Gorilla Guardians Village – Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
The Gorilla Guardians Village, also known as the Ibyi’wacu village, is located in Rwanda near the Volcanoes National Park in the northern province of Rwanda. This village showcases Rwanda’s culture and serves as a testament to the transformative power of positive change. The government of Rwanda set up the town for the former poachers who were hunters and gatherers living within the park. These poachers usually hunt gorillas for food. The government set up this non-profit village to change the poachers’ lives, as they shouldn’t believe in hunting down wildlife for food. They have now transformed into cultural dancers, artisans, and other activities that have transformed their lives.
The communities that live in this village include the Hutu, Tutsi, and Batwa. These communities offer a rich tapestry of cultural performances, crafts, and many others, ensuring every visitor finds something to enjoy during their Rwanda safari near the Volcano National Park. The Gorilla Guardians Village is a merging center for Rwanda’s tribes and communities. Additionally, the Gorilla Guardians Village is 16 years old. It has changed and transformed the lives of the former poachers. Gorilla Guardians Village, or Ibyi’wacu village, where Ibyi’wacu generally means the home to treasures. This village brought the lives of the poachers to a better one and left out hunting and gathering from the park.
What to do in the Gorilla Guardians Village?
While on your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, a visit to the Ibyi’wacu village is one of the interesting destinations to do some activities, including;
Visit to the king’s palace.
While on your Rwanda gorilla safari in the Gorilla Guardians Village, visiting the king’s palace is one of the essential activities. While visiting the king’s palace, a traveler can see how the kings in ancient times used to rule and manage their communities. These kings were usually feared and respected by their subjects. The ceremonial activities were all done within the palace, giving a clear view of the Ibyi’wacu village.
Banana beer brewing
This is one of the essential activities. In the past, banana beer brewing was usually done during ceremonial times like weddings and the crowning of the kings and queens. Travelers on their Rwanda safari will engage in the brewing process. They will start by collecting the ripened bananas and yellowish banana leaves. Then they will begin by pounding the bananas and mixing them with the leaves. Then the juice from the banana will be mixed with clean water, and filtered later. After filtering, it will be ready for travelers to drink. Usually, they also have brewed beer and banana juice mixed with sorghum prepared for drinking. The results from this activity will be a lesson for the natives of the area to keep learning and continue protecting the gorillas.
Participation and preparation of the local cuisines
One of the most engaging activities at the Gorilla Guardians Village is preparing and presenting local cuisine. Visitors will be able to gather ingredients, such as vegetables and firewood, and participate in the traditional process of making millet cake. This hands-on experience offers a unique insight into the local culture and culinary traditions.
Visit the traditional healer.
The Gorilla Guardians Village is one of the communities in Rwanda that portrays one of the Rwandan cultures. Travelers on their Uganda safari will participate in this activity and learn how they traditionally treat the sick. In the modern world, using traditional herbs is one of the most ignored types of medication.
Batwa community visit
While on your Rwanda safari, the Batwa community visit is among the most interesting. You will engage the first inhabitants of the forests, who are the shortest in the world. You will learn about their way of life during a visit to this community. For instance, they would gather food, hunt, make fire, and do many other things. Through encounters with them, you know they live in their daily life. Furthermore, the Batwa communities can also be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Semuliki National Park in Uganda.
Where to stay?
While on your Rwanda gorilla safari to Gorilla Guardians Village, there are a variety of homestays within the community. The travelers must choose from various accommodation facilities in the Volcanoes National Park. Here are some suggestions: Bistate Lodge, Villa Gorillas, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and many others.
What is required to visit the Gorilla Guardians village?
While on your Rwanda safari, visit the Gorilla Guardians village. Travelers need to have the personality to engage in the activities available within the town to motivate the community. More so, a traveler on the Rwanda safari is required to keep environmental conservation in mind. No littering or sustainable tourism practices are practiced in the community. By respecting these practices, visitors can contribute to preserving the unique culture and wildlife.
What is the best time to visit the Gorilla Guardians Village?
Travelers on their Rwanda safari can visit the Gorilla Guardians village at any time of the year. This activity is usually done after their gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park. Each season has something for visitors to this village. Participate in crop planning and harvesting during wet and dry seasons.
How do you think you could access the Gorilla Guardians Village?
The Gorilla Guardians Village can be accessed by either road or air. By road, you will take a drive through the tarmacked roads. The road covers a distance of about 110 kilometers which is about 2 hours and 30 minutes drive. You can schedule a domestic flight from the Kigali airport to the Ruhengeri airport near Kinigi Park headquarters in the Volcanoes National Park. Then later you with a short drive to the village.
