Discovering Rwanda’s history is a special experience. It is a responsibility not just for the Rwandan people but for everyone. Rwanda is one of the four nations in East Africa, along with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The beautiful landlocked country of Rwanda, often called “the Land of a Thousand Hills,” is known for its friendly people, mild climate, rich culture, and more.
This welcoming atmosphere starts in the capital city, Kigali, and spreads to other regions, where gorillas live in the north, the Big Five animals are found in Akagera National Park in the east, and chimpanzees live in Nyungwe National Park.
Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage is also preserved in the famous Kandt House Museum. The Kandt House Museum of Natural History is one of eight museums in Rwanda. Other notable ones include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the King’s Palace Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum.
All these museums are managed by the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda. They showcase the history and culture of Rwanda, including artifacts related to the genocide, traditional Rwandan culture, plants and animals, and more.
The Kandt Museum is located in Kigali City on KN 90 Street, about 1 kilometer west of the city center. It is situated in a spot with a beautiful view of Shyorongi, the historic city of Kigali, Mount Kigali, and Mount Jali.
The museum is named after Richard Kandt, Rwanda’s first colonial governor, who ruled in the early 1900s. Kandt lived in a house on Nyarugenge Hill that was turned into a museum on December 17, 2017.
However, the building has been in use as a museum since 2006. The museum displays a variety of exhibits, including Rwanda’s geography, Germany’s geology, historical displays, live snakes to show the connection between nature and history, and the flora and fauna from Rwanda’s three national parks: Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe.
The museum also provides insights into Richard Kandt’s life and work.
The museum is spacious and divided into sections. The first section gives an overview of Rwandan social, political, monarchical, and economic life.
The second section focuses on Rwanda during colonial times under German rule, starting in 1884. Germany ruled Rwanda from the Berlin Conference of 1884 until 1916, when Belgium took over after World War I.
This is the largest section of the museum. The third section shows the development of Kigali City before, during, and after German colonial rule.
When Rwanda gained independence in 1962, Kigali was made the capital city.
When to Visit Kandt House Museum
The Kandt House Museum is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on April 7 and Umuganda Days (the last Saturday of each month), when it opens from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visitors of all ages are welcome. Besides visiting the Kandt House Museum, you can explore the other seven museums in and around Kigali.
Other Attractions in Rwanda
Half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in Rwanda. In the northern region, at Volcanoes National Park, you can see them while participating in gorilla trekking or habituation experiences.
Mountain gorillas are gentle and shy apes with DNA that is 98% similar to humans.
In Nyungwe National Park, you can go chimpanzee trekking and enjoy a canopy walk. Akagera National Park offers boat rides and game drives for a chance to see Rwanda’s wildlife.
The Kandt House Museum is one of Rwanda’s top attractions. Spend some of your vacation exploring this museum to learn about the fascinating history, culture, and politics of this beautiful country.
