Gorilla Guardians Village

Gorilla Guardians Village : It may surprise you to learn that one of Rwanda’s most visually striking cultural hubs is the Gorilla Guardians Village. In the districts of Musanze and Ruhengeri, in the northern part of Rwanda, is Gorilla Guardians Village, which is close to the well-known Volcanoes National Park. This village is also called Iby’wacu Cultural Village with people who were once poachers of the mountain gorillas but when they got to know the value of mountain gorillas, they are now conserving these gentle giants, helping the government of Rwanda and consequently developing the tourism sector.

It is the only village where you can enjoy the very best Rwandan cultures after taking part in mountain gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes national Park and because of this, it has for years become one of the leading tourist safari attractions in Rwanda. Gorilla Guardians Village is home to historical Rwandan sub-tribes like Hutu, the Tutsi and Batwa. These sub-tribes are known for their unique cultures and norms that you will encounter while there.

Activities at the Gorilla Guardians Village.

Batwa culture tour.

Visitors have the incredible chance to interact with and learn about different communities while they are here, including the Batwa, who were the first people to live in the forest before it was designated as a national park. They were now moved to neighboring villages outside of the forest, and some of them now live in Iby’wacu Village. The Batwa people live in Uganda in close proximity to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They have some of the most exquisite cultures on the planet and are among the world’s shortest people.

Travellers can observe how the Batwa people used to hunt and gather fruits, light fires with dry sticks, and perform traditional dances, all of which are fascinating and will add a unique touch to your Rwanda safari. Learn everything there is to know about Northern Rwandan Batwa culture and way of life.

Community walks.

Join us for a community walk to learn about the way the people live in their thatched grass huts. If you’d like, enjoy a taste of Banyarwanda cuisine. You can also choose to visit vegetable gardens and banana plantations during the walk.

Take pleasure in hearing stories about the origins of Rwandans and their pre- and post-colonial way of life. Visitors will have a clear understanding of how the Banyarwanda people live today thanks to this community walk.

Visit the traditional healer.

There is still more to do in Iby’wacu Cultural Village, such as this. Though they are now less consulted than they were in the past, traditional healers once played a significant role in communities. See one of the traditional healers, who will show you how to treat specific ailments with local herbs. If it’s okay with them, you can even take some home with you.

Visit the King’s Palace.

A visit to the King’s Palace and have a look at different symbols of Africa’s ancient kingdoms and their use like stools, arrows, drums and many more. In Rwanda, kings were revered and the only people who could make decisions without second thought. You can also visit various local Rwandan schools in Iby’wacu Village to interact with students and learn about their educational system.

A tour in the Iby’wacu Cultural Village / Gorilla Guardians Village allows one to take part in these activities throughout the year and you can access the place by road comfortably from Kigali, only taking 2-3 hours’ drive to reach this amazing community.

If you want to relax or getting entertained after a long gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park, then don’t miss an experience at Gorilla Guardians Village.