August 29, 2023 | Bujo Safaris
Gorilla Guardian Village reveals Rwandan village life, and visitors can also experience and be part of it. The village is one of the interesting spots that makes Rwanda sell like a hot cake on the tourism market. Visiting cost money from this tourist destination goes back into the support of local people and communities. On top of countless landscapes, beautiful hills, and attractive scenery, Gorilla Guardians Village is one of the top destinations in Rwanda.
Gorilla Guardian village in Rwanda is located in the Musanze / Ruhengeri District and the Northern part of Rwanda very near the famous Volcanoes National Park. This cultural village will bring out to the visitors that there is more than just gorillas and gorillas trekking in the park and Rwanda at large.
Also known as “Ibyi'wacu”, the cultural village is now a place run by a non-profit organization and home for former gorilla poachers. These Rwandan citizens have now turned into gorilla conservationists after learning the value of mountain gorillas. The village was formed in 2004 by Edwin Sabuhoro to help fight poaching in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Most of the people or tribes found in this village are previous mountain gorilla poachers. This village is made up of different tribes such as Batwa, Tutsis, and Hutus. These people who belong to several cultural tribes are largely benefiting from this cultural village and are being allowed to do something of their own so they can provide for their families away from poaching hence the village acting as a uniting factor for oneness.
The Kinyarwanda name Ibyi'wacu means “Treasures of our home and heritage” and to date, it’s a leading cultural tourist attraction in the country. History, People, and all Rwandan cultural traditions are found in this one village. Several of Rwanda’s tribal groups from Batwa to Tutsis and Hutus all live in this very village.
Visitors and guests get a feel and are fully immersed in the real Rwandan Rural village life with a lot of traditional activities that range from, fruit gathering, lighting fire out of dry sticks, preparation of local dishes, drumming performances, and Rwandan type of local dance known as the “Intore dance” all to make your Rwandan Safari such a remarkable one.
The whole Rwandan cultural safari feels incomplete if one doesn't visit the King’s palace in the Ibyi'wacu village. This is one of the most interesting and comely areas showing how Ancient Kings and rulers ruled their courts. It brings out the real African Leadership history with all the informative symbols representing power and each clan’s information. The king’s home is an enticing historical site as it shows how Rwandan Ancient Kings had absolute power that they were not only respected but feared too. An ancient King would do as he pleased without being questioned by any in fact Kings would order and subjects to do as per the orders without a single hesitation. All Kings' celebrations, feasts, and activities were to be done within the palace, under the clan leaders, Princes, Princesses, and distinguished visitors' watch.
Another interesting fun, great learning experience and informative activity that includes visiting local people's homes too. This great activity offers an opportunity for the guests and visitors to learn more about the cultures of different communities plus the Rwandan real rural culture and African human races. Here, visitors interact freely one-on-one with the locals of Iby’Iwacu village either in or out of their grass-thatched houses. Lots of interesting cultural activities are being taught by the guests from preparing meals locally to making fine millet flour with just a single stone, small and a bigger one. Beautiful crafts, cultural shops, and local paintings are also being sighted in the cultural village.
Traditional music addicts Iby’Iwacu is the place for you all as it gives a wide range of unique music sounds from Amakondera, Ibyivugo, and Ingoma to Umuduri and Agakenke, all with a good vibe and enticing rhythm.
Traditional healers are important to the locals in this village coming from ancient times to now. Visiting or meeting with the traditional healers will help you learn about the traditions and culture of the village locals and culture. You will learn how they prepared their medicine to cure certain diseases.
Having done the rest of the other activities, sitting down to relax is the way to go, and tasting some locally brewed beer or brew is top-notch. This local brew is made from bananas and if interested you can also watch and learn how this brew is prepared. Taking of local brew has been an ancient doing in the gorilla guardian village where the locals sit down in a uniform circle to drink the brew.
Golden monkeys are one of the primates that can be trekked when you decide to visit the gorilla guardian village. You will be guided by a tour guide and some locals since they know all the trekking trails well. During your trekking, you can also see different birds, and mountain gorillas if in lucky.
Now this is the activity you do not want to miss out on since it is the major activity done in Gorilla Guardian village. Gorilla trekking activity is done with the help of the local guides hence they call them guardians. After some hours of searching, you will meet the gentle endangered giants in their natural habitat eating, playing, collecting fruits, or swinging. You will be amazed by these creatures. Taking flashless photos will be done with permission from your guide.
Batwa people are some of the locals that form the gorilla guardian village, and if interested you can do a short community visit. You will be able to learn more about the culture and way of life of the Batwa people through stories that you will be told during the visit. You will also be able to interact with the locals if interested and watch cultural dance performances which you can join if interested. Some of the other activities that can be done during your visit to the gorilla guardian village include bird watching, a community visit to Ibyi’wacu village, and Volcanic climbing.
Did you know that you can also combine the gorilla guardian village tour with the Musanze caves tour during your Rwanda mountain gorilla safari? Yes, this is very possible and here at Bujo Safaris we can such safaris possible. So, in case of any inquiries, or bookings contact our experienced team of consultants we shall be glad to help.
October 31, 2026
September 24, 2026
August 13, 2026
© Copyright Bujo Safaris All Right Reserved | Privacy Policy
