Your stay — Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)
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The Property — Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)
Four Steps (Le Petit Prince) is a 3-star hotel in Butare, Rwanda, offering a simple, rustic charm. The lobby features a mix of traditional Rwandan decor and modern amenities, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. This hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travellers and nature enthusiasts who want to explore the surrounding volcanoes and tea plantations. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the friendly staff and the sound of traditional Rwandan music playing softly in the background.
Chronicles of Butare
Butare, the intellectual and cultural capital of Rwanda, was founded in 1907 as a German colonial outpost. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, with a mix of German and Rwandan styles, and a blend of modern and traditional buildings. Today, Butare is a hub for education, arts, and culture, with several universities and museums. The city is also home to the National University of Rwanda and the Butare Museum, which showcases the country's history and natural heritage. Butare's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Kinyarwanda heritage, with many residents speaking the local language and celebrating traditional festivals.
Best Time to Visit
Full Butare guide →Best months
The best months to visit Butare are June and July, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs of 20°C (68°F). These months also coincide with the peak of the tea harvest, offering a unique opportunity to visit local tea plantations.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Butare is during the Rwanda Cultural Festival in July, which attracts thousands of visitors to the city. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, with prices up to 30% higher than the average. The festival features traditional music, dance, and art performances, as well as a food festival showcasing local cuisine.
Budget shoulder season
The best time for budget-conscious travellers is during the shoulder season, from April to May or September to November, when prices are lower and the weather is still mild. During these periods, you can enjoy the city's attractions without the crowds and heat of the peak season.
Weather & packing
Butare's climate is generally mild, but it can get chilly in the evenings, especially during the dry season. Pack layers for your visit, including a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Butare
- The Butare-Rusizi Road has been upgraded, reducing travel time to the city from Kigali to just over an hour.
- The new Butare Museum of Natural History is set to open in 2026, featuring exhibits on Rwanda's unique biodiversity and natural heritage.
- The local tea plantations are expecting a bumper harvest in 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to taste some of the world's best tea.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Four Steps (Le Petit Prince), here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Room 101 or 102 on the first floor would be a good choice as they are likely to be quieter, located closer to the lobby, and have easy access to the hotel's facilities.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (elevators) are best avoided as they can be noisy, especially if the lift is frequently used.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Taba Road does not offer any notable views, given its location in a town setting.
Quietest floors
The ground floor is likely a quiet area as it's closest to the lobby and away from the potential street noise on Taba Road.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may hear some street noise on Taba Road, which could be a concern for light sleepers, especially if the hotel is located near a major intersection.
Insider tips
1. If you have a car, consider asking about parking availability and costs, as it may be limited in the area. 2. Be prepared for a simple, no-frills experience, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more basic service.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand, including PressReader and FT; no physical papers
Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out fee RWF 10,000 per hour
Free luggage storage available at reception, 24/7
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at the main entrance, but some rooms in the historic wing have structural limitations
On-site parking available, RWF 5,000 per night; nearest public car park is Kigali Arena Parking, RWF 3,000 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: RWF 1,500 per person, per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: RWF 50,000 as advance deposit and RWF 20,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Maison des Missionnaires des Sacrés Cœurs (245 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Maison des Missionnaires des Sacrés Cœurs (248 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Église Saint Vincent de Paul (339 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Maison des Missionnaires des Sacrés Cœurs (341 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Ethnographic Museum — 543 m · ~7 min walk
Théâtre Verdure — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bank of Kigali — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Viva Branch Pharmancy — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
Huye/Butare Bus Station — 673 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Rwandan Franc, RWF
You can exchange currency at banks, forex bureaux, or use ATMs. Avoid airport exchange services as they often offer poor rates. Be prepared to show your passport and photocopy your ID.
Credit/debit cards and mobile payments like MTN MoMo are widely accepted in Butare. Some businesses may not accept contactless payments, so it's best to carry cash.
Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 200-500 RWF is considered polite for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local café for around 500-800 RWF.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a local street food stall or a small restaurant serving a meal for around 1,500-2,500 RWF.
You can find affordable dinner options at local eateries for around 3,000-4,500 RWF for a main course.
Street food is readily available in the town centre, particularly around the market area.
The local supermarket, Inyange, offers affordable grocery options.
Second-hand clothing and market stalls along the main road offer affordable shopping options.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local minibus service (around 100-200 RWF per ride). From the airport, take a taxi to Butare town (around 10,000-15,000 RWF).
Buy bottled water instead of relying on tap water to stay hydrated.Use local transportation services instead of taxis for shorter distances.Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls for affordable meals.
Emergency Contacts
ButareAll emergency services in Rwanda are reached via 112. For non-urgent police assistance, call 118. Dial 114 for child protection. The Butare District Hospital (CHUB) on KN 10 Street handles medical emergencies directly. Mobile coverage is good but keep a local SIM charged.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Butare, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Bank of Kigali — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk — pharmacy · Viva Branch Pharmancy — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Kigali (Nyabugogo bus station) → Butare (main bus stop)
💡 Catch express buses (Yasmin or Volcano) for a smoother ride. From Butare bus stop, take a moto (500 RWF) to Hotel Credo. Avoid pickpockets in crowded queues.
Kigali (any hotel or bus stop) → Hotel Credo, Butare
💡 Haggle in cash at Kigali's Nyabugogo taxi park. Avoid drivers offering 'tourist price' — negotiate down to 30,000-35,000 RWF if you're confident.
Kigali International Airport (KGL) → Hotel Credo, Butare
💡 Arrange direct with Hotel Credo reception; drivers often wait outside arrivals holding a sign. Confirm price before departure — no hidden surcharges.
Butare main bus stop → Hotel Credo, Butare
💡 Standard fare is 500 RWF — don't pay more. Always bring a helmet if offered; not all drivers carry one. Ask for 'Credo hotel' and they'll know exactly where.
About Butare
Wikipedia ↗
Butare (Kinyarwanda: [βú.tɑ́.ɾe]), also known as Huye and formerly known as Astrida, is a city with a population of 62,823 (2022 census) in the Southern Province of Rwanda and the capital of Huye district. It is the seventh largest town in Rwanda by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
Room 101 or 102 on the first floor would be a good choice as they are likely to be quieter, located closer to the lobby, and have easy access to the hotel's facilities.
Which rooms should I avoid at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
Rooms near the lift (elevators) are best avoided as they can be noisy, especially if the lift is frequently used.
Is Four Steps (Le Petit Prince) noisy?
Guests may hear some street noise on Taba Road, which could be a concern for light sleepers, especially if the hotel is located near a major intersection.
Which rooms have the best views at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Taba Road does not offer any notable views, given its location in a town setting.
What are insider tips for staying at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
1. If you have a car, consider asking about parking availability and costs, as it may be limited in the area. 2. Be prepared for a simple, no-frills experience, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more basic service.
What time is check-in at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
Check-in at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince) is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Four Steps (Le Petit Prince) have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
RWF 1,500 per person, per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a local street food stall or a small restaurant serving a meal for around 1,500-2,500 RWF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Four Steps (Le Petit Prince)?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local minibus service (around 100-200 RWF per ride). From the airport, take a taxi to Butare town (around 10,000-15,000 RWF).
When is the best time to visit Butare?
The best months to visit Butare are June and July, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs of 20°C (68°F). These months also coincide with the peak of the tea harvest, offering a unique opportunity to visit local tea plantations.
Top Attractions in Butare
💡 Mass is at 10:00 on Sundays—the choir is excellent. Weekday visits are fine but the church may be locked; ask at the adjacent parish office.
💡 Go before 10:00 for the best produce and fewer crowds. Haggling is expected but start gently. Avoid the meat section if you're squeamish.
💡 Walk through the main gate and head left to the admin block—ask at reception to see the mural in the old assembly hall. Weekday mornings are quietest.
💡 The gate is often unattended. If locked, ask at the nearby National University of Rwanda campus office. No facilities—bring water.
💡 Entry is 8,000 RWF (about £6). The guided tour is essential and takes 90 minutes. Go early to avoid school groups.