Nyanza

There was a time when Rwandan royalty strolled along the dusty streets and highways of far-flung Nyanza, wandering beneath the vast bulbous domes of the adobe and thatched historic King's Palace.

This site in Rwanda's southern reaches is rich in history and culture as one of the final capitals of the pre-colonial Kingdom of Rwanda. A few long-horned Ankole cattle, descended from the king's herd, reside in the back, where their caretakers meticulously tend to them and sing to them.

Come learn about the country's former leaders, learn about the sobering and moving events of the Rwandan Genocide, and tour the museum collections housed in the old courtrooms. The Rwesero Art Museum, possibly the most prominent and valuable in the country, is also located in Nyanza.

• Location: Nyanza, Rwanda
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Track chimps and wander through Nyungwe Forest's canopy
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: June, July, August, September, and October are the finest months to visit Nyanza-Lac because of the pleasant weather.