Ibyiwacu Cultural Village – Now Known as Gorilla Guardians Village

The Gorilla Guardian Village in Rwanda is one of the places that make Rwanda an amazing country on top of the stunning scenery and countless green hills. The government of Rwanda through the Tourism Board has positioned the country into one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa – And this is despite her small size and fewer natural resources compared to her neighbors. One of the recent notable additions to the menu for potential visitors to the country is the Iby’iwacu cultural village (also known as the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village) located in the District of Musanze. The word “Iby’iwacu” is a Kinyarwanda word that means “Treasures of our home and heritage”.

The Iby’iwacu cultural village is one of the leading cultural attractions in Rwanda. The Village combines all of Rwanda’s known cultural traditions, people and history into one place for display and a personal experience. International visitors get to see what life was in a typical African village setting – the lifestyle, houses, traditional dances, dressing code, food, herbs and how the ancient kingdoms were generally organized. Tourists are given an opportunity to learn ancient hunting skills, try weaving baskets/mats, carpentry. This unique experience has won the hearts of many visitors who wish to indulge in the culture of Rwanda’s native community after visiting the capital Kigali, seeing the gorillas and hiking a mountain like Karisimbi.  It is also a great place for relaxation while offering opportunities to purchase local craft, gifts and souvenir to show friends back home.

Besides the considerable revenue and publicity it helps generate, the Iby’iwacu cultural center serves as a unifying factor for Rwanda’s cultural/tribal groups like the Tutsis, Hutus and the Batwa. This entertainment center helps encourage a feeling of oneness based on a common shared ideology.  Many of the local entertainers like the Batwa were once poachers and the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village has given them an opportunity to do something different – Something that helps them earn a living for their families while keeping them away from poaching.

Special guidelines to take into consideration while at the Gorilla Guardians Village

The Iby’iwacu cultural center like any organized setting has got set rules and norms to be followed and respected while within the premises. Here are some of the things to consider while touring the cultural center:

• Visitors are prohibited from littering the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre. In order to maintain neatness within the cultural center, rubbish bins have been put at specific points.
• You are required to respect nature throughout your safari and this is especially so while at the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village. Visitors are encouraged not to destroy the natural environment especially plants and any other green cover within the village.
• You need to be sensitive to the local norms and customs to avoid coming across as disrespectful. For example, try to use your right hand when eating or greeting locals in the center. Using both hands when exchanging gifts with a local is considered respectful.
• You should always ask for permission before using your camera.
• Feel free to ask questions from your tour guide or the elders when you need more clarification on something.
• Respect for diversity is important especially while touring such a multicultural and ethnic setting as the Iby’iwacu cultural center. Dress appropriately without revealing too much body.
• Foreign visitors are encouraged to also talk about their own cultures with the natives – There will always be differences and similarities in cultures and the way things are done from place to place.
• Engage will also endeavoring to appear friendly and humble while at the village. Be patient as the locals describe share with you information.
• Security for the locals is taken seriously. In case you have any donations or gifts, hand it over to the responsible authorities.

Primate Safari Experiences includes a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural center in most of the Rwanda safari packages because it is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda. This great cultural center is the perfect place to go for a retreat after carrying out some of Rwanda’s more famous tourism activities like Mountain Gorilla trekking in the Virunga National Park, mountain hiking or biking through the Congo Nile Trail. Because of its uniqueness, we are convinced that visiting the Iby’iwacu cultural village will turn out to be one of the more memorable experiences while on your safari.