A New Generation of Mountain Gorillas Receives Its Names.

Kwita Izina 2026: Rwanda Gorilla Naming takes place every September. Rwanda brings the world closer to one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation stories through Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s famous Gorilla Naming Ceremony. On 4 September 2026, the foothills of Volcanoes National Park will host the 21st Kwita Izina 2026: Rwanda Gorilla Naming, celebrating nature, culture, conservation and the people whose daily commitment protects Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

This year, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Rwanda during a particularly special conservation moment, as a new generation of baby mountain gorillas is formally welcomed and named. Twenty-two baby gorillas are expected to receive their names during the 2026 ceremony.

Experience the Story Beyond the Kwita Izina Ceremony

A Kwita Izina 2026 experience can begin before the names are announced. Travel through the landscapes surrounding Volcanoes National Park. Meet the communities living alongside the gorilla habitat. Discover the work of guides, trackers, rangers, researchers, and community conservationists.

Explore Rwanda’s cultural traditions. Experience the forests and volcanic landscapes. And, where permits and park regulations allow, encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Then come together for the celebration that brings this conservation story to the world.

This is not simply a trip to watch a ceremony. It is a journey into the living story of gorilla conservation in Rwanda.

Turn the Kwita Izina Naming Moment Into a Conservation Experience

Our Kwita Izina conservation safari is designed around the unique tourism opportunity created by the gorilla-naming season.

Before Kwita Izina 2026

Discover Rwanda’s conservation landscape through gorilla trekking, forest experiences, cultural encounters, community visits, and conservation-focused activities.

During Kwita Izina 2026

Experience the atmosphere surrounding Rwanda’s most celebrated gorilla conservation event and witness the naming of the newest generation of mountain gorillas.

The 21st Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony will take place on 4 September 2026 in Kinigi, Musanze, under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”

After Kwita Izina

Continue the journey through Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities, connecting the celebration to the landscapes, people, and conservation work that make it possible.

Why Travel to Rwanda for Kwita Izina 2026?

Because some journeys take you to a destination, but Kwita Izina takes you into Rwanda’s story of turning wildlife conservation into a shared national and global responsibility.

Since Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in 2005, the ceremony has grown into an international celebration of nature and conservation. According to Visit Rwanda, the first official gorilla naming ceremony was introduced in 2005, and more than 400 mountain gorillas have now been named through the event.

Come for the Gorillas

Experience Rwanda’s mountain gorillas in their natural habitat through responsible gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, subject to permits and park regulations.

Discover the Conservation Efforts

Learn about the conservation work carried out by rangers, trackers, researchers, veterinarians, communities, and conservation partners.

Meet the People Behind the Gorillas

Connect with the communities and conservation professionals whose work helps protect Rwanda’s mountain gorilla habitat.

Experience the Kwita Izina Naming Ceremony

Be part of one of Rwanda’s most important conservation celebrations as a new generation of mountain gorillas receives their names.

Book Your Kwita Izina Conservation Safari

Now book your Kwita Izina conservation safari with Albertine Tours and experience Rwanda’s gorilla conservation story through wildlife, culture, communities, and unforgettable landscapes.