Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, now known as Gorilla Guardians Village, is located near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The people living in Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village once relied on hunting and gathering within the park for survival.
Since being relocated, they now live in the surrounding villages, including Iby’Iwacu itself.
The people at the center are former hunters and poachers who have reformed to become cultural performers, craftsmen, and participants in other tourist activities.
Activities at the Cultural Village
Cultural Performances: Rwanda offers unique and authentic cultural activities beyond gorilla trekking. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances and songs performed by energetic dancers under the stars. Alongside these performances, guests can learn how to weave baskets and take part in other traditional activities.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony: At Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, tourists can take part in a traditional marriage ceremony, playing the role of a Rwandan king or queen. This is one of the more memorable traditional activities in Africa, with locals cheering and celebrating your “engagement” and “marriage.” Many locally handmade crafts are also available at the center, which visitors can buy as souvenirs or gifts. Guests can also taste Rwanda’s staple food and learn how it is prepared.
Other Activities Near the Village
Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is the main reason thousands of tourists visit Rwanda every year. It takes place in Volcanoes National Park, in the northern part of the country near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person, and tourists are given one hour to observe the gorillas. Children under 15 and unwell tourists are not permitted to trek.
Volcanic Climbing: Rwanda is home to five of the eight Virunga volcanoes shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These mountains sit within Volcanoes National Park and include Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Bisoke. Tourists can add mountain climbing to their cultural experience, with each mountain offering a distinct adventure and wide views.
Combining Culture With Adventure
A visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village pairs naturally with a gorilla trekking itinerary in Volcanoes National Park, since the village sits just outside the park’s boundary. Many visitors choose to spend a morning or afternoon here either before or after their trek, using the time to unwind while getting an authentic look at Rwandan rural life and tradition, rather than treating gorilla trekking as the only reason to visit this part of the country.
