While most travellers’ focus of north-western Rwanda is the wildlife (especially mountain gorillas and golden monkeys) of Volcanoes National Park, it is also possible to add tours of the Gorilla Guardians village for a chance to experience typical Rwandan rural life by participating in the thrilling traditional intore dance, firing arrows and bows, preparing local dishes and even partaking of them, grinding grains, brewing local banana beer and many others.
History of the Gorilla Guardians Village
This Village was established in 2005 as a community project to improve the lives of reformed poachers as well as to raise awareness of the country’s beautiful culture before it was diluted by modernity and Colonialism. Before becoming the “Gorilla Guardians Village”, the Center was known as “Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village”, derived from the word “Iby’Iwacu to mean the “treasures of our home”. Sixteen years down the road, the positive changes brought about by this project are apparent among the surrounding local community which you will discover during your visit to Site.
Location of Gorilla Guardians Village
The Gorilla Guardians Village is strategically located in the Northern Province of Rwanda, close to Volcanoes National Park and the bustling Town of Musanze Town, hence providing a perfect stop point for relaxing and learning about what makes the people Rwandan.
The Village is mainly comprised of locals (men and women) who once practiced poaching of the country’s jewel- Mountain gorillas for a living but are now reformed. This project therefore gives them a better and more sustainable option of supporting their families through cultural tourism where the country’s unique way of life, riveting culture and traditions as well as invigorating dance performances are introduced to travellers.
Gorilla Guardians Village Introduce travellers to a wide range of cultural experiences that include tours of local schools, participation in local football matches, spending a day as a Royal, banana beer brewing, hunting and preparation of herbal medicines/concoctions, taking part in local dances as well as drumming lessons, preparing traditional dishes, to mention but a few.
Things to do in gorilla Guardians Village
Guided tours of King’s Palace Replica
One of the interesting thing to do in Gorilla Guardians Village is undertaking tours to the nearby King’s Palace replica where visitors act as “Kings” or Queens for a day as a way of taking a step back in time and even exercise powers over pseudo subjects.
Preparation and partaking of local cuisines
Also during tours of the Gorilla Guardians Village, travellers can join the local women in grinding grains, harvesting fresh vegetables and later prepare some of the country’s local foods in form of sweet potatoes, stew, plantain, millet bread (karo), beans, side dish (vegetables) then partake of whatever you have prepared.
Picking and preparation of herbal medicine
The best way to learn about different herbal medicines and diseases/illnesses they heal is by undertaking visits to the traditional healer who will introduce you to various plant stems, barks, roots and leaves that are used in the preparation of different concoctions for a number of diseases/sicknesses. On a lucky day, you will find some patients at the local clinics.
Participation in cultural music, drumming lessons and dance performances
If you are in for the challenge, join the Intore Dancers in performing popular gorilla songs, invigorating dance performances and drumming lessons with various musical instruments especially different-sized drums.
Participating in banana beer brewing
In Rwanda, banana Beer is traditionally shared during weddings and other traditional celebrations hence it is a central part for the country’s parties till date. Travellers to Gorilla Guardians Village can therefore get involved in gathering ripe bananas and leaves required in the brewing of local beer. Afterwards, mash the ripe bananas and strain with local techniques (as it was in the past) until completion.
Proceeds from the above mentioned cultural experiences are provided to the local community members and this increases their appreciation of tourism hence work towards the protection of mountain gorillas and their natural habitats.
How much are visitors charged to undertake tours of Gorilla Guardians Village?
Guided tours at Gorilla Guardians Village cost only $35 per person per tour, which also comprises the guided tour through the selected activities while travellers who wish to spend night/s at the homestay should part with $70 per person per day. This price includes accommodation for one night, activities and even meals.
Where to sleep when undertaking tours of Gorilla Guardians Village
Besides the homestay at Gorilla Guardians Village, travellers taking part in this riveting cultural experience can choose from the wide range of sleeping options in Volcanoes National Park such as Bisate Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorillas, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One & only Gorilla’s Nest, Five Boutique Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, to mention but a few.
