Nena House: A Cozy Weekend Getaway from Kigali
Wilhelm and I recently went on a slow, cozy weekend getaway to Nena House, pairing it with stops at the King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum. It was the perfect mix of culture, history, and quiet countryside time. It’s exactly the kind of weekend reset that feels like more than just one night away.
For a quick weekend getaway, leaving Saturday morning and returning Sunday evening is enough time to enjoy Nena House and visit the nearby sites.
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Where to Stay: Nena House
Nena House is about 2.5 hours from Kigali, but the drive feels shorter when you plan a few stops along the way (and on the way back).
The property is owned by a lovely Rwandan woman who lives in France, and we were lucky that she happened to be visiting while we were there. That made the stay feel even more personal.
The road to Nena House is fine until you turn off the NR1. Our Rav4 made it slowly on the dirt roads. Google Maps is fine.
A kid jumped on the back of our car to hitch a ride eek
Round Huts
I just love the round Rwandan rooms. The room was spacious and comfortable.
The property has a focus on eco-friendly materials and practices, including water. If you want to shower, just ask for a thermos of hot water for a bucket shower.
Lounging
There are several cute spots to lounge around the property, small cabanas, outdoor seating, and even a fun throne-like chair that feels made for reading or daydreaming.
For sunset, ask to be taken down to the garden spot. This is where the owner spent her school days studying, and she turned it into a beautifully manicured garden. You’ll need the guard to guide you there since the path winds through neighboring fields, but it’s a great little walk to go on after your drive here.
A fire is set up after dinner. We spent the evening reading and listening to the crackling fire under a sky full of stars.
Food
We had a lovely dinner on site for 8,000 RWF per person.
For breakfast, we had pancakes, fruit, and fresh avocados.
On the way to Nena House
Pit Stop
If you want some local transit snacks, stop at Haji Enterprise on the way to Nena House. Go around the back and get some samosa, corn, and goat on a stick.
Lunch at Kindi’s
For a classic rolex (egg wrap), stop at Kindi’s to fuel up before continuing your journey.
King’s Palace Museum
Foreign Resident: 9,000 RWF
International: 11,000 RWF
On the way to Nena House, we stopped at the King’s Palace Museum, which is an absolute must for anyone wanting to understand Rwanda’s history and cultural structures.
The visit is a mandatory guided tour, but it’s truly worth it. The tour lasts about 1–1.5 hours, depending on how many questions you ask (and you should ask questions). Inside the King’s palace, built by the Belgians, I really appreciated the maps showing how expansive the Rwandan kingdom once was, stretching into what is now DRC, Uganda, and Burundi.
You’ll also learn about traditional huts, family structures, and social life. One of the most fascinating parts is learning about the rules around milk and beer-making… But I’ll let that surprise you when you go.
I also loved that all the guides wear traditional Rwandan clothing, which makes the experience feel even more immersive.
The highlight, without question, is seeing the royal cows. These cows are essentially spoiled pets. They’re not used for milk or meat, and they’re even given proper burials. You’ll hear a beautiful traditional song as the cow herder calls the cows by name. You can even pet them!
Their horns are crazyyy, and the cows themselves are gentle and calm.
On the way back to Kigali
Ethnographic Museum
Foreign Resident: 1,000 RWF
International: 10,000 RWF
The Ethnographic Museum is a great way to see Rwanda’s history through artifacts and storytelling. There are no photos allowed inside, but you’ll walk away with a solid understanding of traditional materials, landscapes, and ways of life from past to present.
Plan for 40 minutes here, as the museum isn’t that big. The golden cow head outside the museum is a fun picture spot.
Huye Coffee
Get a cup of coffee or go on a tour at Huye Coffee. The beans here are cheaper than in the grocery store (so they say, I can’t remember the price difference)… It’s a little detour from the Ethnographic Museum but the town is nice to drive through.
Gatagara Pottery
Get in touch in advance with Jean Pierre via text to visit Gatagara Pottery. This is the pottery spot that all the rustic pottery in Rwanda is sourced from. You’ll recognize it when you see it. The kiln operates during the week, but you can see their operation over the weekend too (without the workers). Jean Pierre speaks French.
I’ve honestly found a larger selection of their pottery at Abraham Konga, Fika Cafe, and Kg Craft Cafe but I enjoyed seeing the kiln and learning about the history of the kiln.
Lunch at Stafford or Azizi Life
On your way back to Kigali, I highly recommend you stop at Stafford Coffee. For lunch, get (another) rolex , great coffee, and fresh juice.
There are also artworks around the shop and a small souvenir area (though I personally find the souvenirs a bit overpriced compared to Kigali).
Another lunch option is at Azizi Life, which is sister to the shop in Kigali. There are nice souvenirs but they also have a good-looking menu.
This Nena House weekend trip is perfect if you want a mix of culture, nature, and rest without taking time off work. Nena House is one of those places that makes you slow down naturally, and pairing it with the King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum makes the whole weekend feel adventurous.