The Rock of Kamegeri -Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda has been widely known for memorable travel experiences. These range from the popular gorilla treks in Volcanoes national park featuring as a key attraction in the country, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking, volcano climbing, bird watching and cultural tours among others. Each day, hundreds of travelers check in at Kigali international airport or through any borders into Rwanda to taste and enjoy this peaceful country. However, its been realized that some tourism spots have not yet been explored by the past travelers. In this documentary, we disclose to you the least visited but charming rock of kamegeri which most travelers have missed out on their Rwanda safaris. The rock is locally called “Urutare rwa Kamegeri” which translates in English as the rock of Kamegeri.

The historical rock is sited in Ruhango district named after a one Kamegeri who met his death on this rock. Kamegeri was once an advisor of an early Rwandan king (Mwami Yuhi IV Gahindiro) who was the then ruler. Unlike the leaders before him, Mwami Yuhi was a peaceful leader who governed Rwanda Republic from 1746 to 1853. The king and was recognized for his fair and non-violent characters. Kagemeri was one of king Gahindiro’s most loved chiefs whom local people referred to him as Umula wahadasohoka in Kinyarwanda. The king was so intelligent and this was proved when the chief Kagemeri tried to trick him with a weird advice.

One time, kamegeri advised the king that this isolated rock could be helpful in ending violence and breaking laws hence enemies to the king. The advisor (kamegeri) further advised the king that the rock be used to punish criminals by heating it with firewood until it was red-red and then scrap the person (criminal) on it to bake him/her till death. After the advise, the king first seemed happy with the suggestion and ordered the guards to heat the rock to make it ready for criminals. After it was ready, the king commanded the guards to get kamegeri, tie him and scrap him on this unbearable hot rock and be burnt. The king’s decision shocked all people who were present and those who came to hear of. To the king, Kamegeri was the right person to kill and free the kingdom of people of such a character.

In his speech, the king was startled on how a fellow man (Kagemeri) could bring in such a suggestion for their colleagues despite the crimes they have done. The king confirmed to people that it was necessary to free the kingdom of the man who would suggest such a cruel fate against his fellows despite the crime he/she has done. In his rein, the king was a non-violent man who could not stand people of such characters (killing some one) no matter the crime. The king believed in simple punishments to discipline the criminals correcting them to do right things.

In order to diversify tourism products in Rwanda and reward travelers with new travel experiences, Rwanda has recognized the rock of Kamegeri as one of the tourism spots one should check out before leaving Rwanda. Travelers are reminded to always touch the rock, which is believed to be warm despite the weather.

How to get there
There is no need to worry on how to get this spot. Fortunately, the rock of kamegeri can be accessed by road due its location besides the road. Travelers who want to use public means like buses and taxis are advised to either go to Ruhango bus port or Nyanza bus port where buses/taxis that pass by the rock are found. Though some locals may find it hard to direct you, most people especially taxi and bus drivers know the place and will willingly take you there. For whoever wants privacy, there is an alternative of hiring cars from town taking you you with comfort and safety at relatively affordable rates. Travelers who book their Rwanda safaris with Gorilla Trek Africa have an added advantage.

A visit to the rock of kamegeri cam be included into their travel itineraries which make it easier to connect there as part of their travel plan. This makes it much easier compared to travelers who go there alone. Travelers who are using the public means are reminded to bargain and be sure of the prices to avoid being over priced for nothing. Also remind the driver that you are stopping at the rock of kamegere so they can drop you there as the bus/taxi proceeds to other areas after that spot. There is no reception or office at this place buy lucky travelers find local people who willingly explain what happened and how the rock came to be called the rock of kamegere. Fortunately, there is no fee charged to visit this place and even the photos are captured free of charge. In case there are locals around a traveler can ask them to take him/her photos and also inform them that you have come to see the rock. Taking photos without notifying locals who some times re in their nearby gardens can make them annoyed thinking that you are taking photos of them for other purposes.

Therefore an inclusion of the rock of kamegeri on your bucket list to Rwanda is of great help. After your gorilla tour in Volcanoes national park or any other tourism activity in Rwanda, visit this rock of kamegere for a more enjoyable Rwanda safari experience.

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