40 baby gorillas to be named at Kwita Izina 2025

On Friday, 5 September 2025, Rwanda will celebrate the 20th 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, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). 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

On Friday, 5 September 2025, Rwanda will celebrate the 20th 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, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). 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.

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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. 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. The Kwita Izina 20 Event Calendar features a series of exciting activities celebrating Rwanda’s conservation efforts and tourism. The events begin on 29 August with the launch of a community project in Kinigi, located in the Musanze District. From 3 to 14 September, international media and tour operators will participate in countrywide familiarization trips to explore Rwanda's tourism offerings. On 3 and 4 September, Musanze will host community sports activities and a concert, bringing together local residents and visitors in celebration. The highlight of the calendar, the Mountain Gorilla Naming Ceremony, will take place on 5 September in Kinigi. Following this, on 6 September, Kigali will host a golf tournament at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, and the day will conclude with a prestigious Conservation Gala Dinner in the capital city.