The Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

In the mist-covered highlands of northern Rwanda, where the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains pierce the sky and dense bamboo forests shelter families of endangered mountain gorillas, a unique celebration unfolds every year. It is not a festival of song and dance alone — though both are present in abundance — but a profound and symbolic act of unity between people and nature. This is Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony, an extraordinary event that honors new baby gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park and celebrates Rwanda’s commitment to conservation, community, and heritage.

Much more than a ceremony, Kwita Izina is a national statement — a joyful declaration that wildlife and humanity can thrive together. It is a moment when the world’s attention turns to Rwanda, not only to witness the naming of gorillas but to celebrate a country that has risen from its past to become a global leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.

The Origins of Kwita Izina

Kwita Izina, which means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, draws its inspiration from an ancient Rwandan cultural tradition. For centuries, Rwandans have held naming ceremonies to welcome newborns into their families and communities. A child’s name is chosen carefully — carrying meaning, heritage, and hope for the future.

In 2005, this deeply rooted cultural ritual was adapted to the realm of conservation by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Rwanda’s park authorities, transforming it into an annual public celebration of gorilla conservation. The concept was simple but powerful: if Rwandans named their children as a way of recognizing their identity and value, then naming baby gorillas could also symbolize acknowledgment, protection, and belonging within the national family.

Thus, Kwita Izina was born — a tradition that connects Rwandan culture with wildlife conservation and reminds the world that the survival of mountain gorillas depends on human respect and guardianship.

A Symbol of Rwanda’s Conservation Success

When Kwita Izina began, Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population was still recovering from decades of poaching, habitat loss, and political instability. Back then, gorillas were among the world’s most endangered species, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the Virunga Massif — a transboundary ecosystem shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fast-forward to today, and the story is remarkably different. Thanks to Rwanda’s visionary conservation efforts, community involvement, and responsible tourism policies, the gorilla population has more than doubled. In 2018, mountain gorillas were officially reclassified from “Critically Endangered” to “Endangered” by the IUCN — a rare success in the world of wildlife protection.

Kwita Izina stands at the heart of this achievement. Each gorilla named at the ceremony represents a victory for conservation — a new life safeguarded by years of dedication, education, and collaboration between park rangers, local communities, and conservation organizations.

Since its inception, over 400 baby gorillas have been named through Kwita Izina, each one a living testament to Rwanda’s environmental leadership and the resilience of nature when given a chance to heal.

The Ceremony: A Day of Joy, Culture, and Connection

Every year, usually in September, thousands of people — from local villagers to global dignitaries — gather in the town of Kinigi, near the entrance to Volcanoes National Park, for the Kwita Izina celebrations. The air buzzes with excitement and pride. Music, drumming, and dance fill the atmosphere as colorful processions wind through the hills.

The event begins with performances by traditional Rwandan dancers — their rhythmic movements echoing the spirit of the land and its people. The audience includes park rangers, students, conservationists, and international guests, all seated under vast canopies facing the majestic backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes.

At the center of the ceremony are the “namers” — distinguished individuals chosen to give names to the new baby gorillas born in the past year. These namers are selected for their contributions to conservation, tourism, or community development. They can include rangers, scientists, community leaders, philanthropists, celebrities, or heads of conservation organizations.

Each name carries meaning — reflecting the baby gorilla’s behavior, family lineage, location of birth, or a broader conservation message. Names such as Inkingi (Pillar), Umurage (Heritage), Ubwiza (Beauty), or Imboni (Ambassador) embody hope and identity.

When the names are announced, the crowd erupts in applause, celebrating not just the gorillas but also the human dedication behind their protection.

Beyond the symbolic naming, Kwita Izina includes cultural exhibitions, conservation dialogues, and community initiatives. The week leading up to the ceremony — known as “Kwita Izina Week” — features conferences, environmental education programs, tree planting activities, and the launch of new tourism or conservation projects.

The Spirit Behind the Names

Each year’s Kwita Izina has its own theme, often aligned with Rwanda’s conservation and sustainability goals. The themes emphasize unity, resilience, and the balance between people and nature.

For example, in 2022, the theme “Conservation is Life” highlighted the inseparable connection between biodiversity and human well-being. In 2023, the focus was on “Partnerships for Conservation Success”, recognizing the collective effort that drives Rwanda’s progress.

The names given to the baby gorillas often mirror these themes. A name like Imbaga (Community) or Twiyubake (Let’s Build Ourselves) might honor the role of local communities, while Iriba (Source) could signify the gorilla’s home in the forest or the source of life it represents.

These names are recorded and tracked by researchers, linking each gorilla’s identity to its family group, birthdate, and lineage — a powerful tool for long-term monitoring and conservation.

Community Empowerment: The Human Side of Kwita Izina

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Kwita Izina is how deeply it involves and benefits local communities living around Volcanoes National Park.

Rwanda’s conservation model recognizes that wildlife protection can only succeed if people see tangible benefits from it. Through a revenue-sharing scheme, 10% of all park entrance fees go directly to community projects — funding schools, health clinics, water systems, and infrastructure.

The Kwita Izina celebration reinforces this bond. It’s a moment when communities see the results of their stewardship — not as bystanders, but as partners in protecting the gorillas that have become global ambassadors for Rwanda.

Over the years, this partnership has transformed lives. Former poachers have become park rangers and guides; women’s cooperatives produce handicrafts sold to tourists; and youth organizations lead environmental education programs.

The pride that radiates from local residents during Kwita Izina is genuine. They are not just celebrating gorillas — they are celebrating their own role in Rwanda’s story of renewal and harmony with nature.

A Global Event with Local Roots

What began as a small national ceremony has now become an international event. Kwita Izina attracts celebrities, conservation icons, and travelers from across the world. Past namers have included renowned figures like Sir David Attenborough, Ellen DeGeneres, Naomi Campbell, and His Royal Highness Prince Charles (now King Charles III).

Media coverage of the event has helped put Rwanda on the global tourism map, showcasing the country not just as a gorilla trekking destination, but as a model for responsible and inclusive tourism.

For travelers attending Kwita Izina, it’s an unforgettable cultural experience — a chance to witness a living expression of Rwanda’s conservation values and national pride. The atmosphere is electric yet deeply emotional, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate coexistence.

More Than a Ceremony: A Vision for the Future

Kwita Izina represents more than a yearly festival — it embodies Rwanda’s long-term vision of sustainable conservation. It reminds the world that protecting wildlife is not a task for a few but a collective responsibility that requires collaboration between governments, communities, and travelers.

Every name announced at Kwita Izina is a promise — a commitment to safeguard the new generation of gorillas and their habitats. The ceremony stands as a beacon of hope in a world where many species still face extinction. It is living proof that conservation can work when rooted in respect, education, and shared purpose.

As Rwanda continues to lead Africa’s eco-tourism renaissance, Kwita Izina will remain a symbol of what makes the country so extraordinary — a place where cultural heritage and environmental guardianship walk hand in hand.

How to Experience Kwita Izina as a Traveler

For visitors, attending the Kwita Izina ceremony is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of something larger than life. The celebration is typically held in early September in Kinigi, near Musanze, and is open to both locals and international guests.

Travelers can combine attendance with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a life-changing experience that allows you to see firsthand the very gorillas being honored. Nearby attractions such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum, Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offer additional ways to explore Rwanda’s culture and conservation efforts.

Visitors are encouraged to plan early, as the event attracts large crowds and accommodations fill up quickly.

Celebrate Conservation with Moreen Tours & Travel

For an authentic, seamless, and inspiring journey to Kwita Izina and beyond, travel with Moreen Tours & Travel — experts in luxury and cultural safaris across Rwanda. With their deep understanding of the country’s heritage, wildlife, and event logistics, Moreen Tours & Travel ensures travelers experience the full depth of Rwanda’s beauty and purpose.

They can arrange custom itineraries that include attendance at the Kwita Izina ceremony, gorilla trekking permits, cultural excursions, and luxury accommodation near Volcanoes National Park. Their expert guides and personalized service guarantee a journey filled with insight, comfort, and meaningful encounters.

With Moreen Tours & Travel, you don’t just witness Kwita Izina — you become part of Rwanda’s story of conservation, unity, and hope.