GORILLA GUARDIANS VILLAGE TRAVEL GUIDE, RWANDA

Gorilla Guardians Village, also known as Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, is located in the Musanze District of Rwanda, near the Volcanoes National Park. This cultural village offers visitors an immersive experience of Rwandan traditions and heritage. Visitors can engage in activities such as traditional dance performances, drumming, and learning about local crafts and customs. The village also provides insights into the conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorillas, making it a unique blend of cultural and wildlife tourism.

Location of Gorilla Guardians Village, Rwanda

The Gorilla Guardians Village, also known as Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, is a significant cultural attraction located in the Musanze District of Rwanda.

Geographical Position of Gorilla Guardians Village, Rwanda

Musanze District: The village is situated in the Musanze District, which is in the Northern Province of Rwanda. This district is known for its stunning landscapes and proximity to the Volcanoes National Park.

Kinigi Area: Specifically, the village is located in the Kinigi area, within the Nyabigoma cell. This area is renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.

Proximity of Gorilla Guardians Village to Major Landmarks

Volcanoes National Park: The Gorilla Guardians Village is located near the Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda's most famous national parks. The park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making the village an ideal stop for tourists visiting the park.

Musanze Town: The village is approximately a 20-minute drive from Musanze town, the largest town in the Northern Province. Musanze serves as a gateway to the Volcanoes National Park and other attractions in the region.

Gorilla Guardians Village Accessibility

By Car or Taxi: The easiest way to reach the village is by car or taxi. The drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, to Musanze takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From Musanze town, it is a short drive to the village.

Public Transport: For those using public transport, there are regular bus services from Kigali to Musanze. From Musanze, visitors can take a taxi or a local motorcycle (moto) to reach the village.

The Gorilla Guardians Village in the Musanze District of Rwanda offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. Its location near the Volcanoes National Park and Musanze town makes it easily accessible and a perfect addition to any itinerary exploring Rwanda's natural and cultural heritage.

History of Gorilla Guardians Village, Rwanda

Gorilla Guardians Village, also known as Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, is a unique cultural initiative located in the Musanze District of Rwanda, near the Volcanoes National Park.

Founding and Purpose of Gorilla Guardians Village, Rwanda

Gorilla Guardians Village was founded by Edwin Sabuhoro as a response to the increasing gorilla poaching activities carried out by some members of the local community. Edwin Sabuhoro, who worked in the park, witnessed the devastating impact of poaching on wildlife, including the rescue of an injured baby gorilla. Disturbed by the human-wildlife conflicts, he decided to pursue studies in tourism and conservation at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK, to find solutions to these issues.

Research and Initial Efforts at the Gorilla Guardians Village, Rwanda

During his master’s degree research, Sabuhoro focused on "ecotourism as a potential conservation incentive for local communities around Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park." He discovered that the costs borne by the communities around the park were higher than the benefits they received from tourism. Many locals were unwilling to stop poaching because they felt it was a way to compensate for their losses, as they were not benefiting directly from tourism.

To test his hypothesis, Sabuhoro used his life savings to provide alternative sources of income for the community. He divided $2,000 among seven groups of poachers, each consisting of 40 families. Within nine months, five of these groups had stopped poaching, harvested plenty of food, and had enough seeds for the next planting season. This success demonstrated the potential of the village to work and fight poverty in the community.

Establishment of the Gorilla Guardians Village, Rwanda

Based on his findings, Sabuhoro conducted a survey to understand what tourists wanted after gorilla trekking. He discovered that many tourists were interested in meeting local people, learning about Rwandan culture, and experiencing the community's way of life. This led to the establishment of Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, which means "treasure of our home".

Development and Impact of Gorilla Guardians Village, Rwanda

Sabuhoro invested over $50,000 of his own money into the project, which transformed the village and provided much-needed economic opportunities for the underprivileged around the park. The village offers visitors a chance to meet local people, experience traditional Rwandan culture, and participate in various activities such as traditional dance, drumming, and craft-making.

Gorilla Guardians Village stands as a testament to the power of community-based tourism and conservation. By providing alternative livelihoods and promoting cultural exchange, the village has significantly reduced poaching and improved the economic well-being of the local community. It continues to be a vital part of Rwanda's efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable tourism.