanza. Depending on how well you negotiate, you can get a ride to Nyanza for anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 francs ($4.60-$9.25 USD). You could also choose to rent a car, but I personally would not recommend it due to the windy mountain roads and hectic driving conditions in the city.
The King's Palace
Located in Nyanza, the King’s Palace is a significant historical site that provides insight into the country’s culture and traditional way of life. The Palace, which is the town’s main tourist attraction, was the residence of King Mutara III, and a significant center of power in the region.
The area is divided between the traditional palace, of which the Rwandan monarchy lived in prior to the 1950’s, and the modern palace, which was built by the Belgian colonizers for King Mutara III.
The traditional palace
The replicas of the traditional homes feature three huts made of mud walls and grass-thatched roofs, one of which belonged to the king and was constantly guarded by his bodyguards. A second house belonged to a young virgin woman who was in charge of milking the cows and storing the milk. A third house belonged to a young virgin man who was in charge of producing and storing alcohol for the king. You can enter each house and get a sense of how the Rwandan people used to live and understand the significance of different structures within a traditional Rwandan home.
The modern palace
The modern palace is an impressive structure that showcases the grandeur and magnificence of the Rwandan monarchs. It was built by Belgian architects for King Mutara III. The Palace is made up of various buildings that include living quarters, various bedrooms (including for the king’s mother whenever she decided to visit), and a basement designed to keep alcohol and milk cool.
Unfortunately, many pieces of furniture were stolen during the Genocide that occurred in 1994. Today, some items have been replaced by replicas, while in some cases, the original items are still on display. No photos are permitted inside the modern palace.
Rwanda's "Royal Cows"
One of the unique features of the King’s Palace in Nyanza is the presence of the Inyambo, a breed of traditional Rwandan cows that are known for their majestic appearance and docile temperament. Known as the “royal cows”, these cows have long been associated with Rwandan royalty and have been traditionally used in ceremonies and rituals. These cows were trained from birth to obey commands from their trainer, and have been used to entertain Rwandan royalty for generations. The Inyambo at the King’s Palace are particularly special, as they are considered to be the only remaining purebred herd of these cows in Rwanda.
Inyambo appearance
The Inyambo are known for their distinctive appearance, with very long, curved horns and a brown coat. They are also quite large, with bulls weighing up to 1,000 kilograms. Despite their size, these cows are gentle and calm, making them ideal for use in traditional ceremonies.
Inyambo at the King's Palace
At the King’s Palace, visitors can witness the Inyambo in action during a special singing ceremony that is performed by a trained Inyambo handler. During the ceremony, the trainer sings to the cow in a mix of words and whistling, coaxing it to move and dance to the rhythm of the music. The Inyambo understand the trainers commands, and are even able to respond individually when their names are called!
Watch the Singing Tradition for the Inyambo
Tips for Visiting
Before you visit the King’s Palace, here are some tips to make your visit go more smoothly.
1. If you are a student, bring your ID
You will get a discount if you are a student, even if you attend school in a different country. I only had to pay 3000 Rwandan francs ($2.60 USD) to see the King’s Palace, and 1000 francs ($0.85 USD) to see the Inyambo. Without a student ID, the cost is about double.
2. Wear shoes with socks
You are not allowed to wear shoes while in the King’s Palace, so it’s better to walk around with socks on than barefoot. In addition, you will want some shoes with support while walking around outside.
3. Ask before taking photos
While most areas can be photographed, you cannot film anything inside the modern King’s Palace. The police are strict in Rwanda, so there’s no reason to get yourself into trouble. Always ask your guide prior to taking photos.
4. Take extra money with you
The cost to enter the King’s Palace is relatively cheap. However, it is a couple of miles away from town. If you are not comfortable taking a moto, it could be expensive to get a taxi. Having extra money will also allow you to tip your guide or leave a donation if you would like.
5. Download Google Translate or a similar app
If you do not know Kinyarwanda, having one of these apps will help you out a lot. There are guides that speak multiple languages at the King’s Palace, but it is good to be able to translate if you need it. Here are two words in Kinyarwanda that you can surprise your guide with:
Muraho (moo-rah-ho) – Hello
Murakoze (moo-rah-koh-zey) – Thank you
