The 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming in Rwanda.

August 29, 2026

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Rwanda will once again celebrate its remarkable mountain gorilla conservation success when the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony takes place on Friday, 4 September 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park.

Held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” Kwita Izina 2026 will bring together local communities, conservationists, researchers, tourism professionals, government representatives, international guests and wildlife lovers to welcome and name Rwanda’s newest baby mountain gorillas.

For travellers planning to visit Rwanda in September 2026, the ceremony offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation celebrations and combine it with gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing and cultural exploration.

What Is Kwita Izina?

“Kwita Izina” means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda. The event is inspired by the centuries-old Rwandan custom of gathering family and community members to name and celebrate a newborn child.

Park rangers and researchers have long named newborn gorillas to help identify, monitor and protect individual animals and their family groups. In 2005, Rwanda transformed this conservation practice into an official annual public ceremony.

Since then, Kwita Izina has grown into a globally recognised celebration of mountain gorilla conservation. Over the first 20 editions, 438 mountain gorillas were named, each name carrying a special meaning connected to conservation, hope, resilience, unity or Rwanda’s cultural heritage.

Why the Gorilla Naming Ceremony Matters

Kwita Izina is much more than a colourful public ceremony. Naming each baby gorilla helps conservation teams follow its health, movements, relationships and development within its family group.

The celebration also recognises the people whose daily efforts make gorilla conservation possible, including park rangers, trackers, veterinary teams, researchers, conservation organisations and communities living near Volcanoes National Park.

Rwanda’s conservation model closely connects wildlife protection with community development and responsible tourism. Revenue generated through gorilla trekking and other tourism experiences supports conservation while helping neighbouring communities benefit from protected areas. This approach demonstrates that safeguarding nature can go hand in hand with creating livelihoods and improving community wellbeing.

What to Expect at Kwita Izina 2026

The main naming ceremony will be held in Kinigi on 4 September 2026. Distinguished namers from Rwanda and around the world are expected to give meaningful names to the baby gorillas born under the protection of Volcanoes National Park.

Visitors can expect a joyful celebration featuring Rwandan culture, music, dance, conservation stories and messages about the protection of mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.

The wider Kwita Izina programme includes:

A conservation exhibition in Kinigi from 28 August to 8 September
Special screenings of A Gorilla Story in Kigali and Musanze on 2 and 3 September
A gorilla trekking experience for invited namers on 3 September
A community celebration concert in Musanze on 3 September
The 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony on 4 September
A major Kwita Izina concert at BK Arena in Kigali on 5 September

The programme makes early September an excellent time to discover Rwanda’s conservation achievements, natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Combine Kwita Izina With Gorilla Trekking

Attending Kwita Izina becomes even more meaningful when combined with a mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.

During a guided trek, visitors walk through the park’s beautiful montane forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once the gorillas are located, guests spend a carefully controlled period observing their behaviour at close range. Seeing a powerful silverback, playful juveniles and caring mothers in their natural habitat is an emotional experience that few travellers ever forget.

Gorilla trekking permits are limited and demand is normally high around Kwita Izina. Travellers hoping to attend the ceremony and trek gorillas should therefore confirm their arrangements well in advance.

Extend Your Rwanda Safari

Ngoni Safaris can combine the Kwita Izina celebration with a tailor-made Rwanda journey featuring:

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey tracking
A Kigali city tour and visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Wildlife game drives and a boat safari in Akagera National Park
Chimpanzee tracking and canopy adventures in Nyungwe National Park
Relaxation beside Lake Kivu
Cultural and community experiences in Musanze

Travellers with additional time can also combine Rwanda with Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park or a classic wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

Plan Your Kwita Izina 2026 Safari With Ngoni Safaris

The 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony is an invitation to celebrate new life, honour the people protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and witness the positive connection between conservation, tourism and local communities.

Ngoni Safaris Uganda organises private and customised journeys to Rwanda and across East Africa. We can arrange your accommodation, airport transfers, private 4×4 safari vehicle, professional driver-guide, gorilla trekking permits and a personalised itinerary built around the Kwita Izina celebrations.

Join us in Rwanda on Friday, 4 September 2026, and experience a conservation celebration unlike any other.

Contact Ngoni Safaris today to begin planning your Kwita Izina 2026 gorilla safari.