Mtoto Journeys

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village | Rwanda Cultural Experience

Experience Rwanda’s traditions at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village with dance, storytelling, local crafts, and community tourism.

The Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village , also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, is located in the Kinigi area of the Musanze district, in the Northern Province of Rwanda, near the Volcanoes National Park. It is a community-run initiative aimed at promoting Rwandan culture and supporting the livelihoods of local communities, many of whom are reformed poachers. Location and Access The village is situated approximately a 15-minute drive from most gorilla trekking lodges in the area, and about a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali city. Its location makes it a convenient and enriching activity to add to a gorilla trekking itinerary.

Address: Nyabigoma, Kinigi, Musanze, Northern Province, Rwanda
Phone Number: You can contact them at +250 781 888 846

Activities and Experiences A visit to the cultural village offers an immersive experience into pre-colonial Rwandan traditions and daily life. Activities can be a few hours long or a full-day experience.

Traditional Performances: Enjoy authentic traditional dances, music, and drumming performances by local community members.
King's Palace Visit: Tour a replica of a traditional King's Palace and learn about ancient Rwandan governance and history.
Traditional Skills: Participate in workshops to learn about traditional medicine from a local healer, try your hand at archery with a bow and arrow, or practice local hunting techniques.
Local Cuisine and Brewing: Learn how to prepare traditional local food and sample the local banana beer.
Community Interaction: Engage with the local people, including reformed poachers who now work as guides and performers, and learn about the positive impact of community-based tourism on conservation efforts.
Arts and Crafts: Purchase locally made crafts and souvenirs, which directly supports the community's enterprise development.