The rocks of Kamegeri have many different versions of stories; it’s situated in Ruhonga Rwanda ,the rock derives its name from a man known as Kamegeri, who advised the then King of Rwanda that this place must become a place for punishing lawbreakers in the king’s kingdom. The locals call the rock “Urutare really Kamegeri” in their native language to mean the Rock of Kamegeri.
The rocks of Kamegeri were to be a punishing ground for lawbreakers that would be killed through the heating of the rock with fire until it would become red hot and then people would be put here and tortured to death. Surprisingly, the king welcomed the idea and passed the penalty for lawbreaking, but the first person to be burnt here was Kamegeri himself.
The King who ruled during this time was Mwami (king) called Yuhi IV Gahindiro, who ruled from 1746 to 1853, the Kamegeri idea came when a good and close friend of the king betrayed the king and was accused of treason. Kamegeri was one of the king’s advisers, hence one of those that brought their own ideas in suggestion of the king’s betrayer’s punishment.
Once the king heard Kamegeris idea he ordered that it be done, and the king’s servants wet and fetched firewood and lit the rock until it was glowing red hot and then asked that the traitor be brought out in chains to be punished as he stood with Kamegeri, the rocks had so much heat that the guards who brought the victim could not get near it.
As the King and Kamegeri watched before the traitor was put to fire, he asked that Kamegeri and the traitor should be tied together and put to fire to together how could he think of such a terrible way of punishing any human in this manner despite the crime? King Gahindiro was well known for not being violent and cruel.
Other stories say that the king who ruled during the burning of Kamegeri was known as Mibambwe Sekarongoro Mutabazi. it is said that the king ordered that Kamegeri must be burnt because of his brutal idea of punishment; the rock had no name until the day Kamegeri was burnt here.
From the day Kamegeri was burnt on these rocks, the place has been up-to-date, called the rocks of Kamegeri, this site can be included in your itinerary while visiting Rwanda. The locals say that this rock is always warm no matter the weather so make sure you touch it to confirm if you visit here.
Today the rocks of Kamegeri have become a tourist attraction in Rwanda; they are just by the roadside when heading to Nyanza , tourists can also take some photos at the site; they are free of charge.
The rock of Kamegeri can be accessed in the Ruhango district it’s hard to get to the rock if ’re using public means; some very good drivers can just help you stop by the rock for a few minutes if you passing this route. Tourists can also ask their Rwanda tour operators to take them to the rock.
Getting to the rock of Kamegeri is free of charge at no cost; the only budget you can have is for organizing transport fares.
