Kwita Izina: Rwanda’s Ceremonial Naming of Mountain Gorillas

As a professional safari guide who has witnessed this remarkable celebration, I can confidently say that Kwita Izina is one of Africa’s most prestigious wildlife conservation events. Held annually at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the ceremony honors newborn mountain gorillas and celebrates Rwanda’s outstanding conservation success.

What Is Kwita Izina?

Kwita Izina is inspired by an ancient Rwandan tradition of naming children in the presence of family and friends. In 2005, Rwanda officially adopted this cultural practice to name newborn mountain gorillas. What began as a conservation milestone has grown into a global celebration of nature, sustainability, and community involvement.

Each year, baby gorillas born within the previous year are given meaningful names reflecting their circumstances of birth, family lineage, or Rwanda’s conservation journey. The event brings together conservationists, park rangers, veterinarians, researchers, local communities, international partners, and global dignitaries.

Why the Ceremony Matters

Naming the gorillas is symbolic. It:

• Recognizes each gorilla as an individual

• Promotes long-term conservation awareness

• Appreciates frontline rangers and trackers

• Strengthens community involvement in wildlife protection

• Boosts Rwanda’s sustainable tourism profile

Over the past 18 years, more than 350 mountain gorillas have been named. The ceremony has become central to Rwanda’s conservation strategy and tourism transformation.

Conservation Success Story

Mountain gorillas were once critically endangered. However, coordinated efforts in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have produced extraordinary results.

• In 2010, 480 mountain gorillas were recorded in the Virunga Massif.

• By 2016, that number had risen to 604.

• Today, the global mountain gorilla population exceeds 1,000 individuals.

This growth has helped shift their conservation status from critically endangered to endangered — a rare success story in wildlife conservation.

Kwita Izina has played a key role in this journey by reinforcing national pride and international awareness.

Economic and Community Impact

Mountain gorilla tourism is a major pillar of Rwanda’s economy. Gorilla trekking permits generate significant conservation funding and directly support surrounding communities through revenue-sharing initiatives.

Tourism revenues have contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to Rwanda’s economy, positioning the country as one of Africa’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.

The Experience as a Visitor

Attending Kwita Izina is more than a ceremony — it is a cultural festival. Visitors enjoy:

• Traditional Rwandan music and dance

• Conservation exhibitions

• Community storytelling

• Public gorilla naming presentations

• Interaction with conservation leaders

The atmosphere blends culture, conservation, and celebration in a powerful and inspiring way.

A Global Conservation Showcase

Kwita Izina – Gorilla Child Naming

Kwita Izina is organized by the Rwanda Development Board and continues to elevate Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in responsible tourism. It is not simply about naming gorillas — it is about recognizing the collective effort required to protect one of the world’s most iconic species.

For anyone planning a Rwanda safari, combining gorilla trekking with attendance at Kwita Izina offers a deeply meaningful experience.