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

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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.

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. Rhonda says

    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.

  2. Gayle says

    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 says

      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. :)

  3. Johnny Vagabond says

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

    • Dave says

      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. :)

  4. Johnny Vagabond says

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