The 19th Kwita Izina 2023 (Gorilla naming Ceremony)
Are you ready to experience one of the World’s most popular celebrations of conservation and nature in Rwanda? If yes, then mark your calendar because you are just hours away from the 19th Kwita Izina (Gorilla naming Ceremony), to be held on 1st September 2023 in Kinigi (the foothills of Volcanoes National Park).
The 2023 edition of Rwanda’s Gorilla naming ceremony will see a total of 23 baby gorillas born in the last year named in a public event drawing thousands of nature lovers- including conservationists, partners, local and International personalities, dignitaries, and friends of Rwanda.
kwita izina 2023
“Kwita Izina”, literally translated as “naming” is embodied in the Rwandan centuries-old tradition of naming newborn babies in the presence of friends and family. Since its introduction over 18 years ago, over 374 baby gorillas have been named hence making it a Global celebration of conservation and Mother Nature. When these majestic Giant Apes are named, they are given the value that they undeniably deserve.
Kwita Izina Ceremony is not just about naming newborn Gorillas but also publicly appreciating the tireless work of everyone involved in the conservation of mountain gorillas, especially the local communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, the different research partners, the Gorilla Doctors/Veterinary staff, Park Rangers and trackers who dedicate their lives to protecting the Giant Apes, as well as dedicated conservationists.
The annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony is also a way of showcasing the country’s remarkable conservation efforts that include among others the successful low volume of visitors to Volcanoes National Park, the high-value strategy towards promoting Gorilla tourism which has been fundamental to the increase of mountain gorilla population and the provision of unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences to travelers. It is thrilling to know that in just the first 6 months of 2023, the country was able to garner over $247 million, 56% more than what was generated in the first half of 2022.
Some of the baby mountain gorillas to be named during the 19th Kwita Izina Ceremony are Kurinda’s baby born on 14th August 2022 in the Ntambara family, Ishyaka’s baby born on 8th October 2022 in the Mutobo family, Teta’s baby born on 9th October 2022 in the Pablo Gorilla Family, Icyamamare’s baby born on 4th September 2022 in Kwitonda family, Gutangara’s baby gorilla born on 6th December 2022 in Dushishoze family, Sulubika’s baby born on 12th December 2022 in Kwitonda family, Isaro’s baby born on 16th January 2023 in Musirikari family, Ubudehe’s baby born on 18th January 2023 in Agashya family, Akarabo’s baby born on 27th February 2023 in the Hirwa family, Inyenyeri’s baby born on 27th June 2023 in the Agashya
family, Umurinzi’s baby born on 21st September 2022 in Sabyinyo gorilla family, Intango’s baby born on 19th February 2023 in the Muhoza family, Twitabweho’s baby gorilla born on 28th March 2023 in Muhoza family, Taraja’s baby born on 22nd February 2023 in Segasira family, Sugira’s baby born on 1st March 2023 in Isimbi Gorilla Family, Muntu’s baby gorilla born on 14th May 2023 in Musirikari family, Ingenzi’s baby born on 12th May 2023 in Igisha gorilla family, Inkindi’s baby Gorilla born on 7th May 2023 from Igisha family, Ubuhamya’s baby gorilla born on 29th May 2023 in Segasira family, Akaramata’s baby born on 1st July 2023 in Mutobo family, and Mudakama’s baby gorilla born on 29th October 2022 in Mutobo Gorilla Family.
About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla trekking is one of the main (if not the most popular) tourist adventures for which Rwanda is known, and it is done in Volcanoes National Park. While there are over 40 gorilla families in this Protected Area, only 12 are fully habituated for trekking thus only 96 gorilla permits are available each day. For $1500, you are able to get yourself a gorilla permit, which will provide the chance to see one of these families and even spend one hour watching and photographing them. For your gorilla safari, you can also get the chance to experience some of the high-end accommodations that the National Park has to offer such as Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunga Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, to mention but a few.
