Gorilla naming ceremony Rwanda (Kwita Izina)

The gorilla naming ceremony, otherwise known as Kwita Izina, is an annual event that takes place in the month of September right outside Volcanoes National Park at a place called Kinigi. This festival attracts who is who in society. People from all four corners of the world converge at this place for this important occasion.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE GORILLA NAMING CEREMONY IN RWANDA

Right from renowned conservationists, celebritipoliticians,ainvestors, andors, well-wishers big and small, Rwanda is the place to be in September. Behold, it was that time of the year in Rwanda where nature enthusiasts gather in Kinigi for a gorilla naming festival popularly known as Kwita Izina.

Gorilla naming (Kwita Izinsymboliseszes a rebirth of baby gorillas to specific families. This activity happens every year where newborn baby gorillas are given names. The given names are generated based on the infants’ traits and characters. These infants are given names mainly for two reasons: protection and identification. It is easy for trackers to notice thaso-and-d so is missing in group,up which further enhances conservation of these endangered species. Kwiti Izina in Rwanda started way back in 2005 when the first naming ceremony took place. To date a total of 374 baby gorillas have been given names.

HOW TO GET TO RWANDA for gorilla naming ceremony

First of all, you will need a visa to visit Rwanda; however, some nationalities don’t need a visa. You may need to check with your embassy/consulate about your travel requirements before you embark on your journey. There are severaairlineses that can fly you in and out of Rwanda. Depending on your countrofor origin, you are sure to get a flight to Kigali International Airport. There are both direct and connection flights. These include BrusselsEthiopiania, Turkish, Swiss, Britisand,nd ocourse, RwandAir.r. It is important to note that Rwanda has a national carrier.

THE PEOPLE OF RWANDA

Rwandans are popularly known to be graceful, calm and gentle. Abovall,ll they are hospitable. They adorn colourful Kinyarwanattires,res and everywhere yturn,urn it’s colourful, including their culture. Their traditionadance,ce popularly callIntore,ore iscaptivating anding, attractive, full of grace yet strong enough to make an impact. This is one thing you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Rwanda.

Apart from Intore dance, Rwanda has got a cultural history that it portrthrough gh, music, storytelling and poetry. When you mention Rwandan culture, you cannot miout onout Iby’iwacu cultural village. At Iby’iwacu there is a diversity of arts and crafts as well as interaction with the local community that makes these crafts. You will be entertained by the people of this village. combination ofon culture alongside the beautiful landscape and booming wildlife makes Rwanda stand out.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN RWANDA while on Gorilla naming ceremony

Gorilla trekking

The volcanic range that cuts across Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo hosts the mountain gorillas shared by these three countries. Rwanda has got a population of about 1000 gorillas in the wild. There are 10 habituated gorilla families, some of which include Bwenge, Amahoro, Susa, Sabinyo, Agasha, Umubano, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Kwitonda and Ugyenda, all of which have about 160 family members in total.

Tracking these bamboo forest giants will not only fascinate yowill alsot will leave you with a lasting memory of a lifetime. They behave just like a typical human family, with the dominant male, aka Silverback, courteously monitoring and protecting its family, and mothers constantly grooming their young ones. Tracking is allowed in only habituated groups where early trackers and guides will help locate your group.

Once thilocated,cated you are allowed to spend one hour as they rest and basically go about their usual activities. Gorilla tracking can take between 3 and 4 hours depending on the location of the family you are tracking. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD $1500 to foreign nonresidents and $200 for Rwandans and East Africans.

Chimpanzeegolden monkeyonkey tracking

These are both unique and interesting activities that you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Rwanda. Your stay in Rwanda cannot be complete if you don’t track these two primates. Just like gorillas, you will need to book permits in advance from authorised/licensed tour operators like Shoebill Safaris that will take you on this tracking adventurBird

rding watching and game drive safari

Birdwatching is quite a vibrant activity in Rwanda. With over 700 different bird species recorded all over the country, if you arbirder,rder you cannot afford to miss out on this.
A game drive at Akagera National Park is quite rewarding with mammal species like zebras, giraffes, lions and elephants, not forgetting the southern white rhinos.

Canopy Walk and Forest Hiking

Whether you are looking fa canopyopy walk at Nyungwe National Park that will bring you up close to several primates and birspecies,es or you want to challenge yourself to a hike of MountKarisimbi,i the highest peak at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda will sort you when it comes to adventure tourism. Other attractions in Rwanda include Lake Kivu and Kigali city. If you want to take a walk at the beach or swim from your hotel, Lake Kivu is the best option. Kigali city will usher you in to Rwanda with its clean streets and colourful markets.