Kwita Izina 2026: Rwanda Prepares to Host the 21st Gorilla Naming Ceremony
Musanze District is preparing to host the 21st edition of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s renowned gorilla naming ceremony, scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026. The event will take place in Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park, a location that traditionally attracts large and diverse crowds.
According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the organizer of the ceremony, the event is expected to bring together local communities, government leaders, international partners, and conservationists, as it does every year. Kwita Izina is an annual celebration dedicated to naming newborn mountain gorillas, while also highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Inspired by the Rwandan tradition of naming newborn children, Kwita Izina was formalized in 2005 to strengthen conservation efforts and encourage community involvement in protecting mountain gorillas. Since its inception, more than 400 gorillas have been named, reflecting the country’s significant progress in safeguarding this endangered species.
For the 2026 edition, RDB emphasized that the focus will be on shared responsibility in protecting gorillas and their habitats, particularly among communities living near the park. Over the years, the ceremony has grown into one of Africa’s most prominent conservation events, attracting researchers, tourists, and environmental advocates from around the world.
However, the number of gorillas to be named this year and the identities of those who will name them have not yet been announced.
Kwita Izina also plays a vital role in promoting Rwanda’s tourism sector, especially gorilla trekking, which continues to draw visitors globally. In 2025, tourism generated $685 million, up from $647 million in 2024, marking a 6% increase. The number of visitors also rose by 9%, reaching 1.49 million.
Volcanoes National Park remains one of the country’s top tourist destinations, particularly for those seeking to see mountain gorillas under strict conservation guidelines and permit systems.
Over time, Kwita Izina has evolved beyond a traditional ceremony into a symbol of Rwanda’s dedication to sustainable conservation. It effectively blends cultural heritage with environmental protection, reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
By: Florence Uwamaliya
