Gorilla naming ceremony 2026 (Rwanda’s 21th Kwita Izina celebration)

The annual baby gorilla naming ceremony of 2026 will be held on 4 September ( Kwita Izina ) organized in Rwanda every year since 2005, it has become an interesting event that has grown from being a one-day event to a week’s celebration. Over 150 baby gorillas are named every year which has become a global impact on international media, involving bespoke tours, a community day to launch community projects, a community party showing local traditions, a conservation conference, and an exhibition of green energy initiatives.

Besides that, it has improved wildlife data collection and management, which includes; the provision of additional resources for communities, while actively participating in the event.

Gorilla naming ceremony always takes place in Kinigi, the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, Musanze Town occurring every first Friday of September. Naming a mountain gorilla baby is considered a great honour. Baby Gorilla names are carefully chosen based on individuals; both the global and local who have made a great contribution to conservation efforts in Rwanda and the world at large.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is the managing government body responsible for tourism in Rwanda which will provide a photographic list of baby gorillas born that year with empty dashes for names. Besides that, there are other activities which include; famous and top traditional dancing groups and final remarks from Rwanda’s President himself to address.