Gicumbi: Walk Rwanda's Royal Burial Hill at Rutare

Discover the royal burial grounds of Rutare on a guided trip from Kigali. Learn about the Rwandan monarchy, visit the final resting place of six kings and four queens.
Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Kigali. Travel north toward Byumba, the capital of Gicumbi District, passing through Rwanda's Northern Province. Admire the steep green hills, terraced farms, and small trading centers along the way.

Listen as your guide introduces you to the Rwandan kingdom and its kings (the abami), explains how royal succession worked, and sets up the questions you will explore on the hill.

Arrive at Rutare, a royal burial ground and residence. Rutare is a hill in Nyakavunga Cell, Rutare Sector, and one of the very few places known as the final resting place of Rwandan kings and queens. Beyond being a burial ground (umusezero), it was also a royal residence (umurwa) for some kings.

Take a slow walk across the site and learn about the six kings and four queens buried here. Discover why kings named Kigeri, Mutara, or Cyirima were buried at Rutare, kings named Yuhi at Kayenzi, and kings named Mibambwe at Remera y'Abaforongo.

Hear how Mutara I Semugeshi lived at Rutare before his death, and how the body of King Rwabugiri was received at his residence in Nyamasheke, on Lake Kivu, before the long journey to burial here.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.