Urutare Rwa Ngarama

Urutare Rwa Ngarama, An Interesting Cultural Site In Rwanda

Rwanda dubbed the land of a thousand hills is one of the extraordinary African destinations that are explored by tourists, owing to the existence of abundant attractions and activities ranging from gorilla trekking, game viewing, chimpanzee tracking to cultural tours. The different Parks in the country including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and Akagera National Parks offer unforgettable safari experiences but heritage sites are always compliments to memorable experiences by tourists who visit the country.

Heritage sites in Rwanda are always conserved as valuable references for the young generations of the country and also get the opportunity of seeing history, touching and feeling the culture in addition to enriching the learning process and adding value to the educational system. However, even with the rich tourism potential, most of the country’s attractions remain unexplored including Urutare rwa Ngarama.

To make history come alive, you can travel to Ngarama sector in Gatsibo district where you will be led to the Urutare Rwa Ngarama, one of the most spectacular cultural sites in the region and Rwanda in general. This attractive Heritage site lies at approximately 20 kilometers from “Mu byapa bya Ngarama” along the main highway to Nyagatare (Kigali) but the locals refer to it as “Ibare rya Ngarama” meaning the “stone of Ngarama” in the Urukiga Language.

Dating back to more than 50 years, this beautiful historical rock sits on an area of 3 hectares and is attributed to Mwami Ruganzu Ndoli, comprising of several footprints and it is said that the features were fixed at the site by Ruganzu as a sign of his exceptional knowledge and greatness. However, other legends attribute the site to a mysterious hero known as Ngarama who reportedly murdered Saruhara, an enormously strong vulture that was hatched from Nkomokomo and had for long terrorized the areas before being killed by Ngarama.

This magical rock is said to be able to make an echo when hit with a metal or stone and is also a wonderful site for holidaymakers from within and outside the country. If you get a chance to visit this site in Gatsibo district, you will not only be mesmerized but also humbled by the country’s past and history.

In addition to the Urutare rwa Ngarama, there are several cultural and heritage sites that can be explored by tourists during Rwanda safaris and these include Utubindi twa Rubona, Ryamurari and Makwaza hill among others.