09/05/2026
Kwita Izina 2026: Rwanda's Gorilla Naming Ceremony - A Journey Worth Planning
Each year, Rwanda hosts one of the most remarkable conservation events in the world: Kwita Izina, the mountain gorilla naming ceremony. In 2026, the ceremony takes place on September 4th in the Volcanoes National Park region - and it's a great reason to visit Rwanda over this period.
What is Kwita Izina? In Rwandan culture where naming a newborn is a significant communal act, Kwita Izina extends that same honour to newborn mountain gorillas. Since its launch in 2005, the ceremony has grown into an internationally recognised event that draws conservation advocates, wildlife enthusiasts, and travellers from around the world. It plays a meaningful role in raising global awareness of gorilla conservation, a cause Rwanda has championed with remarkable success.
Why Travel to Rwanda for It?
Timing a visit around Kwita Izina gives travellers a rare combination: witnessing a culturally significant live event alongside the broader experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
On a trek, encounters with mountain gorilla families - silverbacks, mothers with infants, and playful juveniles - take place in dense forest and are genuinely unlike any other wildlife experience. No two treks are the same.
Rwanda itself offers far more than this single event. From the shores of Lake Kivu to the rolling hills of the interior, it is a country that rewards curious, thoughtful travellers.
Plan your trip with Kivu Travel - Congo Rwanda Burundi Ouganda
They specialise in tailor-made itineraries that go beyond the main attractions.
To start planning a trip suited to your pace and interests, reach out directly to Kivu Travel at [email protected].
