Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda: Kwita Izina Guide, History & Baby Gorilla Names

The Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda, known as Kwita Izina, is a powerful celebration of life, conservation, and Rwanda’s extraordinary commitment to protecting mountain gorillas. Each year, newborn gorillas are welcomed with names reflecting their family history, birth circumstances, character, or hopes for their future. More than a naming ceremony, Kwita Izina brings together Rwandan communities, rangers, researchers, veterinarians, conservationists, government leaders, international figures, athletes and artists in support of a species that has become a symbol of Rwanda’s conservation success. Since the first official ceremony in 2005, Kwita Izina has grown into a globally recognized conservation event, and following the 21st ceremony in September 2026, 460 mountain gorillas had been named through Kwita Izina—a remarkable testament to more than two decades of determination, partnership and hope for their future.  Learn more from our Rwanda tour company about this beautiful gorilla naming ceremony now.

What Is the Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda?

From its traditional Rwandan roots to its modern role in conservation, Kwita Izina has evolved into a major celebration connecting people, wildlife and the communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park. The ceremony gives each newborn gorilla a meaningful identity while highlighting the broader efforts that make Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation possible.

What Does Kwita Izina Mean?

Kwita Izina means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda and reflects Rwanda’s traditional practice of formally naming newborn children. For mountain gorillas, the tradition gives each newborn an identity and story, with names often expressing ideas such as courage, protection, hope, unity, progress or heritage while connecting the individual gorilla to its family and Rwanda’s broader conservation efforts.

The History of Kwita Izina

Rwanda officially introduced Kwita Izina in 2005, building on the tradition of naming gorillas used by rangers and researchers to monitor individual animals. What began as a ceremony celebrating newborn mountain gorillas has grown into a major international conservation event featuring community initiatives, cultural activities and prominent guests, with 23 gorillas named in 2023, 40 in 2025 and 22 more in 2026.

Red Rocks Rwanda and Kwita Izina

Red Rocks Rwanda has a long connection to the conservation and community activities surrounding Kwita Izina, helping bring the celebration beyond the official ceremony and into the communities around Volcanoes National Park. Its annual Red Rocks Cultural Festival is held around the same period as the Gorilla Naming Ceremony, bringing together local artists, community members, conservation advocates and visitors through cultural experiences, conservation discussions and community-led activities. Red Rocks has also been directly involved in Kwita Izina-related programming, including events and gatherings designed to connect tourism with conservation and local economic development. In 2017, Red Rocks Rwanda and Amahoro Tours founder Greg Bakunzi was among the individuals honored with the opportunity to name a baby gorilla at Kwita Izina, recognizing the organizations’ commitment to community-based tourism and

Greg Bakunzi

Greg Bakunzi named a baby gorilla at the 2017 Kwita Izina ceremony, held on September 1, 2017, in Kinigi at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. He named the female gorilla “Tembera U Rwanda,” meaning “Visit and Explore Rwanda”; she was born October 2, 2016, to mother Inkubito of the Muhoza family.

Where Is the Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony Held?

Kwita Izina is held in Kinigi, in Musanze District, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park.  The location is significant because Volcanoes National Park is home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. The ceremony therefore takes place close to the ecosystem at the heart of the conservation effort.  Kinigi is also closely associated with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Visitors traveling to the area for a gorilla trekking experience are entering the same broader landscape that forms the setting for Kwita Izina.  The ceremony’s location reinforces an important point: Kwita Izina is not an isolated cultural event. It is directly connected to the protected habitat, conservation professionals and communities surrounding the park.

When Is Kwita Izina Held?

Kwita Izina has traditionally taken place around September, although the exact date can change.

Recent ceremonies include:

The 2023 ceremony took place on September 1. The 2025 ceremony was held on September 5, while the 21st Kwita Izina took place on September 4, 2026.

What Happened to Kwita Izina in 2024?

This is an important distinction when researching recent Kwita Izina ceremonies.  Rwanda originally planned to hold the 20th Kwita Izina ceremony on October 18, 2024. RDB announced that 22 baby gorillas would be named as part of the event.  The ceremony was subsequently postponed. RDB issued an official postponement notice in October 2024 and stated that a new date would be communicated.  As a result, there was no completed 2024 Kwita Izina ceremony.  The 20th ceremony was ultimately held on September 5, 2025, when 40 baby gorillas were named. RDB’s official 2025 record shows that the group included 18 gorillas born in 2024 and 22 born in 2023.  This means websites describing 2024 as a completed Kwita Izina naming year can be misleading. The 2024 event was planned, postponed and ultimately incorporated into the following year’s anniversary celebration.

Why Does Rwanda Name Baby Gorillas?

There are several reasons Rwanda places such importance on naming newborn mountain gorillas.

First, names help researchers and conservation teams identify individual animals and understand their family histories. Gorillas live in complex social groups, and following individual animals is an important part of long-term monitoring.

Second, the ceremony gives the public a way to connect with individual gorillas rather than thinking about the species only as a population statistic.

Third, Kwita Izina recognizes the people who protect the animals. Rangers, trackers, veterinarians and researchers work in the gorilla habitat throughout the year. Their roles are frequently reflected in the ceremony and the meanings behind the names.

Finally, the event communicates a broader conservation message. A newborn gorilla represents the continuation of a family and the future of the species. Giving that animal a name creates a story that can be shared far beyond the forest.

Visit Rwanda describes Kwita Izina as an opportunity to thank communities living around Volcanoes National Park, research partners, veterinarians, conservationists, rangers and trackers.

Who Gets to Name the Gorillas?

Kwita Izina namers come from many different backgrounds.

Recent ceremonies have included:

• Rangers and trackers
• Gorilla researchers
• Veterinary professionals
• Conservation leaders
• Community representatives
• International business leaders
• Athletes and former sports stars
• Musicians and actors
• Philanthropists
• Government and public figures

The mix is intentional. Conservation is not presented as the responsibility of one group.  The 2025 ceremony included local rangers, trackers and veterinary experts alongside international leaders, artists, athletes and conservation champions. The 2026 ceremony continued that approach with namers from conservation, tourism, business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy and public service.  This also means that some gorillas receive names from people who work directly with wildlife, while others are named by individuals who help bring international attention to Rwanda’s conservation efforts.

How Are Gorilla Names Chosen?

The meaning behind each name can be connected to the individual gorilla or to a larger conservation message.  Some names refer to the circumstances surrounding a birth. Others describe characteristics associated with the animal, its family or its future.  In 2025, names included Izere, meaning “Hope”; Shyamba, meaning “Forest”; Cyerekezo, meaning “Vision”; Inkomoko, meaning “Origin”; and Terimbere, meaning “Progress.”  The 2026 names continued that pattern.  Ishakwe means “Determination.” Shikama means “Stand Strong.” Ngabonzima means “Protector.” Ndongozi means “Leader.” Muhuza refers to someone who connects or brings people together.  These choices give Kwita Izina another layer of meaning. The ceremony is naming individual animals, but the language surrounding those names often reflects the values Rwanda wants associated with conservation.

Kwita Izina 2026: The 21st Gorilla Naming Ceremony

The 21st Kwita Izina took place on September 4, 2026, in Kinigi at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park.  The theme was “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”  Twenty-two baby mountain gorillas were officially named, bringing the total number of gorillas named through Kwita Izina since 2005 to 460.  The 2026 ceremony also highlighted the relationship between conservation, tourism and community development. Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme directs 10% of national park tourism revenues to communities surrounding protected areas. RDB reported that more than RWF 23 billion had supported nearly 1,300 community projects through the programme.

>>>>>>>>The official RDB record also identifies the gorillas’ families and, in many cases, their mothers. Several of the 2026 names directly connect the animals to broader conservation themes. For example, Ruhembe recognizes rangers working on the frontline, while Ntwarane celebrates the collective effort required to protect mountain gorillas.

Kwita Izina 2025: The 20th Ceremony

The 20th Kwita Izina ceremony was held on September 5, 2025.  It was an especially important edition because it marked two decades since Rwanda introduced the official gorilla naming ceremony.  Forty baby mountain gorillas were named. RDB reported that 18 had been born in 2024 and 22 had been born in 2023. The ceremony brought together conservationists, community representatives, international leaders, athletes, artists, rangers, tour guides, trackers and veterinary experts.  The ceremony also emphasized the next stage of Rwanda’s conservation strategy, including plans to restore and expand the habitat of mountain gorillas.

The 40 Gorillas Named in 2025

The official RDB account gives the meanings and stories behind all 40 names. Several are directly tied to conservation, while others refer to family history, Rwanda’s identity or the circumstances surrounding the individual gorilla’s life.

What the Recent Gorilla Names Reveal About Rwanda

Looking at the names from 2025 and 2026 together reveals a consistent pattern. There are names about protection, including Ngabonzima, meaning “Protector.” There are names about resilience, such as Shikama, “Stand Strong,” and Rugamba, “Fighter.”  Other names emphasize community and cooperation. Muhuza represents connection, while Ntwarane refers to people united around a common goal.  There are also names focused on the future. Cyerekezo means “Vision,” Terimbere means “Progress,” and Komezutsinde means “Keep Winning.”  This pattern makes the naming ceremony more interesting than a simple list of newborn gorillas. The names themselves reflect Rwanda’s conservation narrative: protect what exists, work together, learn from the past and create better conditions for the future.

How Kwita Izina Supports Conservation

The ceremony itself does not protect gorillas in isolation. Its larger value comes from the conservation system it represents.  Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation programme depends on many groups working together. Rangers monitor the park. Researchers study gorilla behavior and populations. Veterinarians respond to health concerns. Communities live alongside protected areas. Tourism creates economic activity that can support conservation and surrounding communities.  Kwita Izina brings these pieces together in a highly visible event.

RDB 2026 Report

RDB reported in 2026 that 10% of national park tourism revenues are reinvested into communities around protected areas through the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme. More than RWF 23 billion had supported nearly 1,300 community projects.  The broader conservation picture has also changed substantially over the decades. RDB reported in 2026 that more than 1,060 mountain gorillas now live in the wild across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi ecosystem</a>. This event provides a public platform for celebrating that progress while emphasizing that continued conservation work is necessary.

Kwita Izina and Gorilla Trekking Are Not the Same Experience

Kwita Izina and gorilla trekking are closely connected, but they are different experiences.   is a conservation and cultural celebration centered on newborn gorillas and the people protecting them.  Gorilla trekking is a controlled wildlife experience in which visitors travel into Volcanoes National Park to observe a habituated gorilla family.  The two can complement one another for travelers interested in Rwanda’s conservation story.  In fact, the 2026 Kwita Izina programme included a gorilla trekking experience for ceremony namers and invited guests, further demonstrating the connection between the event and the park itself.  Travelers interested in planning a Rwanda trip around Kwita Izina should confirm the official event schedule and availability of gorilla trekking permits before building an itinerary.

Can Tourists Attend Kwita Izina?

Kwita Izina is an official Rwandan conservation event that brings together local communities, conservation professionals, partners and international guests.  However, travelers should not assume that being in Rwanda during the ceremony automatically provides access to the main event.  Access arrangements can change from one year to another, so visitors interested in attending should check the official Kwita Izina and Rwanda Development Board announcements for the relevant year.  Even when the main ceremony is not part of a traveler’s itinerary, the wider Kwita Izina period can include community, conservation, cultural and tourism activities.

Why Kwita Izina Matters Beyond the Naming Ceremony

The true significance of Kwita Izina extends far beyond the moment a newborn gorilla receives its name. Each year, the ceremony draws attention to the broader effort required to protect endangered mountain gorillas, from preserving their forest habitat and supporting skilled rangers to providing veterinary care, advancing scientific research, encouraging responsible Rwanda tourism and strengthening relationships with surrounding communities. The celebration continues to evolve because gorilla conservation is an ongoing commitment, not a single event. Every newborn represents another reason to celebrate, but also a reminder that protecting these animals and the environment they depend on requires sustained dedication for generations to come.

Planning a Rwanda Trip Around Kwita Izina

For travelers fascinated by mountain gorillas, planning a Rwanda trip around Kwita Izina offers a unique opportunity to experience both the personal side of gorilla conservation and the thrill of seeing these remarkable animals in the wild. While the naming ceremony celebrates newborn gorillas and the people protecting them, a trek takes you into their natural habitat, and combining both experiences creates a deeper appreciation for Rwanda’s conservation story. To make the most of your trip, consider these five things:

1. 1. Rwanda Gorilla Trekking – Meet a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park and experience Rwanda’s mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
   2. Attend Kwita Izina – Experience Rwanda’s celebrated gorilla naming ceremony and learn more about the conservation efforts protecting these incredible animals.
   3. Plan Your Gorilla Permit Early – Trekking permits are limited, so securing your preferred trekking date well in advance is important, particularly around Kwita Izina.
   4. Explore Beyond Volcanoes National Park – Add Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, cultural experiences and local communities to create a more complete itinerary
   5. Work With Amahoro Tours – Build a personalized Rwanda itinerary that combines a one-day gorilla trek, Kwita Izina and other experiences based on your travel dates and interests.

Experience Rwanda’s Gorilla Conservation Story

Kwita Izina has grown from a cherished Rwandan gorilla naming tradition into an internationally recognized celebration of conservation, but its heart remains simple: welcoming each new gorilla and honoring the people dedicated to protecting them. For travelers, experiencing Rwanda during Kwita Izina offers a deeper understanding of the country’s conservation story, while a one-day gorilla trekking experience provides the opportunity to venture into the Virunga Mountains and encounter a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat. Together, the naming ceremony and a one-day gorilla trek offer two remarkable perspectives on Rwanda’s commitment to protecting these magnificent animals, complemented by the country’s rich culture, landscapes and other unforgettable experiences. Amahoro Tours can help travelers plan a Rwanda adventure that combines the best Rwanda gorilla trekking with conservation experiences and the excitement of Kwita Izina.