Annual kwita izina, Baby Gorilla Naming ceremony Rwanda 2025

The baby gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda, “Kwita Izina”, celebrates nature, applauds the efforts of conservationists, and honors the communities living around the gorilla habitats. It showcases a sustainable approach to conservation efforts that have enabled the endangered mountain gorillas to thrive in their natural habitats.

“Kwita Izina” is in the traditional language of Rwanda(Kinyarwanda) meaning to “to give a name”. it is an act of naming a person or anything.

Kwita Izina is an old tradition in Rwanda’s culture where a family and a community come together to celebrate and give a name to a newlyborn baby in the community. In this way, a baby would grow up being cared for and nurtured by the whole community.

Previously, like for three decades now before the first official baby gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda, it was all about the park rangers and researchers in Volcanoes National Park naming the newly born gorilla babies purposely for easy identification of each gorilla in its family group to monitor it’s growth.

In 2005, after the Rwanda Development Board together with the government decided on baby gorilla naming publicly to promote their conservation efforts, Rwanda officially began naming them publicly, which has now become a global celebration of primates, wildlife, tourism, and people who put in effort in conservation of nature across the world.

It is done annually, every September to name the baby gorillas born within that year officially and this year of 2024, the 21st annual Kwita Izina was held on Friday, 18 October 2025.

During the ceremony, baby gorilla naming is always done by those people who have contributed anything in the conservation of these endangered species in Rwanda and in the world at large.

The Kwita Izina, a baby gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda, is used as a platform by the Rwanda Development Board to share a lot of vital information to the world concerning mountain gorillas, and tourism in Rwanda. Some of the vital information shared with the public during the baby gorilla naming event includes;

1. Introducing baby gorillas born and mountain gorillas discovered within that specific year to the public.
2. Giving deep insights into the efforts that Rwanda is putting into ensuring the conservation and protection of these endangered mountain gorillas.
3. Highlighting updates about mountain gorilla conservation works that are taking place within Volcanoes National Park and the country at large.
4. Promoting gorilla trekking globally.
5. Appreciating communities living around gorilla habitats for their commitment towards mountain gorilla conservation.
6. To appreciate the committee board that is contributing to ensure successful of gorilla conservation Rwanda programs. Some of these members include the primatologist, Vets, conversationalists, research partners, and the park team most especially the park guides and rangers protecting these endangered gorillas on a daily basis.

350 mountain gorillas have been named for over 15 years and today the baby gorilla naming ceremony is one of the powerful, ambitious strategies that Rwanda is using to preserve its natural heritage for generations.

Baby gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda is at the same time used to expand the tourism sector hence transforming the country at large. As a result of this Rwanda cultural event, almost all of the citizens now understand the values of mountain gorillas to the Eco-system and their contribution to the country’s economic system.

Rwanda has now emerged as one of the leading wildlife conservation countries on the African continent witnessed by the number of mountain gorillas that are adding up every year in its habitats.

For example in the 2010 wildlife census report, the park was documented to hold 480 mountain gorillas and in 2016, the numbers had increased to 604 individual endangered mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. The efforts that the country is putting into the conversation of mountain gorillas have led to an increase in their numbers worldwide and they are no longer recognized as critically endangered.

Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming Cultural Festivities

Kwita Izina Rwanda cultural festivities are celebrated annually in September right outside Volcanoes National Park, at the community grounds in Kinigi, Musaze district.

Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony is a week-long Rwanda Wildlife celebration organized according to ancient customs and traditions as a way of creating more awareness and raising funds for the conservation and protection of mountain gorillas hence leading to the expansion of their natural habitats while the same time celebrating a new life.

Kwita Izina, baby gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda is a new form of conservation that has started getting worldwide recognition since the year of it’s establishment.

The ceremony comes with exciting activities inclusive of workshops and conferences all about wildlife conservation practices.

The baby gorilla naming ceremony takes place on a big bamboo stage featuring a handcrafted large mountain gorilla and a baby gorilla to bring out the clear picture of the event. Names are carefully chosen by the participants depending on the behaviors, and the unique characters of the baby gorilla. Traditionally in Rwanda, it is believed that names given to the newlyborn are very powerful and capable of shaping the life of the infant gorilla.

Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming festivities are featured with traditional melodies, fascinating performances, and dances all done by the Rwanda students and local artists.

The ceremony attracts thousands of locals and visitors worldwide inclusive of the notables to the Virunga Massif near the town of Kinigi to be part of this grand festival.

When is Kwita Izina 2024

The annual Rwanda’s Kwita Izina 2024, is scheduled to take place on Friday, 18 October 2024 at Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park. This event celebrates the birth of newborn mountain gorillas in the gorilla natural habitats of Volcanoes National. It is proof of Rwanda’s dedication to conservation efforts on the globe. The ceremony attracts international guests and locals alike therefore don’t miss out on this coming thrilling 2024 gorilla naming ceremony.

However, to attend, you will need a Kwita Izina 2024 ticket which is available for purchase online through platforms like eGotickets and other event organizers. They will provide you with a registration form which will require basic information such as your name, and contact details, among others.

Kwita Izina Registration

To register for Kwita Izina festivity, you always need to fill out the official registration form, typically found on platforms like eGotickets and other specific event organizers. The registration may require basic information such as name, contact details, and possibly identification depending on the event packages. Some events also offer VIP access, which may require additional steps during registration.

Importance of Registration:

1. Guaranteed Access: Kwita Izina is a globally recognized event, and early registration ensures you secure your place.
2. Exclusive Opportunities: Registered participants may gain access to special events such as VIP dinners, community projects, and cultural activities tied to the main ceremony​.
3. Support Conservation: By registering, you directly contribute to conservation efforts that protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and support the local communities around Volcanoes National Park​

How much is Kwita Izina  ticket?

The price for attending the Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda is not fixed for general attendance, as access is typically extended to high-profile guests, conservationists, and celebrities. However, tourists wishing to experience gorilla trekking during the event will need to purchase a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person.

How to Prepare for  Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony “Kwita Izina”