Iby'iwacu Cultural Village Experience

The Iby'iwacu Cultural Village Experience in Musanze offers an authentic and joyful immersion into traditional Rwandan culture, set at the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Originally established as a community initiative to provide alternative livelihoods for former poachers and their families, Iby'iwacu has evolved into one of Rwanda's most celebrated cultural tourism projects. Visitors are welcomed with traditional songs and dances, and are invited to participate in a range of cultural activities including traditional archery, banana beer brewing, medicine-man demonstrations, storytelling sessions, and learning about the domestic life of past Rwandan royalty. Local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as basket weaving and pottery. The village experience provides a vivid contrast to the wildlife activities of the Volcanoes area and offers meaningful insight into the customs, values, and daily life of the Rwandan people. All proceeds go directly to the participating families and the broader community conservation fund. A visit to Iby'iwacu is often the cultural highlight of a northern Rwanda itinerary — warm, educational, and deeply engaging.