On Friday, 5 September 2025, Rwanda will celebrate the 20^th edition of Kwita Izina, the country’s flagship Gorilla Naming Ceremony, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi.

This year, 40 baby mountain gorillas will be named, including 18 born in 2024.

Rooted in the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming newborns, Kwita Izina was officially introduced in 2005 to celebrate Rwanda’s conservation achievements, engage communities, and inspire global awareness.

Over the past 20 years, Kwita Izina has become one of Africa’s leading events on conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting global icons, conservationists, and thousands of attendees annually. Since 2005, 397 baby gorillas have been named.

The theme for this year, “A legacy of community centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” highlights the vital role of communities, rangers, and researchers in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity.

Highlights of Kwita Izina 2025

To support the restoration of Volcanoes National Park, RDB, through the Rwanda Nature Foundation, will launch a  crowdfunding platform on 6 September to raise funds for the restoration of Volcanoes National Park, ensuring a healthier, expanded habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas.

The platform will offer individuals and organisations worldwide a direct way to contribute to mountain gorilla protection and habitat restoration.

Community Recognition

As with every edition, this year’s ceremony will honour the local communities and rangers who continue to play a vital role in the survival of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Ahead of Kwita Izina, a smart green agricultural project will be launched in Musanze District as part of this year’s Tourism Revenue Share Programme, alongside additional donations to benefit communities living around Rwanda’s other national parks.

 In celebration of this milestone year, a series of events will take place across the country to showcase conservation efforts, engage stakeholders, and highlight Rwanda’s natural beauty.

Kwita Izina 20 Event Calendar:

• 29 August: Community Project Launch in Kinigi, Musanze District
• 3–14 September: Countrywide Familiarization Trips for International Media and Tour Operators
• 3- 4 September: Community sports activities and concert in Musanze
• 5 September: Mountain Gorilla Naming Ceremony – Kinigi
• 6 September: Golf Tournament – Kigali Golf Resort & Villas
• 6 September: Conservation Gala Dinner – Kigali

By the Numbers:

• 397 gorillas have been named since 2005
• Over Rwf 18 billion invested in 1,000+ community projects through the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme

RDB Chief Tourism Officer, Irène Murerwa, said:

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of Kwita Izina—a ceremony that has become a symbol of conservation, community, and culture in Rwanda. Thanks to the unwavering dedication and support of the government of Rwanda, partners and communities,  the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has increased from 880 in 2012 to over 1,063 today. This success highlights the impact of community-based conservation and strategic partnerships.

Through initiatives like the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme, which allocates 10% of tourism income back to local communities, we have improved schools, roads, and access to clean water. This demonstrates that when conservation benefits communities, nature thrives. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our shared duty to protect biodiversity and create a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Kwita Izina continues to define Rwanda’s leadership in responsible tourism, blending tradition, innovation, and community ownership to protect the only species of great apes.

—ENDS—

For media inquiries and more details on Kwita Izina and related events, please contact: 

Email: communications@rdb.rw

Website: www.kwitaizina.rw

About Kwita Izina

The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is modelled off a centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies to monitor each gorilla in their family and habitat.

In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic primates, they are given the value they undoubtedly deserve.