7 Things To Do In Huye

Formerly known as Butare, Huye is the second most important city in Rwanda and commonly known as the cultural hub of this tiny East African country. Ravaged by genocide in the 1990s, Rwanda is gradually overcoming its past; however, it remains fairly untrodden in terms of tourism. However, this turbulent past and subsequent burgeoning recovery means there are some intriguing places to check out and things to do if you happen to be passing through.

1. Visit the Cathedral

Cathedral

Constructed in the 1930s to commemorate the life of Princess Astrid, the cathedral in Huye is the largest in all of Rwanda. While it may not be the most traditionally spectacular structure, it is still impressive and well worth paying a visit to if you fancy hearing some loud and proud gospel singing which often takes place within. Constructed in red brick, the cathedral is an imposing presence in its bare surroundings, and right above the entranceway has an oversize cross built into the structure. Visiting would make a pleasant morning out.

2. University of Rwanda, Huye Campus

University

Despite its prominence as the cultural hub of Rwanda, Huye is still a relatively small town, so finding live music spots – including bars and clubs – can be tricky. If you really want to search out live music during your stay, heading down to the University of Rwanda campus in Huye is your best bet. They have a mixture of both native and non-native performers, with one recent visit by the American bluegrass group, the Henhouse Prowlers, going down particularly well. Part of a cultural exchange, this group went on to perform at several other venues across Rwanda during their visit. Definitely the place to check out if you’re looking for live music in Huye.

3. King's Palace Museum

Museum

Actually situated outside of Huye in nearby Nyanza, the King’s Palace Museum is a no-brainer inclusion on our list for its great cultural significance in Rwanda. Tourist-friendly and well signposted in English, you’ll have no problem reaching this museum, which features an impressively detailed replica of the king’s palace. This dome shaped construction, crafted from reeds, is dominated inside by the bed, and the walls are lined with woven baskets for storage. Besides the replica, which is architecturally fascinating, there are several other buildings including the beer and milk houses, as well as enclosures filled with some impressively horned cattle adorned with beaded headdresses.