Kwita izina means "to give a name" in Kinyarwanda. In Rwandan tradition, a newborn child is named in a ceremony with family and neighbours. Since 2005, Rwanda has done the same for its baby mountain gorillas — turning their births into a national celebration of conservation.
Why name gorillas?
Researchers and rangers have always named the gorillas they monitor; it's how they keep track of individuals over decades. Kwita Izina makes that tradition public. It celebrates each new birth as a conservation success, honours the rangers and trackers who protect the families every day, and reinforces the link between gorillas and the communities living around the park, who share in tourism revenue.
The ceremony
Kwita Izina takes place at a purpose-built site in Kinigi, at the foot of the volcanoes, marked by giant gorilla sculptures. The day features traditional dance and music, speeches from government and conservation leaders, and the naming itself: one by one, invited namers — conservationists, rangers, local leaders, international partners and well-known personalities — step forward and announce a name for an infant, often carrying a hopeful meaning in Kinyarwanda.
The ceremony is usually surrounded by a wider programme of conservation and tourism events in Kigali and Musanze.
When is it?
Kwita Izina is usually held in September, though in some years the date has shifted. RDB announces the date each year — we'll tell you as soon as it's confirmed.
Planning a trip around Kwita Izina
- Book permits early. Kwita Izina falls in peak season, and demand rises further around the event.
- Book accommodation even earlier. Lodges near Kinigi fill quickly with guests and officials.
- Consider a day trip. If lodges are full, our day trip from Kigali works well.
- Expect security and road closures around Kinigi on the day itself.
Kwita Izina questions
What is Kwita Izina?
Rwanda's annual gorilla naming ceremony, held in Kinigi near Volcanoes National Park, at which the baby gorillas born in the past year are given names. It is modelled on the traditional Rwandan ceremony of naming a newborn child.
When is Kwita Izina held?
Usually in September, though the date has varied in some years. RDB announces the date each year.
Can tourists attend Kwita Izina?
Yes, the ceremony is generally open to the public. Expect large crowds and heavy demand for accommodation and gorilla permits around the event.
Who names the baby gorillas?
Each year RDB invites namers — conservationists, rangers, community members, celebrities and partners — who each announce a name for one infant.
