Rwanda will host the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony on Friday, 4 September 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District, near Volcanoes National Park. This year, Rwanda is expected to name 22 baby mountain gorillas under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”

For travelers, Kwita Izina is one of the most meaningful times to visit Rwanda. It brings together mountain gorilla conservation, Rwandan culture, local communities, and unforgettable safari experiences in the Land of a Thousand Hills.

If you are planning a Rwanda safari in September, this is an excellent time to combine gorilla trekking with Kigali, Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, or Nyungwe Forest National Park.

What Is Kwita Izina?

Kwita Izina means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda. The event is inspired by Rwanda’s cultural tradition of naming newborn children.

Rwanda adapted this tradition to celebrate baby mountain gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park. Each year, newborn gorillas receive names during a special conservation ceremony attended by conservationists, community members, tourism partners, government representatives, media, and international guests.

Kwita Izina recognizes the daily work of park rangers, trackers, researchers, conservation organizations, and communities that protect mountain gorillas and their forest habitat.

The ceremony is much more than a wildlife event. It represents Rwanda’s conservation-led tourism model, where tourism supports wildlife protection, local employment, and community development.

Kwita Izina 2026 Date and Location

Event: 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Date: Friday, 4 September 2026

Location: Kinigi, Musanze District, Northern Rwanda

Nearby park: Volcanoes National Park

Baby gorillas expected to be named: 22

Theme: Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future

Kinigi is located close to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s leading gorilla trekking destination. The park is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest trails, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the legacy of famous primatologist Dian Fossey.

Why Visit Rwanda During Kwita Izina?

Kwita Izina gives visitors an opportunity to experience Rwanda’s conservation story firsthand. Every baby gorilla named during the ceremony represents a positive step for the future of one of the world’s most endangered wildlife populations.

It is also an ideal time to combine the ceremony period with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. September falls within Rwanda’s long dry season, which is popular for gorilla trekking because trails can be easier to navigate. However, Volcanoes National Park is a rainforest, so visitors should always prepare for rain and muddy conditions.

Gorilla permits and accommodation can be in high demand around Kwita Izina. Travelers should book their permit, lodge, transport, and tour package early. Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit is generally priced at US$1,500 per person, although visitors should confirm the latest permit price and availability before booking.

Can Visitors Attend Kwita Izina?

Kwita Izina is a major national and international conservation event. Official attendance arrangements, public-access areas, and event programming may vary each year.

The 2026 programme is expected to include more than the gorilla naming ceremony. It may include conservation exhibitions, community activities, cultural experiences, and tourism-related events.

Travelers should plan their safari around the Kwita Izina period and confirm official event access before making final travel arrangements. Excellent African Safaris can assist with current event information, gorilla permit guidance, accommodation, private transport, local guides, and tailor-made Rwanda itineraries.

How to Plan Your Kwita Izina Safari

The first priority is securing your gorilla trekking permit. Volcanoes National Park has a limited number of permits each day, and September is a popular time for Rwanda travel.

A gorilla trekking experience starts early in the morning at the park headquarters. Visitors receive a briefing, are assigned to a habituated gorilla family, and trek into the forest with professional park guides and trackers. Trekking time depends on the location of the gorilla family and can range from relatively easy to physically demanding.

Most visitors stay in Musanze or Kinigi because these areas are close to Volcanoes National Park. Accommodation is available for luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers.

Most international travelers arrive through Kigali International Airport. Kigali is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Musanze and Kinigi by road, depending on traffic and weather.

We recommend arriving in Kigali at least one day before traveling to Volcanoes National Park. This allows time to rest after your flight and enjoy a Kigali city tour, local food experience, art gallery visit, market tour, or cultural activity.

Sample 5-Day Kwita Izina Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a Kigali city tour or relax before beginning your Rwanda safari.

Day 2: Kigali to Musanze

After breakfast, travel north through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills to Musanze. Check into your lodge near Volcanoes National Park and enjoy views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Day 3: Kwita Izina Experience

Take part in available Kwita Izina-related activities, including conservation exhibitions, cultural experiences, or officially accessible event programming. Final arrangements should be confirmed closer to the event date.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Wake up early and transfer to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. Trek through the rainforest with experienced guides and trackers to spend an unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax or enjoy an optional cultural experience in the Musanze area.

Day 5: Return to Kigali

Travel back to Kigali for your departure flight. You can also extend your journey to Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, or Uganda.

Extend Your Rwanda Safari

Lake Kivu is perfect for travelers who want to relax after gorilla trekking. Enjoy lakeside accommodation, kayaking, boat trips, coffee experiences, and beautiful sunset views.

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s Big Five safari destination. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, including lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is ideal for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, birdwatching, and rainforest hikes. It is a great addition for travelers who want to experience Rwanda’s primates beyond mountain gorillas.

Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest and most welcoming capital cities. It offers restaurants, art, coffee, markets, cultural attractions, and a convenient starting or ending point for any Rwanda safari.

What to Pack for Kwita Izina and Gorilla Trekking

Pack waterproof hiking boots with strong grip, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, gardening gloves, gaiters, insect repellent, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a small daypack, and a warm layer for cool mornings and evenings.

Volcanoes National Park is a high-altitude rainforest, so weather conditions can change quickly. Comfortable hiking gear is essential. Avoid wearing brand-new hiking boots on trekking day; make sure they are already broken in before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Kwita Izina 2026?

Kwita Izina 2026 will take place on Friday, 4 September 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District, Northern Rwanda.

How many baby gorillas will be named at Kwita Izina 2026?

Rwanda is expected to name 22 baby mountain gorillas during the 21st Kwita Izina ceremony.

Can I go gorilla trekking during Kwita Izina?

Yes. Gorilla trekking can be combined with a Kwita Izina visit, subject to permit availability. September is a popular time for Rwanda travel, so booking early is recommended.

How much is a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit?

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit is generally priced at US$1,500 per person. Permit pricing and conditions can change, so confirm current details before booking.

How many days do I need for Kwita Izina and gorilla trekking?

Plan at least 4 to 5 days for Kwita Izina and gorilla trekking. For a full Rwanda safari that includes Kigali, Akagera, Nyungwe, and Lake Kivu, plan 7 to 12 days.

Plan Your Kwita Izina 2026 Safari With Excellent African Safaris

Kwita Izina is one of the best times to experience Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, conservation achievements, and warm hospitality. Combine the gorilla naming ceremony period with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a Kigali city experience, Lake Kivu relaxation, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, or a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park.

Excellent African Safaris can help you plan a personalized Kwita Izina 2026 safari with gorilla permit assistance, accommodation, airport transfers, professional guides, and tailor-made Rwanda itineraries.

Contact Excellent African Safaris today to check availability and begin planning your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure.