Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

The Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, has a deep dive into the culture and traditions of the Rwandan people. It was initially established to provide ex-poachers with an alternative livelihood, engaging them in conservation efforts. Here, visitors can have authentic experiences such as participating in a traditional wedding ceremony, watching how banana beer is made, witnessing traditional dances by the Intore dancers, and even being 'king for a day'. The village showcases replicas of traditional huts and provides workshops on local crafts. It is a living museum that not only preserves culture but also actively contributes to improving the livelihoods of the local community and protecting the endangered mountain gorillas by reducing the economic pressures that lead to poaching.

Nearby cities

Musanze

The main city in the north is the gateway to the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Gicumbi

A high-altitude agricultural center where green tea and high-quality wheat are primarily cultivated.

Kinigi

This base camp for tourists is located right next to the Volcanoes National Park and benefits massively from ecotourism.

Base

Its strategically advantageous location halfway to the north makes this place a popular rest stop for travelers.

Rwaza

An important historical place in the north, looking back on a long mission history and the construction of old churches.

Kivuruga

A significant rural commercial center on the north-south transport axis, characterized by agricultural markets.

Burera

The administrative center of a northwestern district, located right next to the spectacular twin lakes and nearby volcanoes.

Gakenke

This mountainous town is famous for its excellent premium coffee, which wins awards worldwide.

Gatuna

The busiest border crossing to Uganda, which handles a large part of the national imports via the Northern Corridor.

Rukozo

A high-altitude agricultural center in Gicumbi, known for extremely steep terraced fields and dense morning fog.

Rulindo

An emerging community near the capital, whose economy benefits from coffee processing and mining.

Miyove

A growing settlement in the northern mountains, whose economy is increasingly driven by modern agro-industrial cooperatives.

History & landmarks

Ruhengeri Cathedral

The main cathedral of the Diocese of Ruhengeri in the city of Musanze, a major hub for gorilla trekking tourists.

Sorwathe Tea Factory

One of the oldest and largest tea factories in Rwanda, surrounded by picturesque tea estates, making a major contribution to the agricult…

Nature

Akagera River

A significant tributary of the Nile that flows through the Akagera National Park.

Rurubu River

A significant river that flows through southeastern Rwanda.

Akagera Wetlands

An extensive swamp and wetland area along the Akagera River.

Lake Ihema

The largest lake in Akagera National Park, known for its rich wildlife.

More places

Pfunda Tea Estate

One of the most productive tea factories near Rubavu, exporting premium black tea.

Bralirwa Brewery Rubavu

Rwanda's largest and oldest commercial brewery, located on the shores of Lake Kivu.

🗺️

Rubavu Port

Major inland port on Lake Kivu for trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

🗺️

Liberation Museum Mulindi

The former headquarters of the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) during the liberation war.

🗺️

Rutsiro Coltan Mine

A mining area for coltan, essential for the global electronics industry.

Pots of Rubingo

An archaeological site with ancient hollows carved into stone, indicating an early settlement of the region.

🗺️

KivuWatt Power Plant

A unique power plant that uses methane gas from Lake Kivu to generate electricity.

🗺️

Karongi Tea Factory

Major processing facility for Rwandan black tea from the surrounding hills.