Gorilla naming ceremony Rwanda (Kwita Izina)
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 the four corners of the world converge at this place for this important occasion.
WHAT HAPPENS AT GORILLA NAMING CEREMONY IN RWANDA
Right from renowned conservationists, celebrities, politicians’ investors, 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 Izina) symbolizes 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 basing 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 that so and so is missing in a group 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
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 several Airlines that can fly you in and out of Rwanda. Depending on your country or origin, you are sure to get a flight to Kigali International Airport. There are both direct and connection flights. These include Brussels, Ethiopia, Turkish, Swiss, British and of course Rwanda Air. 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. Above all they are hospitable. They adorn colorful Kinyarwanda attires and everywhere you turn its colorful including their culture. Their traditional dance popularly called Intore is so captivating, 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 portrays through, music, storytelling and poetry. When you mention Rwandan culture, you cannot miss out Iby’iwacu cultural village. At Iby’iwacu there is a diverse 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. A combination culture alongside the beautiful landscape and booming wildlife makes Rwanda stand out.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN RWANDA
Gorilla trekking
The volcanic range that’s cuts across Rwanda, Uganda and 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 has about 160 family members in total.
Tracking these bamboo forest giants will not only fascinate you but 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 protection 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 this is located you are allowed to spend one hour as they rest and basically go about their usual activities. Gorilla tracking can take between 3-4hours 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.
Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey 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 Authorized/licensed tour operates like Shoebill safaris that will take you on this tracking adventure.
Birding watching and game drive safari
Bird watching is quite a vibrant activity in Rwanda. With over 700 different bird species recorded all over the country, if you are a birder 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 for canopy walk at Nyungwe National Park that will bring you up close to several primates and bird species or you want to challenge yourself to a hike of Mount Karisimbi the highest peak at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda will sort you when it comes to adventure tourism. Other attractions is Rwanda include Lake Kivu and Kigali city. If you want to talk a walk at the beach or swim from you hotel, Lake Kivu is the best option. Kigali city will usher you in Rwanda with its clean streets and colorful markets.