Visit Ibyi’wacu Village in Volcanoes National Park
Visit Ibyi’wacu Village in Volcanoes National Park: Also known as ‘the gorilla guardians’ village,’ the Ibyi’wacu Village in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most visited cultural sites within the Ruhengeri province. Rwanda’s government, through the Tourism Board, has positioned the country as one of the major tourist destinations in Africa, despite its small size and less natural resources than her neighbors.
The Iby’iwacu cultural village in Volcanoes national park in the District of Musanze is a new significant addition to the menu for possible tourists to the country. The term “Iby’iwacu” is Kinyarwanda for “treasures of our home and history.”
The Iby’iwacu cultural village in Volcanoes national park is one of Rwanda’s most important cultural attractions. The Village brings together all of Rwanda’s known cultural customs, people, and history in one location for display and personal experience. International tourists may experience what life was like in a typical African village environment – the lifestyle, dwellings, traditional dances, dress code, food, herbs, and how the old kingdoms were structured in general. Tourists may learn historical hunting techniques, weave baskets/mats, and do carpentry.
This one-of-a-kind experience has gained the hearts of many people who want to immerse themselves in Rwandan culture after seeing the Mountain gorillas and trekking a mountain like Karisimbi. It’s also a terrific spot to unwind while shopping for local crafts, presents, and souvenirs to show friends back home.
Aside from the significant cash and exposure it generates, the Iby’iwacu cultural center acts as a unifying force for Rwanda’s cultural/tribal groupings such as Tutsis, Hutus, and Batwa. This entertainment center promotes a sense of unity based on a similar shared concept.
Many of the local artists, such as the Batwa, were formerly poachers, and the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village has offered them a chance to do something new – something that allows them to support their families while keeping them away from poaching.
What to expect during your visit to Ibyi’wacu Village in Volcanoes National Park.
As we’ve seen briefly, the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre is meant to provide numerous fascinating learning opportunities while also allowing visitors to relax and get a sense of the local culture. Visitors are frequently greeted at the front entrance by loud dancing and drumming, which is simply an indication of the numerous exciting events that await them. Let’s take a closer look at some of the activities below:
Community Walks and Cultural Tours
Interacting, sharing, and generally immersing oneself in the customs of many groups is the greatest approach to grasp the variety within the human species. Visitors to the Gorilla Guardians Village have several opportunity to learn about the cultural distinctiveness of Kinyarwanda culture and tradition through home visits and community walks.
A visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village in Volcanoes national park allows you to sit with the residents in their traditional dwellings and grass covered shelters. As you sit, the elders will share facts and anecdotes about Rwanda and its rich history/heritage with you. You will be given the opportunity to see local banana and vegetable plantations. You could even learn how to prepare one of the traditional dishes or how to create fine millet flour with a unique grinding stone.
The community stroll is also an excellent learning opportunity. As you interact with the kids and students, a guide will take you to explore some of the local schools and learn the education system in place. During these community walks, one of the most intriguing activities is visiting the various local art businesses, which sell local artwork, woven clothing, exquisite pots, and much more.
Traditional Cultural performances from the Intore Dance Troupe
Music, dance, and theatre characterize African heritage and culture, providing a sense of belonging. For tourists interested in traditional music, the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village in Rwanda gives opportunity to listen to various distinct indigenous musical sounds such as the Ingoma, Amakondera, Umuduri, Inanga, Iningiri, Ibyivugo, and Agakenke. Each sound is distinct, with its own set of musical instruments and dancing style/steps.
One example is the Intore. Men in grass clothes and small bells wrapped around their legs do this classic warrior dance while holding out spears in a pretend fight or to celebrate victory over an opponent. These young men and women will be eager to encourage you to join them in the dance or at the very least to learn how to drum.
Visit the King’s Palace
The King’s palace — an area displaying how the ancient Kings reigned and ran their courts – is one of the intriguing things to do when visiting the Iby’iwacu cultural village. In Rwanda, ancient monarchs were not only feared, but also revered. The monarchs possessed the ultimate power and made judgments that had to be followed without question. All kingdom events and ceremonies were held at the Monarch’s palace, under the supervision of the king, queens, princesses, princes, clan heads, and high-level guests.
The King’s residence in Iby’iwacu depicts an old African kingdom setting, complete with the symbols of authority and information about each clan. As you move through each sign, a guide will assist clarify and answer any of your queries.
Meet Traditional Healers.
You will meet several traditional healers who will be ready to show how the native remedies operate while visiting the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village. Because they employ natural treatments, you are allowed to experiment with some of the local plants – you may be shocked to find a solution for or alleviation from an ailment you have been suffering from for years.
In conclusion: We are confident that seeing the Iby’iwacu cultural village in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your safari because of its uniqueness.
