Gorilla Guardians Village – Gorilla Guardians Village, also known as Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, is located in the district of Musanze near the parking area for the Sabyinyo Gorilla Group.
The name “Iby’iwacu” is a local term meaning “The treasures of our home and heritage.” Gorilla Guardians Village is one of the leading cultural attraction sites in Rwanda.
Visitors are immersed in a typical African village setting and exposed to different aspects of African lifestyle such as grinding seeds, firing bows and arrows, traditional dances, dressing code, houses, food, and herbs.
They also learn how ancient kingdoms were organized.
In addition to that, visitors are exposed to various hands-on skills such as weaving baskets and mats, and carpentry.
These crafts can be taken home as gifts from Africa, which has won the hearts of many guests who wish to indulge in the native culture of Rwanda.
The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is a center of unity and brotherhood as it harbors different cultural groups like the Tutsis, Hutus, and Batwa under the same ideology.
What to Expect at Gorilla Guardians Village
Visitors are greeted with loud dancing and drumming at the main gate, symbolizing the diverse activities to come, such as:
- Home visits and community walks
- Watching, listening, and dancing to traditional music, dance, and drama from different local sounds such as Ingoma, Amakondera, Umuduri, Inanga, Agakenke, and more
- Visiting the King’s Palace and participating in demonstrations of traditional royal marriage
- Meeting traditional healers
- Visiting the Batwa community, including the Batwa Pygmies
- Tasting local brews
Special Guidelines to Consider While at Gorilla Guardians Village
The Gorilla Guardians Village has set rules and norms that must be strictly followed:
- Visitors are prohibited from littering the village
- Visitors are required to respect nature throughout the journey and desist from any destructive activities
- Visitors must be respectful and sensitive to local norms and customs
- Visitors should always ask for permission before using their cameras
- Respect for personal dignity and cultural diversity is greatly encouraged
- Security for the locals is taken seriously
- Visitors are encouraged to share their cultural norms and experiences with the local communities
Activities Carried Out Besides Cultural Adventures
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
- Mountain hiking
- Biking through the Congo Nile Trail
Best Time to Visit Gorilla Guardians Village
Visitors can visit the village any time of the year.
Requirements to Carry
- Decent clothes
- Cameras
- Boots
- Notebooks
- Extra money to buy any captivating African gifts
In conclusion, the Gorilla Guardians Village is a home to unique African culture and gives visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature.
