Kwita Izina 2023 To Be Held On 1st September

The Gorilla Naming Ceremony!

The Kwita Izina 2023 edition is here and it is scheduled to be held on 1st September as Rwanda names baby mountain gorillas. Kwita Izina is a Mountain gorilla naming ceremony that was adapted from the Rwandan tradition of naming newborns in the presence of family and friends. Mountain gorillas have over 95% DNA similar to humans and are among man’s closest relatives. With this connection, the Kwita Izina makes more sense for those who could be wondering why gorilla naming is important.

The first edition of Kwita Izina was held in 2005. It was aimed to acknowledge the value of the gorillas and celebrate the conservation journey the country has been through. Kwita Izina 2023 edition will be yet another milestone of mountain gorilla conservation. The event will also be used as an opportunity to thank the vibrant Rwandan community around Volcanoes National Park. The community is involved in mountain gorilla conservation and their recognition is vital for the park’s sustainability. Some of the people directly involved in mountain gorilla conservation include Ranger guides, trackers, and Veterinary doctors.

This Kwita Izina 2023 will be held in Kinigi Musanze at the gorilla naming grounds near Volcanoes National Park.

About Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are primates that live in the forested mountains of East and Central Africa. There are four gorilla subspecies including the Eastern Mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, cross-river gorillas, and western lowland gorillas. Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of all and endemic to Kahuzi Biega National Park in eastern DRC.

Mountain gorillas live in the Virunga mountains, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, and the adjacent Sarambwe Game Reserve. Mountain gorillas are among endangered primate species and their population is still threatened. Their population is estimated at 1063 in the wild with Bwindi Impenetrable forest having the highest number of over 450 gorillas.

The rest of the population is shared in the Virunga mountains with Rwanda having the highest number. Rwanda has Five of the Virunga Mountains which include Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. Two of these mountains (Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke) are along the Rwanda Democratic Republic of Congo Border. Mount Sabyinyo is shared by the three countries while the other two (Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga) are along the Rwanda Uganda Border. The mountain gorilla trekking parks in the Virunga Massif include Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Mgahinga gorilla park.

Significance of Kwita Izina 2023

The mountain gorilla population in the region was greatly threatened by civil wars and uncontrolled poaching. This had seen the population reduction of these rare apes to about 200 individuals in the 1990s. With this, a lot had to be done to ensure habitat protection and foster the continued survival and conservation of the mountain gorillas.

Key players came on board including prominent people like Dian Fossey. This Kwita Izina 2023 being the 19th Edition is a continuation of the conservation efforts over the years. Each mountain gorilla that is born in Volcanoes National Park is monitored and naming them even makes it more greater. We cannot rule out the great care infant mountain gorillas get from their mothers and how they bond naturally. Human activity though especially tourism is a game changer in wildlife conservation. This is why Kwita Izina 2023 is important just like the previous gorilla naming editions.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventures

Mountain gorillas are currently the most sought-after primate species. Trekking the Virunga Mountains to see mountain gorillas in their most preferred habitats is very remarkable. The mountain gorilla trekking adventures start with a briefing at the park headquarters. Here you are told about the do’s and don’ts while in the forest, and the presence of the mountain gorillas.

After the briefing, you are then guided on a trek amidst seeing various wildlife species including birds. The scenery of the Virunga Mountains is enjoyable and very impressive. It takes 2 to 4 hours or more to trek to the gorillas depending on their movement. Once you get to them, you keep a distance of 7 meters observing and learning more about the gorillas.

Flash photography is strictly not allowed as it can irritate the gorillas. You are also expected not to make noise in the presence of the gorillas and recognize and respect the presence of the Silverback – the mountain gorilla family head.

Discovery Journeys Gorilla Trekking Adventures

At Discovery Journeys, our major tours and Safaris to Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC feature gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is our top-selling mountain gorilla trekking destination. Because of easy accessibility and short driving distance, our gorilla tours here start with a 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour. This is recommended for those with limited time but who would like to see the mountain gorillas.

In case you have time then, a relaxed 2-day Gorilla Tour can do. The 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour features mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking and it is the ultimate primate trekking adventure. Other Rwanda primate trekking safaris include chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe forest in the southwestern part of the country. The 5-Day Rwanda Tour and 10-Day Rwanda Safari are ideal for exploring both Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. These are more extensive and can be further customized to add other activities.

As the Kwita Izina 2023 edition date draws closer, there is limited gorilla permit availability. September is a peak tourist season and many people are expected to attend the event and track mountain gorillas. Contact us for gorilla permit availability and book your ultimate primate trekking safari.