What does Iby’iwacu mean?
“Iby’iwacu” is a local Kinyarwanda phrase that means “Treasure of our home and heritage”, yes indeed,
it’s all treasure as you embark on the untold stories of the past Rwanda mixed with the current cultural
heritage in this beautiful village. And on your next Iby’iwacu culture experience, you will get to get first
hand information from the original occupants of this area.
Where is Iby’iwacu cultural village found?
Located close to Parc National des Volcans in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, Musanze district in the Northern
Province, provides a memorable encounter with the locals as you share lifestyles, artifacts, and social
norms of this enchanting locality.
When was Iby’iwacu cultural village founded?
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village was founded in 2005 by the Rwandan government to preserve the country’s
culture and norms while providing memorable experiences for tourists.
Sit and relax to the enchanting dance styles and rhythmic songs or jump in on the stage and drop a
sweat as you jump, twist, and tangle just like the local Kinyarwanda does. This will not only be
entertaining but also engaging as you have a feel of an Iby’iwacu cultural experience.
Activities on your Iby’iwacu cultural visit
Culture encounter in Iby’iwacu village
A Rwanda tour to the Iby’iwacu cultural village provides a rare opportunity to meet the local people and
learn about their culture and traditions. The only way to know people is to get involved with them and
Iby’iwacu cultural village presents just that.
Community walks in Iby’iwacu cultural village
You can have a guided community walk where you visit different sections of the cultural village and get
to learn about the residents. Your guide might also take you to local craft shops, where local paintings,
woven clothes and well modeled clay materials are available as gifts or for purchase.
Visiting the king’s palace
Cultural walks will bring you closer to the Kings House replica where if interested, you get to taste
kingship and its benefits for the time being. Sit in your new throne as you watch the Nyabatema twist
and dance to the iconic Intore dance mixed with famous gorilla calls and sounds.
Traditional dances and songs in Iby’iwacu
Amakondera, Inanga, Iningiri, Agakenke, Ibyivugo, Umuduri, Iningiri are some of the local musical
sounds you will experience on an Ibyiwacu traditional dance. Musical sounds are supplemented by
unique dance steps and styles so you will be in for a melody. When the vibe is up, you are free to join in.
A traditional healer in Iby’iwacu village
A traditional healer will be available to narrate and show you how to mix local trees, shrubs, and grasses
prepared, and used to treat different illnesses.
Local classes in Iby’iwacu cultural village
You can have an opportunity to take lessons in a local school in a class of your choice so you can be a
great inspiration to the students in this village.
How about being a student of a certain class in a local school so you get a feel of education in a
developing country? Everything local will be on your to do list in Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
Local brewery in Iby’iwacu cultural village
Attending a local banana brewery process will give you insights into how it is done and you will get a
chance to have a taste of the locally made brew called Urwagwa, provided your stomach has little or no
exclusions.
Visiting the gorilla guardian’s village
Gorilla guardian’s village provides a rare opportunity to grind millet, taking part in traditional dance,
firing bows and arrows and locals can crown you king or Queen of the day. In gorilla guardians village, we put extra emphasis on the livelihood of the locals unlike volcanoes national park which basically
focuses on gorillas.
What is the cost of visiting the Iby’iwacu cultural village?
A day visit to visit Iby’iwacu cultural village costs $35 per person. While at $70 you can have a day with
the locals, a night in a local lodge or campsite with all local meals catered from breakfast to dinner.
That’s a cultural experience like no other.
A community contribution in Iby’iwacu
With plenty of cultural experiences and different stories to get from each corner of the village, your
Iby’iwacu adventure will be one for the memories.
As you bid farewell to your new companions, feel free to buy any of the locally made craft materials as a
memory piece for the future and through this, you are supporting the local cultural dancers to keep
going.
Take a step and make the move
For a cultural experience like no other, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village delivers, feel free to reach us for more
inquiries and we shall book your ticket for the next adventure. At www.discovergorillas.com we mix
culture, primates, and the game on a single trip considering your preferences and tastes so it is always
adventure time. READ MORE.
