Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is found near volcanoes national park in Rwanda, the inhabitants of Iby’iwacu Cultural Village used to live and survive in the park through hunting and fruit gathering but since they were displaced, they now live in the surrounding villages including Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. The people at the center were former hunters and poachers of the forest who have now formed to become cultural performers, craftsmen and do a lot of other tourism activities.
Activities at Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Cultural performances
Rwanda has got very unique and authentic cultural activities to offer from the locals besides gorilla trekking, you can enjoy traditional music, dance, and drama as well as songs from the energetic African dancers under the stars. You will get a chance of listening to numerous unique local musical sounds such as the Ingoma, Umuduri, Amakondera, Inanga, Agakenke, and Ibyivugo. The popular dances are performed by men with grass clothing and little belts wrapped around their legs while holding out spears in a mock battle or as a way of celebrating victory over an enemy.
Traditional wedding ceremony
While at the Iby’iwachu cultural village, tourists can take part in a traditional marriage ceremonies and act like a Rwandan king and queen. This one of the most thrilling traditional activities in Africa as the locals cheer up when you are getting engaged and marrying. There are also a lot of other locally handmade crafts at the center which you can buy such as souvenirs to take back home for remembrance or buy as gifts. You can also sample Rwanda’s staple food and get involved in its making.
Visiting the Batwa community
The Batwa people are former forest hunters and fruit gathers who once stayed in the dense forest of Bwindi and Mgahinga national park. They were evicted from the forest by the government of Uganda to gazette land for wild animals and these later resettled in new locations outside the forests. Some of these people stay at the Iby’iwacu cultural Centre and have greatly contributed to the tourism sector. While with the Batwa people you will learn how to weave baskets, taste local brew, pottery, art and design, dance and drama as well as many other traditional activities.
Visiting the king’s palace
One of the interesting things to do when you visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village is to see the king’s palace. In this palace, they showcase the ancient kings that ruled and managed their courts. The king’s palace gives a true picture of the old African kingdom setting with all symbols to represent power including information about every clan. Other activities
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the most reason why thousands of tourists’ flood in Rwanda every year, gorilla trekking is done at the volcanoes national park located in the northern part of the country bordering Uganda and DR Congo. The cost of a gorilla permit is $1500 and a maximum of one hour is given for observation. Persons under the age of 15 years and those having infectious diseases such as cough, flu, and diarrhea will not be allowed to trek gorillas.
Volcanic climbing
Rwanda is home to five of eight Virunga volcanoes located in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. The mountains are situated within volcanoes national park and these include mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and mountain Sabinyo. Tourists can add mountain climbing to their cultural experience with each mountain providing a unique experience and extraordinary views.
