Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony
Experience one of the world’s most important celebrations of nature and meet Rwanda’s newborn baby gorillas.
Kwita Izina is modelled off a centuries old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, we give them a value they undoubtedly deserve.
The ceremony is an opportunity to thank the communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, our research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas. Over the last 19 years, 397 mountain gorillas have been named.
The 20th Kwita Izina will be held on Friday, 18 October 2024, and celebrate the country’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
Drawing from 20th Kwita Izina , IVOMO is organizing a number of activities aimed to engaging local communities in conservation efforts and eco-tourism. We will have school debates, roadshow to raise community awareness within local communities with regards to walking the journey to protect environment, good manners with regards to welcoming tourists and interacting with them during their stay. We will plant indigenous trees and fruit plants at Sarabuye hill for forestry and land restoration, preservation and mass education as we will do this in partnership with the Ruharambuga Primary School to nurture conservation mindset within kids from early age.
During these debates we will organize some quizzes and the winners will get some awards such as free tours and internships at IVOMO, books, note books, tours to different parks in Rwanda, accommodation, meals, tea, etc.
THE CALENDAR FROM 4th to 12th October 2024
4th Open day at IVOMOs’ headquarters.
5th – 8th: School debates “These will focus on nurturing conservation mindset within youth and encouraging them to explore and enjoy the beautiful nature wonders in their country, starting from the ones around them“
9th (POSTPONED) Online Symposium. “The Role Of Women In Tourism and Conservation” Dear participants of Kwita Izina Virtual Conference, Following the postponement of Kwita Izina(gorilla naming) that was officially announced last night 8th Oct, this virtual conference is also postponed. We hope to have this session in future once new dates of Kwita Izina are communicated. We thank you for your understanding and we hope to see you during our next virtual conference.
10th Roadshow for Community Awareness on Conservation
11th Tree planting for land restoration
12th Community Exhibition
STAY TUNED: We shall be sharing all details on our events linked to this years’ Kwita Izina in Nyungwe DMA on all our social media platforms.