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Kwita Izina 2025: Celebrating 20 Years of Gorilla Naming and Community Conservation

Forty baby gorillas have been named at Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of this special tradition.

The 2025 theme “A legacy of community centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” highlights the vital role of communities, rangers, and researchers in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity.

The newborn gorillas were named by trackers, park rangers, veterinary experts, and conservationists, alongside distinguished guests.

Praveen Moman, founder of Volcanoes Safaris, was delighted to attend the ceremony celebrating the growth of the mountain gorilla population.

Volcanoes Safaris has been at the forefront of reviving gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region since 1997.

We thank Rwanda Development Board, the Rwandan government and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for their protection of the mountain gorillas.

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Booking Enquiry

To make a booking, please complete this form or click here to chat to one of our sales consultants via our live chat. Alternatively, send us an email on enquiries@volcanoessafaris.com.
To protect gorillas from disease, no children under 15 years are allowed to go gorilla tracking. For guests booking a stay at Virunga Lodge, please note that the minimum age limit for children at Virunga Lodge is 12 years.

Safari Activities

Chimpanzee Tracking

Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor is nothing short of exhilarating. The chimps effortlessly cross and scamper through the trees above the gorge, and visitors on the other hand must cross the river using natural bridges in order to keep up with the chimps. So although the walk usually lasts only 2–3 hours, descending the steep gorge and crossing the log bridges over the river requires some agility and fitness.

Chimpanzee tracking is also available in nearby Kalinzu, a forest reserve 30 minutes drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge where there is a community of about 40 habituated chimpanzees.