Gorilla Guardians Village Rwanda Cultural Experience
Rwanda’s Gorilla Guardians Village is one of the areas that contribute to the country’s incredible beauty and numerous green hills. The Rwandan government, through the Tourism Board, has positioned the country as one of Africa’s major tourist destinations, despite its small size and fewer natural resources than its neighbours. The Iby’iwacu culture village (also known as the Gorilla Guardians culture Village) in Musanze District is a recent addition to the country’s tourist attractions. The word “Iby’iwacu” is Kinyarwada for “treasures of our home and heritage”.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is one of Rwanda’s most popular 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 can see what life was like in a typical African village setting, including the lifestyle, houses, traditional dances, dress code, food, herbs, and how old kingdoms were organised. Tourists have the opportunity to learn ancient hunting skills, weave baskets/mats, and carpentry. This one-of-a-kind experience has captivated many people who want to immerse themselves in Rwanda’s traditional culture after seeing the capital, Kigali, seeing gorillas, and hiking a mountain like Karisimbi. It is also an excellent spot for relaxation, with opportunity to purchase local crafts, presents, and souvenirs to show friends back home.
Tourist Activities at the Gorilla Guardians Village.
Batwa Culture Tour.
While here, travellers can meet and experience numerous communities, such as the Batwa, who were the first to settle in the forest before it was designated as a national park. They have now been relocated to surrounding settlements outside the forest, with some settling in Ibyiwacu Village. The Batwa are also found in Uganda, near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. They are some of the world’s shortest people, with stunning cultures to witness. Travellers can observe how the Batwa people used to hunt and harvest 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
The greatest way to understand the diversity within the human species is to immerse yourself in the cultures of diverse communities through interaction, sharing, and general immersion. Through home visits and community outings, guests get good opportunities to understand the uniqueness of Kinyarwanda culture and custom while visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village. You have the opportunity to sit side by side with the locals in their traditional homes and grass-covered shelters when you visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village. As you take a seat, the elders will regale you with stories and share knowledge about Rwanda’s rich past and culture. You will have the opportunity to visit the neighbouring banana and vegetable plantations.
Visiting the King’s Palace
A fascinating experience at the Gorilla Guardians Village is to explore the King’s Palace, which is a display area showing how the ancient Kings ran their courts. In Rwanda, the old monarchs were revered and dreaded alike. With the highest authority came the kings, whose decisions were final and could not be questioned. All royal events and rituals took place in the King’s Palace, overseen by the monarch, as well as queens, princesses, princes, clan chiefs, and dignitaries.
The King’s residence at Iby’iwacu provides a realistic depiction of an old African monarchy, complete with all the trappings of authority and clan specifics. Every query you have will be answered and explained by a guide as you work through each symbol.
Visit a Traditional Healer.
While at the Gorilla Guardians Village, you can also engage in this activity. Though they are today less consulted than they were in the past, traditional healers once had 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.
Watch a Traditional Rwandan Dance.
African tradition and culture are characterised by music, dance, and theatre because they foster a sense of identity. The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village in Rwanda offers visitors who are interested in traditional music the chance to hear a variety of distinctive indigenous musical sounds, including the Ingoma, Amakondera, Umuduri, Inanga, Iningiri, Ibyivugo, and Agakenke. Every sound has its own unique set of musical instruments, moves, and dancing style. The Intore dance company is one illustration. This traditional warrior dance is performed by men dressed in grass clothing with little bells encircling their legs, either to celebrate defeating an opponent or to pretend to battle while brandishing spears.
Taste Locally-Made Brew.
Drinking local beer in a group setting served as a unifying activity within the African traditional social context, in addition to the enjoyment and relaxation that alcohol affords. This was particularly true for the numerous celebrations like the fresh harvest and the arrival of the newborns. One had to drink at these things in order to look interested and fit in. On your tour of the Iby’iwacu traditional hamlet, you will discover how to brew and ferment banana beer. You will be required to participate fully, culminating in a sip of the completed product.
