Kwita Izina, the uniquely Rwandan event, was introduced in 2005 with the aim of creating awareness of conservation efforts of the endangered mountain gorilla. For three decades prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, the naming of newborn gorillas was carried out without fanfare. For the past 10 years however, newborn gorilla babies are celebrated in an exciting event at the foot of the Virunga Mountains.

On Saturday, June 21 2014, RDB will be hosting the tenth annual Kwita Izina – Gorilla Naming Ceremony. At this event, names will be given to 16 babies mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park. The theme for this year is ‘Conserving – Empowering – Growing’.

In this traditional Kwinta Izina naming ceremony, community members suggest names for a new born infant. Park guides also suggest names for all young gorillas born in the past year, generally based on observed behavior and characteristics. The naming is accompanied by traditional music and dance and this event helps raise funds for conservation.  One can even “adopt” the gorilla of your choice.

Rwanda shares the gorilla triangle of the Virunga Mountains with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but is the only country that dedicates an entire festival to the primates. Gorillas are important for the economy of Rwanda as they attract thousands of tourists every.

RwandAir is connecting the entire East African region, as well from South and West Africa so that even more people can take part in the week-long festivities.  As well, reasonably priced bus rides will also be available to get to this year’s site of the ceremony.  Check our special in the Travel Deals section to book your trip. 

Check out Rickshaw Travel's Package Tour to be a part of this event: