Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village Guide
Experience Rwandan Culture Firsthand at Iby'Iwacu Guide
Welcome to Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a living museum offering an immersive experience into Rwandan culture. Located near Volcanoes National Park, this village provides a unique opportunity to interact with local communities, learn about their traditions, and contribute to their economic empowerment. It's a fantastic way to complement your gorilla trekking adventure with a deeper understanding of the Rwandan people. Iby'Iwacu, meaning "treasures of our home and heritage," was established to provide former poachers with alternative livelihoods and to promote conservation through cultural tourism. The village showcases traditional Rwandan life, including traditional dances, storytelling, blacksmithing, pottery, and traditional medicine. You'll witness firsthand the skills and knowledge passed down through generations. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, such as trying your hand at archery, grinding sorghum, learning traditional dances, visiting a traditional healer, or even being "crowned" as a king or queen in a traditional ceremony. You can also enjoy a traditional Rwandan lunch prepared with local ingredients. The village offers a truly authentic and enriching cultural experience, allowing you to connect with the Rwandan people on a personal level.
Transportation
From Musanze town, you can hire a taxi or moto-taxi (motorcycle taxi) to Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village. The journey is relatively short, approximately 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, some tour operators include transportation to the village as part of their package.