Mimuri Cultural and Heritage Site – Rwanda Safaris
The medley of Wildlife, birds, mountains and hills, waterfalls and other spectacular landmarks are the core of Rwanda’s tourism but the richness of Rwanda’s wonderful history and heritage is significant for passing knowledge to different generations but also creates an outstanding identity of the country in the World. This country’s extraordinary history dates back to the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial period including the time of Kingdoms, and the Mimuri site will bring part of the country’s history to life.
Mimuri is a spectacular cultural and Heritage Site found near the popular Mimuri market within Nyagatare district and is one of the most interesting sites any cultural enthusiast can ever visit during a safari. This Heritage site is comprised of a group of at least five houses, with three of them in circular while the remaining two are in trapezoid shapes.
You must now be wondering what is unique about the site and the houses but they are extraordinary structures constructed by Mwami (King) Mutare III Rudahigwa in early 1950s using metal sheets but before that, Umutara region was originally savannah woodland and used to be an important hunting area during the Monarchy period. It is said that hunting was Rudihigwa’s hobby much as it was also a tradition for Rwandan Kings to go hunting around the Kingdoms for interacting with the locals and meetings with the village/Kingdom Chiefs. Visiting this site means stepping in the same footsteps of King Rudahigwa during his reign and thus takes you back to the past.
The five houses within this site were built and used as the hunting camp, meeting with the locals or subjects and the local chiefs but are most importantly a reflection of Rudagibwa’s early aspirations of development and modernity as witnessed in the materials used during constructions.
Additionally, the beautiful architectural designs include Chimneys for warmth during the gatherings in cold evenings. Besides the cultural and heritage site, there are also many Museums in the country to offer explanations and insight to the past or history to Rwanda and some of them include the Museum of Natural History, the Nyanza Royal Palace and Ethnographic Museum in addition to cultural sites such as Rock of Kamegeri, Utubindi Twa Rubona, Urutare Rwa Ngarama, Ryamurari, Ndaba Rock waterfalls and many others.
In conclusion, because culture, heritage and history are important in tracing where the country evolved from, ancient sites have been preserved because they create the identity of the country and explain the past. Visiting Mimuri in Rwanda will take you back to the footsteps of King Rudahigwa as you learn about his hobby-hunting.
