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Butare, Rwanda

Piotr Jaworski

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Butare is an even smaller place than Kigali but this is no reflection of its stature - it has been described as the intellectual centre of Rwanda, due to the fact that the National University, National Institute of Scientific Research and National Museum are all sited here. You'll find plenty in Butare to exercise your mind and your sense of what Rwanda is all about, from presentations of Rwanda's prehistory and ethnic beginnings to vibrant cultural performances.

The Musee National du Rwanda is the centrepiece of Butare, a huge and amazing Belgium-donated architectural treat that houses a wide variety of archaeological and ethnographical displays, and which would rank as one of the best museums in the East African region. Not all the exhibits are behind glass or arrayed on pedestals however - the museum is also the facilitator for a traditional Rwandan dance troupe which puts on a spectacular full-costumed and heavy-rhythmed show when it's in town. When you've had your cultural fill, you can indulge in some natural beauty at the tree-lined Arboretum de Ruhande, or browse the local craft shops a few kilometres out of Butare at Gihindamuyaga and Gishamvu.