These ancient trees, standing at what was once the entrance to the king's palace, are more than mere botanical giants.
They are living relics of a time when Rwanda's monarch ruled over the land, symbols of the grandeur that greeted visitors as they approached the royal residence.
The ficus trees, believed to have been deliberately planted at the palace gates, have stood for generations, their roots entwined with the stories of Rwanda's past.
A nearby signpost erected by the Rwanda Culture and Heritage Academy (RCHA) provides further insight into the historical importance of this location, which sits just a few meters from the shores of Lake Kivu.
The choice of this location was not merely for its scenic beauty but for its strategic role in the military expeditions of the time. King Kigeli IV Rwabugiri, who reigned from 1853 to 1895, used his royal palacesâ€"particularly those near Lake Kivuâ€"as staging grounds for military expeditions.
Nyamasheke holds a special place in this royal history. It was here that King Rwabugiri resided when he received the German explorer Von Gotzen in May 1894.
After this historic meeting at Kageyo in Ngororero, the king returned to Nyamasheke to celebrate the Umuganura festival in June, a traditional Rwandan harvest festival symbolizing unity and prosperity.
Following the celebrations, he embarked on one of his most significant military expeditions.
Tragically, King Rwabugiri's fate was sealed during one of these expeditions. While on his way to the battlefield in Bunyabungo, he was poisoned at Iyamabini Island.
Although efforts were made to return him to his residence, he died in a boat before reaching Nyamasheke. His body was received at his residence and later transported to Riture in Gicumbi, where he was laid to rest.
The peninsula of Mivura, near the residence, served as grazing land for the king's cattle, adding another layer to the significance of this area.
Today, the royal residence may have faded into history, but the ficus trees continue to stand as enduring guardians of King Rwabugiri's legacy.
As you stand beneath the broad branches of these ancient trees, it's easy to imagine the grandeur that once defined this royal site.
Théophile Niyitegeka
