Ibyiwacu Cultural Village; This is well known as ‘’The Gorilla Guardian Village’’ found in Rwanda and Ibyiwacu is one of the Rwanda’s stunning places that make ranks the country on top of beautiful scenery and countless green hills. The government of Rwanda through the Tourism Board has selected this tourist destination as one of best visited in Africa. Despite her small size and fewer natural resources compared to her neighbors. More fact, the Ibyawacu Cultural ‘’ also known as the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village’’ positioned in the district of Musanze. Well, the word ‘’Ibyiwacu’’ is in Kinyarwanda word which means ‘’ Treasures of our home and heritage’’.
The Iby’iwacu cultural village ranks as one of the leading cultural attractions in Rwanda. The Village combines all of Rwanda’s impressive cultural traditions, people and history into one place for display and a personal life experience.
International visitors get to see what life was in a typical African village setting including; the lifestyle, traditional houses, traditional dances, dressing code, food, herbs and learn how the ancient kingdoms were respectively organized. Along visitor’s visit at Iby’iwacu are given an opportunity to learn about ancient hunting skills, try weaving baskets /mats, carpentry. This experience has won the hearts of many visitors who indulge in the culture of Rwanda’s native community after visiting the capital Kigali – you can opt to do gorilla trekking and hiking a mountain like Karisimbi. It is also a rewarding place for relaxation while offering opportunities to purchase local craft, gifts and souvenir to take for friends.
Apart from the considerable revenue and publicity it helps generate, the Iby’iwacu cultural center serves as a merge factor for Rwanda’s cultural /tribal groups like; the Tutsis, Hutus and the Batwa. More so, Rwanda Cultural village tour encourage a feeling of oneness based on a common shared ideology. Fact, many of the local entertainers ‘’Batwa’’ were once poachers and the Gorilla Guardian cultural village has given them an opportunity to do something that helps them earn a living for their families while keeping them away from poaching.
What to expect at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village?
Well, the Iby’iwacu cultural Centre was designed to offer many interesting learning activities while at the same time permitting visitors to relax and get a feel of the local culture. Visitors are usually welcomed by a traditional dance and drumming at the main gate which is only an indicator of the many amazing activities forthcoming. Below are some of the activities to look at;
Home visits ad community walks; The best way to understand the diversity within the human race is by interacting, sharing and generally visiting cultures of different communities. The home visits and community walks while visiting the Gorilla Guardian Village which gives high opportunities to understand the cultural uniqueness of the Kinyarwanda culture and heritage. Visitors also get a great chance to sit side by side with the locals in their traditional homes and grass thatched huts. As you sit down, elders in place are eager to share information and stories about Rwanda and her rich history. Visitors will be presented with a great opportunity to visit the local banana and vegetable plantations. You will also learn the art of preparing one of the traditional foods or join into special grinding stone to make fine millet flour.
Note; Watching, listening and dancing to traditional music, dance and drama; Music, dance and drama identifies how African tradition and culture is worthwhile on Rwanda safari. Visitors interested in in traditional music and dance, visit the Iby’iwacu cultural center where you will be offered opportunities to listen to several impressive local musical sounds including; the Ingoma, Amakondera, Inanga, Umuduri, Ibyivugo and Agakenke. Each sound is perfect, with special musical instruments and dancing style. For example; the Intore – it is known as warrior dance performed by men with grass clothing and little bells wrapped around their legs while holding out spears in a mock battle. They are youthful men and women with their smiling and happy faces eager to invite you to take part in the dance or get to learn how to drum.
Visiting The King’s Palace; This is also part of activity when visiting the Iby’iwacu cultural village. Visiting the king’s palace, you will get to learn about all kingdom activities and ceremonies that were carried out within the king’s palace under the watch of the king, queens, princesses, princes, clan leaders and high level visitors.
More about, the king’s home in Iby’iwacu offers a true picture of an ancient African kingdom setting with all symbols to represent power like information about each clan. Skilled guides are available to help explain and answer all your questions as you go through each symbol.
Visiting the Batwa Community; You can visit the Batwa pygmies who once was former forest hunters and fruit gatherers lived in the dense forests of Rwanda and Uganda. Visiting them you will be amazed about their demonstration of hunting skills such as use of tools like spears, bows and arrows.
Guidelines to take into consideration while at the Gorilla Guardian Village;
The Iby’iwacu cultural center has well organized setting rules and norms to be followed and respected while within the premises.
Visitors are required to respect nature throughout the safari, especially while at the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village.
Visitors are prohibited from littering the Iby’wacu Cultural Centre.
You need to be sensitive to the local norms and customs in order to avoid coming across as impolite.
Always ask for permission before using your camera.
Feel free to ask questions from your tour guide, if you need more clarification about the Iby’wacu culture.
Foreign visitors are encouraged to talk about their own cultures with the natives. There are differences and similarities in cultures.
Always be friendly and humble while at the village.
Security for the locals is taken seriously. In case you have any donations or gifts, can hand it over to the responsible Authorities or at the office.
For more information about Rwanda Cultural Tour ‘’Ibyiwacu cultural center don’t hesitate to contact us Achieve Global Safaris we a reliable tour company. You can choose to combine a visit Iby’iwacu cultural center with Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or do mountain hiking or biking through the Congo Nile trail all these turns out to be more memorable experience while on your safari.
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