Things To Do
in Butare
Butare, Rwanda sits in the Southern Province as a historic and academic hub with a welcoming small-town atmosphere. It blends rich cultural heritage with a modern university vibe, creating a unique vantage point for exploring Rwanda’s past and present. The surrounding highlands offer lush tea plantations and scenic countryside that make day trips rewarding.
Visitors can dive into ethnographic museums, local markets, and hospitable eateries that showcase traditional flavors with a contemporary twist.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure in Butare with a visit to the National Museum of Rwanda, where you can delve into the rich culture and history of the country. The museum's carefully curated exhibits, including artifacts and traditional art, provide an insightful glimpse into Rwandan heritage. As you stroll through the displays, take a moment to appreciate the stunning architecture of the museum itself, set against the backdrop of lush green hills.
After lunch at a local eatery, explore the vibrant local markets in Butare, where you can interact with friendly vendors and find unique handmade crafts. The lively atmosphere, filled with the sounds of bargaining and laughter, gives you a true sense of the daily life in this charming city. Don't forget to grab some fresh produce or traditional snacks to enjoy during your explorations.
As evening approaches, unwind at a cozy café with a view of the hills, savoring a cup of Rwandan coffee known for its robust flavor. Engage in conversations with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences from your day. End your day with a leisurely walk around the serene streets of Butare, taking in the peaceful ambiance of the city as the sun sets.
Begin your day with a visit to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, a short drive from Butare. This cultural site allows you to step back in time and experience the life of the Rwandan monarchy through its traditional architecture and exhibits. Guided tours are available to provide deeper insights into the history and significance of the royal family's heritage.
After lunch, explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum, taking in the peaceful scenery and the fresh air. Consider exploring the nearby historical sites, such as the traditional royal drum performances that showcase Rwandan cultural heritage. For those seeking adventure, the surrounding hills offer hiking trails that provide stunning views of the area.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you can taste authentic Rwandan cuisine, including ‘isombe’ and ‘akabenz’. Engage with the locals, who are often eager to share stories about their lives and the significance of their culinary traditions. End the evening with a cultural performance, featuring Rwandan dance and music, bringing a vibrant end to your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🥗Lunch at a mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🚕Local transport (one-way) | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with accessible museums and markets
- Beautiful highland scenery and proximity to Nyungwe forested areas
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Smaller-scale infrastructure for some services outside town centers
- "Muraho" - Hello
- "Mwaramutse" - Good morning
- "Amakuru yawe?" - How are you?
- "Yego" - Yes
- "Oya" - No
- "Murakoze" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Butare
Visit one of these nice places.
An impressive colonial-era building with gardens and courtyards—great for architectural photography and portrait shots with a historic vibe.
Expansive tea plantations with rolling hills and often misty mornings, offering classic highland landscape photography opportunities.
Academic architecture and student life scenes provide candid photography opportunities in a vibrant setting.
Rivers and surrounding hills create serene, nature-filled compositions ideal for landscape photography.
Food in Butare
Butare Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cassava leaves simmered with peanut sauce, often served with ugali or rice. Colorful, savory, and a staple in many households.
Must-Try!
Pumpkin and beans stewed together, a comforting and popular dish that pairs well with maize porridge or rice.
A maize-flour staple served with a variety of green leafy sauces or stews; a common accompaniment to meat, fish, or beans.
Beef (or goat) skewers and stews grilled with peppers and onions; widely available at local eateries and grills around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market in Huye town where you can sample fresh fruit, roasted maize, plantains, and peppers, plus daily prepared foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake is common; greet with a friendly “Mwiriwe” (good evening) or “Mwaramutse” (good morning). Use polite language and address elders with respect.
Offer items with the right hand or both hands; avoid pointing with a finger. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Ask for permission when photographing people or private spaces; some scenes may require consent or tipping for photos.
Safety
Tipping in Butare
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a small tip (5-10%) for good service is common; for drivers or guides, rounding up the fare or a modest 1-2 USD is typical.
Cash (RWF) is widely used in markets and smaller eateries. Mobile money and card payments are becoming more common in larger hotels and tourist spots; check locally for card acceptance.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically from December to February and June to August, offering clear skies and better conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and photography. Cooler evenings are common in the highlands.
Often from March to May and September to November, bringing regular showers and lush green scenery. Trails can be slippery; pack waterproofs and plan indoor activities for rainy periods.
Butare at Night
Hiking in Butare
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle trails among tea plantations offering scenic viewpoints and photography opportunities.
Low to moderate elevation trails that showcase the rolling highland landscape and rural villages.
Airports
How to reach Butare by plane.
The main international gateway to Rwanda, located near Kigali. Most visitors fly here first and then travel to Butare by road.
A smaller domestic airport serving regional flights; connects to Kigali and other domestic destinations. Useful for shorter trips within Rwanda.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A young population with strong engagement in education and university life; many students and recent graduates live in Huye.
Local families participate in daily markets, farming, and community events in and around Butare.
A significant presence due to the Huye campus, contributing to a lively academic and cultural atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Rwanda, with local matches and informal games common in towns and schools.
Widely played in schools and community centers; public courts are common in towns near Butare.
Popular in community clubs and schools; often played during weekends and youth gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Butare.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rwandan cooking centers heavily on starches and greens. Look for legume-based dishes (beans, lentils), leafy sauces, and vegetable stews. When ordering, ask for meat-free broths and avoid peppers or sauces containing meat stock.