How mountain gorillas are named during Kwita izina ceremony in Rwanda

The criteria used to name the mountain gorillas is only known to the Rwanda Development Board but it is usually impactful. To participate in the Kwita Izina ceremony in Rwanda, you may need to get an invite, a procedure that the Rwanda Development Board normally communicates as the major organizers.

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The number of mountain gorillas named during Kwita Izina varies and is according to the number of births received in the year. Kwita Izina ceremony is the gorilla naming function held each year by the Rwanda Development Board, the Rwanda government and other conservation bodies in Rwanda and beyond.

Each year, the Kwita Izina ceremony is held in recognition of the milestone moved by the conservation fraternity to protect the highly endangered mountain gorillas that were at the brink of extinction before the 1980s.

An American Primatologist called Diane Fossey rescued the dying fate of the mountain gorillas when she set up her research station in Karisoke in Rwanda. During her study about the mountain gorillas, Dian Fossey also conducted a census where she and the team concluded that about 250 mountain gorillas were found to be living in the entire world then. She tried to create awareness about the status of the mountain gorillas and a number of conservation bodies both internal and international came on board.

Unfortunately, in 1985, Dian Fossey was massacred by unknown assassins but the work of conserving the mountain gorillas still continued to date. Over the years, Rwanda has been trying to conserve the mountain gorillas but in 1994, the genocide antagonized this work then later peace prevailed in the country, conserving the mountain gorillas is top on the priorities of the country’s tourism sector.

To support the conservation of mountain gorillas in Rwanda and create public awareness about their relevance in society, ceremonies like Kwita Izina are being carried out annually. By doing gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, part of the money paid on the gorilla permit is used to support the mountain gorilla conservation. Contact us for more information.

What is Kwita Izina Ceremony in Rwanda

Kwita Izina ceremony is the gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda held each year for the new borns and gorilla families confirmed ready for public viewing. The Rwanda Development Board with other stakeholders in the tourism and conservation sector within and outside Rwanda celebrate the milestone achieved when there is an increase in the number of mountain gorillas

This function is open to every person although there may be special invites issued to some guests. The mountain gorillas in Rwanda live in Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of the country.

When is the Kwita Izina ceremony held in Rwanda

The time for the Kwita Izina function in Rwanda normally varies and is determined by the Rwanda Development Board. Usually the Kwita Izina ceremony is held in July or August although it may change depending on circumstances prevailing. You need to keep checking from the Rwanda Development Board website for the possible updates about the Kwita Izina ceremony and other related activities.

In Rwanda, the months of July or August are usually considered the peak tourism season in the country when more tourists are expected to visit the country. The demand for gorilla trekking safaris in the country is high.

Are mountain gorillas Present at the Kwita Izina Ceremony

No live mountain gorillas is brought at the Kwita Izina grounds because they are wild animals that cannot survive outside their usual environment. In case the infant is picked from the mother gorilla to be taken for naming, it is stressful to the baby gorilla and the gorilla family because these primates live in cohesive families. Infant mountain gorillas are highly protected by the entire gorilla family.

While at the Kwita Izina ceremony, a demonstration in the picture of the mountain gorillas on ground as a representation of the primates that are not present. There are clowns and decorations that depict the life of the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Where to Find Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

The Rwanda mountain gorillas are permanent residents of Volcanoes National Park. This is part of the Virunga area where the only surviving mountain gorillas in the world are being conserved. The Volcanoes National Park has currently about 12 gorilla trekking families open to the public some include Umubano, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Susa and others.

The topography of Volcanoes National Park is jagged with a number of highlands resulting from the volcanic actions that happened in this area. Sometimes the mountain gorillas spend time on the slopes of these highlands so you need to hike in order to get where they are. Volcanoes National Park has highlands including Mountain Gahinga, Muhavura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo and karisimbi

Other than the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to other primates including blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus, golden monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey and others. Over 200 bird species have been recorded as residents of Volcanoes National Park. 

How much is the cost of attending the Kwita Izina Ceremony

The cost of attending kwita Izina ceremony is communicated by the Rwanda Development Board especially if you are to be amongst the invited guests with special seats. For you to get a recognized seat at the function it is best to make your reservation as soon as the Rwanda Development Board confirms the date when the function is to happen.

Note that you must reserve accommodation where to stay during the function. Normally the accommodations in Rwanda during the peak season most of the accommodations within the city and close by towns are sold out so it is better to make your reservation in advance.

In case you are to continue with gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, you need transport to get there so using a vehicle with 4x4 wheel drive  in good condition is very helpful.  

Is Rwanda Safe To Visit During Kwita Izina Ceremony

Rwanda is safe to visit at any time including the time of the kwita Izina ceremony. The Rwanda Development Board has a team of ranger guides who work closely with other security bodies of Rwanda to maintain the security in the country.

As a tourist, you need to mind personal security by not engaging in unlawful activities in Rwanda because law enforcement is very strict in case you do not abide by the law. According to the Rwanda law engaging in drug trafficked or anything related to this is punishable and this is clearly inscribed on the billboards at the entry points of Rwanda from other countries.

Report to the police or any other concerned authorities in Rwanda about loss of belongings so that all necessary investigations can be done.

Can I do Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda after the kwita Izina

Any moment is gorilla trekking in Rwanda as long as you find gorilla permit availability. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is about 3 hours so why not take advantage of the moment to indulge into the real life of the mountain gorillas in their natural environment.

To find availability of the Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit, you may go through a tour operator or contact Rwanda Development Authority. It is safer to book the gorilla permit as soon as you find it because its status changes any time without warning.

Reserve the other items that support the Rwanda gorilla trekking safari including finding accommodations, transport and others. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we can help you plan the Rwanda gorilla trekking safari and put together all the necessary logistics and all you have to do is show up.

How easy or hard is gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda

In general, the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is generally steep compared to her counter parts Uganda and D.R.Congo. The nature of the terrain of Volcanoes Forest is rugged with several highlands dotted on different parts of the park. There are five volcanoes in this park that is Mountain Muhavura, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Karisimbi and Gahinga that influence the terrain of Volcanoes National Park.

The draping vegetation from the tree trunks and ridges obstructs the way but the ranger guide with a machete may try to trim it and create a path. The ground of Volcanoes forest is logged most part of the year because of the regular rains that fall and the dense network of rivers that traverse the forest.

Finding the mountain gorillas gets tricky but this part of the experience as finding the mountain gorillas may depend on factors like food proximity, mood in the forest, weather conditions in the day and much more.

When with the mountain gorillas, try to abide by the rules of gorilla trekking so as not to give them reason to retreat into the deeper ends of the park. Remember one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking so utilize it to the best of your ability.

Are mountain gorillas aggressive

Even though mountain gorillas may charge when provoked during gorilla trekking, they are not aggressive. These primates are calm in nature even when the structure of their bodies may seem scaring because of the huge body covered in dark fur. Mountain gorillas also walk in the knuckle style which may be misinterpreted. Despite all these misconceptions, the mountain gorillas are serene primates.

When with the mountain gorillas, as you notice some usual behavior, wait for the ranger guide to find the cause of the matter before escalating the situation. Sometimes the mountain gorillas are seeking attention, trying to solve family drama, territorial facts and other reasons.

Accept to follow the new instructions from the ranger guide in order to control the situation and have that moment with the mountain gorillas.

Is Kwita Izina Ceremony Open To All Ages

Kwita Izina ceremony is open to all ages to enable even the young generation to learn and appreciate the relevancy of protecting the mountain gorillas and other forest dwellers. The sustainable existence of the mountain gorillas is starts with informing the young generation about their relevance in society.

Nature conservation is competing with modern development and one of the ways to promote it is through teaching the young generation. Even the adults who attend the gorilla naming ceremony get to appreciate the conservation of the habitats where these primates survive.

What To Pack For A Visit To Rwanda

• Packing light for your Rwanda safari is very helpful and you do not have to worry about who is to help you carry your bags. 
• Some of the items to include on the gorilla trekking safari packing list are
•  Safari boots to wear in the wilderness because there are sharp surfaces that can prick you.
• A larger brim foldable safari hat to cover your hair from dripping water off the leaves.
• Insect repellent so smear your body and keep away stinging insects in the wilderness.
• Toiletries to use in case the lodge doesn’t provide. Having your personal supplies is comfortable and safe especially for those with sensitive skin
• A pair of binoculars to get a clearer view of far ranging creatures.
• The camera which is flash-less to keep memories of you meeting with the mountain gorillas.
• A waterproof backpack to carry your belongings so that they do not get wet or lost when you fall.
• A pair of pajamas to wear in the night when it gets too cold. Rwanda gets too cold especially early morning and late evening so you need warm night wear.
• Garden gloves to protect your hands from pikes and slippery creepers that you land your palms on to catch a tighter grip.
• A torch to use when the lights go out in the night because solar is the main source of energy used.
• An extra battery to exchange with in case one runs low
• Carry a raincoat to use in case it falls because this area is known to receive rain any time of the day without warning.
• Do not forget some energy snacks to munch on because breakfast is taken too early to last the time as you wait to meet the mountain gorillas.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our team.