There are many reasons to visit Rwanda, from gorilla trekking and Akagera's savannahs to Kigali's culture and the landscapes around Lake Kivu. But in September 2026, there is another reason to put Rwanda on your travel calendar: Kwita Izina, the country's annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony.
The 21st Kwita Izina will take place on Friday, 4 September 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. This year's theme is “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”
For travelers interested in gorillas, conservation, culture and authentic experiences in Rwanda, Kwita Izina is much more than a single ceremony. It is part of a wider programme of events bringing together communities, conservationists, tourism professionals, researchers, partners and visitors.
What Is Kwita Izina?
Kwita Izina is Rwanda's annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony. The event is inspired by a centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming children in the presence of family and friends.
Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in 2005, turning the tradition into a celebration of conservation. Since then, the ceremony has grown into an international event that recognises the work of conservationists, researchers, veterinarians, rangers, trackers, communities and partners involved in protecting Rwanda's mountain gorillas.
According to Visit Rwanda, 438 mountain gorillas had been named across the first 20 editions of the ceremony.
When Is Kwita Izina 2026?
The main ceremony will take place on:
- Date: Friday, 4 September 2026
- Location: Kinigi, Musanze District
- Area: Foothills of Volcanoes National Park
- Theme: “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future”
The main ceremony is only part of the wider programme. The 2026 celebrations include a conservation exhibition, documentary screenings, community activities and events around Musanze and Kigali.
Where Does Kwita Izina Take Place?
The main ceremony takes place in Kinigi, in Musanze District, close to Volcanoes National Park.
This is one of the most interesting areas of Rwanda for travelers because it puts you close to the mountain gorillas and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Virunga mountains.
Musanze can also be a great base for travelers who want to experience more than gorilla trekking. You can explore the local area, experience Rwandan culture, enjoy the mountain scenery and combine your visit with other parts of the country.
Why Is Kwita Izina Important?
Kwita Izina celebrates newborn mountain gorillas, but the bigger story is conservation.
The event recognises the people and communities whose work contributes to protecting Rwanda's natural heritage. Rangers, trackers, veterinarians, researchers and conservation partners all play important roles in protecting the gorillas and their habitat.
The celebration also highlights the connection between conservation, tourism and communities around protected areas. This makes Kwita Izina particularly interesting for visitors who want to understand more about how tourism contributes to conservation in Rwanda.
Can Tourists Attend Kwita Izina?
Kwita Izina is a major national and international event, but travelers should check the official event channels for the latest information about access, registration and event arrangements before planning specifically around the ceremony.
The wider Kwita Izina programme also provides opportunities to experience Rwanda's conservation story through exhibitions, cultural activities and other events around Musanze and Kigali.
What Can You Combine With a Kwita Izina Trip?
One of the best ways to experience Rwanda is not to treat Kwita Izina as a standalone event.
You could combine your visit with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, then continue to another part of Rwanda depending on your time and interests.
For travelers with several days available, possible combinations include:
- Kigali for culture, food and city experiences.
- Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and mountain landscapes.
- Akagera National Park for savannah wildlife and a very different side of Rwanda.
- Nyungwe National Park for rainforest experiences and chimpanzee trekking.
- Lake Kivu for a more relaxed lakeside experience.
This is where a local tour operator can make a difference. Instead of arranging each section separately, your itinerary can be planned around your travel dates, preferred travel style and the experiences you actually want.
What About the Kwita Izina Concert?
The celebrations continue in Kigali after the main ceremony.
The Kwita Izina Concert is scheduled for Saturday, 5 September 2026 at BK Arena, giving visitors another opportunity to experience the cultural and entertainment side of the celebrations.
For visitors who enjoy combining wildlife, culture and entertainment, this creates an interesting opportunity to experience a different side of Rwanda during the same trip.
Planning Your Rwanda Trip Around Kwita Izina
If you are planning to visit Rwanda around Kwita Izina 2026, it is worth organising your trip early.
This becomes especially important if gorilla trekking is part of your plans, since your overall itinerary needs to work around your trekking date and the rest of your travel schedule.
You may also want to leave enough time to experience Rwanda beyond Musanze. A few additional days can completely change the character of your trip, allowing you to combine mountain gorillas with wildlife, culture, rainforest or Lake Kivu.
Experience Rwanda With a Local Team
At Iriza Tours & Safaris, we help travelers plan Rwanda trips around the experiences that matter most to them.
Whether you are coming specifically for Kwita Izina, planning a gorilla trekking adventure or looking to combine Rwanda with Uganda, we can help arrange the transport, itinerary and local experiences around your travel dates.
Planning to visit Rwanda for Kwita Izina 2026? Contact Iriza Tours & Safaris and let us help you build your Rwanda itinerary.
Explore our Rwanda Tours or contact our team to start planning.
