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Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village: Showcasing a Traditional Rwandan Way of Life

In the shadow of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda sits Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.

Here, reformed poachers have come together to showcase the traditional Rwandan way of life.

Visitors can gain entrance for $20 and are treated to song and dance performances (which can go on for 30 minutes at a time), a tour of the village, including the King's spacious abode, and various demonstrations from archery to grinding millet.  

There is even an option to spend the night.

Tribal dancer

Tribal dancer

View of Muhabura volcano (4,127 meters)

View of Muhabura volcano (4,127 meters)

Ominous clouds gather over Volcanoes National Park

Ominous clouds gather over Volcanoes National Park

Peter captures the moment, while the locals look on

Peter captures the moment, while the locals look on

Medicine doctor

Medicine doctor

The dancers prepare for another performance

The dancers prepare for another performance

Theatrics played a role in the dance, but the storyline was lost on me

Theatrics played a role in the dance, but the storyline was lost on me

The little guy in leopard print imitates a gorilla, given away by the fact that he stuffs grass in his mouth and starts scratching himself.

The little guy in leopard print imitates a gorilla, given away by the fact that he stuffs grass in his mouth and starts scratching himself.

To learn more about the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, check out this story by Rwanda Eco-Tours.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Johnny Vagabond

Wednesday 7th of April 2010

Great photos, Dave! The third one, especially, really captures everything in one shot.

Johnny Vagabond

Wednesday 7th of April 2010

Great photos, Dave! The third one, especially, really captures everything in one shot.

Dave

Wednesday 7th of April 2010

Thanks Wes. The benefit of traveling with professional photographers is they will move people around to get the best shots. Then, we'd sweep in next to them and capture it as well. :)

Gayle

Monday 5th of April 2010

Wow these photos are stunning. Awesome stuff. It looks like the build up to the rainy season there. My Ghanaian partner just uttered: "Oh my God it's beautiful." Thanks!

Dave

Wednesday 7th of April 2010

Thanks Gayle, I believe the rainy season was/is just getting started in Rwanda right now. And yes, it did start to rain as we were leaving the cultural village. :)

Rhonda

Saturday 3rd of April 2010

One of the best ways to convey the message about one's culture is through photographs and these pictures certainly says a lot about the village.

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