King Musinga
Very handsome they were, the kings of Rwanda: tall, lean, fine facial features and self-assured. The numerous photos of the royal family dating back to the 19th century are the most interesting displays in the new palace built in 1932. It is now part of the Rukali Royal Museum high up on Nyanza Hill.
The real attraction, however, is the reconstructed Ancient Royal Palace. It immediately reminded me of the Dorzi beehive dwellings in southern Ethiopia. What today looks like a gigantic hut was then the centerpiece of the pompous court that even impressed the German colonizers.
Until 1899, a permanent royal palace was unknown. That very year, the king decided it was high time to break with the traditions of moving from residence to residence. Thus he had one built a few kilometers from Nyanza. And travelling they liked, the Rwandan kings. Photos show them visiting European monarchs, quite at ease in tiny airplanes.