Buhanga eco-park, near Musanze in Nyakinama, northwestern Rwanda is a 31 square kilometers forest. The forest is culturally significant to the Yore people and offers visitors an exciting time as they explore the vibrant history and enigma behind it. Visitors mostly explore the site in the morning and afternoon hours to immerse in its ambience and glamor. Additionally, Buhanga eco-park is endowed with lots of birds, butterflies and numerous floras including climbing plants, undergrowth and dense canopies that make it beautiful and pristine.
What to see in Buhanga Eco-Park
At Buhanga Eco-Park, you will enjoy your adventure in a variety of ways. With the forest divided into different sections, you will savor the forest atmosphere by witnessing the following,
The dark cave, which is an impressively enigmatic and pristine geological formation with huge boulders surrounding it. You will be edified about its rich history such as being a place where the King of the Yore would pause to refresh while riding on the ‘Ingobyi,’ the royal carriage all the way from his place in Nyanza. Refreshing at the cave was done with spring water mixed with herbs collected from a ditch, the ‘Kwihagira’ or the ‘fortune bestowing birth.’ Afterwards, his body would be wiped and smeared with regal oil before carried to the Conference podium.
The Buhanga small ditch, which is surrounded by small lava stones and a flowery thicket. You will explore this now popular place where the King’s assistants, ‘Abiru’ picked herbs to mix in the spring water for the purpose of his ritual bath during his coronation. The herbs cleansed the water before the King would bathe. Hundreds of people today come to this spring water for blessings besides it being a source of water for domestic use. Take memorable pictures as you appreciate the historically significant place.
Conference podium, which is an artefact made of lava rocks and having stairs on the edge and now covered by mould. You will be allowed to explore where the Yore people formally made a person king and provided him all the kingship instruments to rule over them. It is at the Conference podium where the king was given the title of ‘Umwami’ of Rwanda. The king would also get all blessings from the gods through the clan heads, elders, royal sorcerers, advisory council. This would also protect the kingdom or keep it immune against invasions.
The three-in-one tree, which offers a chance to see this historically and culturally significant natural wonder known as ‘Inyabutatu’ by the Rwandese. It contains three intertwined tree species, the ‘Igihondondo,’ ‘Inigabiro’ and ‘Umusando.’ The three-in-one tree is considered to represent the harmony and unity of the three ethnic groups in Rwanda who particularly served the King with unrelenting loyalty. Exploring this tree will also present you the opportunity of seeing the ‘Umuvumu,’ or ‘the curse.’ This is because it is believed that ages ago 30 local men cut down the tree for firewood. The tree however reformed back to its original state before they could even collect the pieces. The next day, these men plus their families died.
Best time to visit Buhanga Eco-Park
Visit Buhanga eco-park on any day of the year. But, for those who desire warmer and drier weather conditions, the dry season is the optimal time for you. During the dry months of the year, you will have an uninterrupted tour experience due to minimal possibilities of rainfall besides the less challenging tracks or roads to navigate. The dry season occurs during December to February and June to September. The skies are also clear with adequate sunshine to enhance visibility as you hike on dry terrain.
Reaching Buhanga Eco-Park
To reach Buhanga eco-park, you will cover a road distance of 102 kilometers from Kigali city. The scenic journey northwest of Kigali takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Private means are available from a reputable tour operator like Monteero Safaris. We provide a wide range of vehicles for hire, ranging from 4X4 safari land cruisers, saloon cars, drones and others. Professional drivers, proficient in both English and French are also available to elevate your transfer with expertise and local insight.
If you prefer a quicker mode of transportation that instead offers views of Rwanda from above, you can select air transport. RwandAir offers helicopter flights from Kigali International Airport to the nearest airstrip, which is Musanze airstrip. The flight takes 30 minutes and upon your arrival at Musanze, you will have to organize ground transportation to Buhanga eco-park. This is about 9 kilometers on road. This 13-minute drive can be done with Monteero Safaris, who will also help with reservation of your helicopter flight with RwandAir.
What to pack for the Buhanga Eco-Park tour
For an unforgettable exploration of the Buhanga eco-park, do not forget to pack the essential items or gear as mentioned below,
- Strong hiking shoes or boots
- Lightweight dull-colored clothes
- Sun protection gear (UV-protective sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunscreen)
- Light rain jacket
- Camera and a pair of binoculars
- Refillable water bottle
- Daypack
- Basic first aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Travel documents