Highlights From Rwanda's Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

The 20th annual Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony took place recently in Rwanda, marking another successful year for the nation's conservation efforts, a unique event held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, is a profound celebration of both wildlife protection and community involvement.

Kwita Izina, which translates to "to give a name," is modeled after a long-standing Rwandan tradition of naming human babies. The ceremony provides a way to celebrate and give individual identity to each new mountain gorilla born in the park. This event has grown into a major international affair where visitors witness firsthand how tourism revenue empowers local communities, ensuring that both people and wildlife can thrive.

Participating in Kwita Izina is an unforgettable experience that goes beyond a typical safari, demonstrating how tourism revenue directly supports the local communities who live alongside these magnificent primates, ensuring that both the people and wildlife thrive. 

Guests visiting Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Lodge, One&Only Gorilla's Nest, and Singita Kwitonda in early September 2026 will have the opportunity to participate in the ceremony held in nearby Kinigi.