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

View of Muhabura volcano (4,127 meters)

Ominous clouds gather over Volcanoes National Park

Peter captures the moment, while the locals look on

Medicine doctor

The dancers prepare for another performance

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.

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

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.