Flights to Butare
Book flights to Butare
Butare is a city in the Southern Province of Rwanda, located near the border with Burundi. While Kigali is the political capital, Butare is known as the intellectual centre of the country. Here, you'll find the National University of Rwanda's Butare campus, which was the first university established in the country. Butare is also known for its National Museum, which houses a large collection of artefacts that tell the story of Rwanda's culture and history. If you're interested in learning more about Rwanda's traditional way of life, a visit to the museum is a must-do.
At Alternative Airlines, we make it simple for you to book flights to Butare - with over 600 airlines to choose from and more than 40 ways to pay, booking flights to Butare couldn't be easier.
Airports near Butare
There are multiple ways to reach Butare - here are 4 airports you can use to get to Butare.
Kigali International Airport
This is the largest airport in Rwanda and the most well-connected, offering international flights from various hubs like Addis Ababa, Dubai, and Amsterdam. Located around 135 kilometres (84 miles) northwest of Butare, it offers connecting flights to Kamembe Airport (KME), the closest airport to Butare. The total travel time, including the connecting flight and ground transportation, would be approximately 3-4 hours.
Kamembe International Airport
As the closest airport to Butare, Kamembe offers limited scheduled flights, mainly connecting flights from Kigali International Airport. Depending on your travel plans and flexibility, it might be a convenient option if you find a suitable connecting flight. However, expect limited flight options and potentially higher fares compared to Kigali.
Bujumbura International Airport
This is the largest airport in neighbouring Burundi, located around 180 kilometres (112 miles) southwest of Butare. It offers connections to various African and Middle Eastern destinations. While ground transportation options like buses and taxis are available from Bujumbura to Butare, the border crossing and travel time (approximately 4-5 hours) can add complexity to your journey.
Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe, Uganda's main airport, is around 400 kilometres (249 miles) southwest of Butare. While offering a wider range of international connections compared to Bujumbura, the extended distance and additional border crossing significantly increase travel time (approximately 7-8 hours) and complexity. Consider this option only if you find exceptional flight deals or plan to explore Uganda before reaching Butare.
Buy your flights to Butare and pay later
If you'd like to easily manage your travel expenses and don't want to pay the full cost of your flights to Butare upfront, why not consider using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payment methods at Alternative Airlines?
With BNPL plans, you can divide the cost of your tickets to Butare into smaller, more manageable chunks that can be paid back over time. There's usually no interest involved, however, it's wise to check with the lending provider beforehand.
Book your flights to Butare today and pay later at Alternative Airlines!
Things to do in Butare
With a wealth of sights to see in Butare, here are our top 3:
National Museum of Rwanda
Housing one of the finest ethnographic collections in East Africa, the National Museum of Rwanda offers a deep dive into Rwandan culture and history. The museum showcases artefacts, traditional clothing, musical instruments, and everyday objects, providing a window into the lives of Rwandan people throughout time. Visitors can learn about pre-colonial societies, the monarchy, and the impact of colonialism. The museum also features a section dedicated to contemporary art.
Murambi Genocide Memorial
A sombre yet important site, the Murambi Genocide Memorial serves as a final resting place for over 50,000 victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The memorial includes mass graves, educational exhibits, and a poignant collection of photographs and stories from survivors. Visiting Murambi offers a chance to learn about this dark chapter in Rwandan history, pay respects to the victims, and promote peace and reconciliation.
Inema Art Centre
Founded in 2010, the Inema Art Center is a lively hub for contemporary Rwandan art. The centre houses exhibition spaces, artist studios, and a residency program. Visitors can explore a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and performances. Inema Art Center plays a crucial role in supporting Rwandan artists and promoting Rwandan art on the international stage.
