Kwita Izina 2026: Full List of Gorilla Namers in Rwanda

Rwanda’s 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Kwita Izina 2026 is taking place on Friday, 4 September 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. The 21st edition of Rwanda’s famous Gorilla Naming Ceremony brings together conservationists, tourism leaders, business executives, sports personalities, artists, philanthropists and public figures from Rwanda and around the world. The theme for this year is “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”

For travelers planning a Rwanda gorilla safari in 2026, Kwita Izina offers an exceptional opportunity to understand the relationship between mountain gorilla conservation, local communities and responsible tourism. The ceremony is not simply a celebration of newborn gorillas. It represents Rwanda’s wider conservation journey and the commitment of rangers, researchers, veterinarians, communities and tourism partners who work throughout the year to protect the endangered mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains.

What Is Kwita Izina?

Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s annual baby mountain gorilla naming ceremony. The tradition is inspired by the Rwandan cultural practice of giving a name to a newborn child in the presence of family and community members. Rwanda adapted this tradition to celebrate newborn mountain gorillas and strengthen public awareness of their importance to conservation.

The event has developed into one of Africa’s best-known conservation celebrations. It brings global attention to Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda, gorilla trekking tourism and community development. For visitors, it also provides a unique window into the conservation story behind Rwanda’s world-famous gorilla trekking experiences.

When and Where Is Kwita Izina 2026?

The 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony is being held on Friday, 4 September 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District, Rwanda. Kinigi lies near Volcanoes National Park and provides spectacular views toward the volcanic landscape of the Virunga region.

If you are planning a Rwanda safari holiday, Kinigi is one of the most important destinations to include in your itinerary. The area is the gateway to mountain gorilla trekking, while nearby Musanze offers cultural attractions, volcanic scenery and opportunities to experience life around Rwanda’s northern highlands.

Full List of Kwita Izina 2026 Gorilla Namers

Rwanda has officially announced the distinguished personalities selected as Kwita Izina 2026 Namers. They come from diverse fields including conservation, tourism, business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy and public service.

The official list includes the following personalities:

1. Shaikha Al Nuwais

Shaikha Al Nuwais is the incoming Secretary-General of UN Tourism and is set to become the first woman to lead the organization in its 50-year history. Her participation places international tourism leadership at the heart of Kwita Izina 2026.

Her role is particularly significant because Rwanda’s conservation model demonstrates how sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation can work together. Visitors who book gorilla trekking experiences contribute to an industry that supports conservation and communities around protected areas.

2. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín

Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO and majority shareholder of Atlético de Madrid, is among the international sports and business figures participating in Kwita Izina 2026. He is also a member of the UEFA Executive Committee.

His involvement highlights the growing connection between international sport, tourism and conservation. Rwanda has increasingly attracted global sporting personalities, making events such as Kwita Izina attractive to international travelers interested in combining Rwanda wildlife safaris with major cultural and conservation events.

3. Paul Danforth

Paul Danforth, President of CAA Sports and a prominent global sports executive, is another of the 2026 Namers. Before his current position, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales for the New York Mets.

His presence adds an international sports dimension to this year’s ceremony and reflects the broad global reach of Kwita Izina.

4. Eng. Ahmed Sadek Elsewedy

Eng. Ahmed Sadek Elsewedy, Chairman of Elsewedy Electric, is participating as a Namer alongside Anita Dravec. Elsewedy Electric is involved in energy and infrastructure, including partnerships connected with Rwanda’s electrification efforts. (kwitaizina.rw)

His participation demonstrates how conservation in Rwanda intersects with wider development priorities, including infrastructure, energy access and sustainable economic growth.

5. Israel Mbonyi

Rwandan gospel singer and songwriter Israel Mbonyi is among the most prominent Rwandan personalities selected for Kwita Izina 2026.

His participation brings Rwanda’s music and entertainment industry into the celebration. For international visitors, the presence of well-known Rwandan artists provides another way to discover the country’s contemporary culture alongside its wildlife and natural heritage.

6. Patrice Evra

Former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra is one of the high-profile international sports personalities taking part in Kwita Izina 2026.

Evra enjoyed a highly successful football career, including five Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League victory. His involvement is expected to attract considerable attention from football fans searching for information about Patrice Evra Rwanda, Kwita Izina 2026 and Rwanda gorilla conservation.

7. Olivier Granet

Olivier Granet, Managing Partner and Co-CEO of Kasada Capital Management, is among the 2026 Namers. He will name a gorilla alongside Quitterie Granet.

His connection with Rwanda’s hospitality sector is particularly relevant to tourism. Kasada has invested in African hospitality and is an investor in Mövenpick Hotel Kigali. (kwitaizina.rw)

8. Garreth Wood

Philanthropist and Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) co-founder Garreth Wood is participating in the ceremony. He is also Chairman of The Wood Foundation.

Garreth Wood’s involvement emphasizes the humanitarian and philanthropic dimensions of Kwita Izina. The event brings together people whose work extends beyond wildlife conservation into healthcare, education, community development and social impact.

9. Nicola Wood

Nicola Wood, global philanthropist and co-founder of KidsOR, is also participating in Kwita Izina 2026 alongside Garreth Wood.

KidsOR focuses on expanding access to safe pediatric surgery in low-resource settings. Their involvement illustrates the broad network of individuals and organizations supporting Rwanda’s conservation and development story.

10. James Chester

Former Wales international and Aston Villa legend James Chester is another Namer at the 21st Kwita Izina.

Chester previously captained Aston Villa and played an important role in the club’s return to the Premier League. He also represented Wales at UEFA Euro 2016. His presence makes this year’s event particularly interesting for football fans traveling to Rwanda.

11. Susan Hollern

Susan Hollern, Founder and President of Hope Haven Rwanda, is among the Namers. She has worked in Rwanda since 2011, focusing on education and family transformation.

Her participation reflects an important aspect of Rwanda’s conservation philosophy: protected areas do not exist in isolation. Communities living around national parks are essential partners in protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

12. Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo

Award-winning Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo is among the 2026 Namers.

Her film Ben’Imana was selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Her participation adds an important creative and cultural dimension to Kwita Izina and showcases Rwanda’s growing international presence in film and the arts. (kwitaizina.rw)

13. Francesco Calvo

Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, is another international sports executive participating in the ceremony.

He has previously held senior leadership positions at major European football clubs including Juventus, FC Barcelona and AS Roma. His participation reinforces the strong sports presence surrounding Kwita Izina 2026 in Rwanda.

14. David Lappartient

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and an International Olympic Committee member, is also among the Namers.

His relationship with Rwanda is particularly relevant because he played a key role in bringing the 2025 UCI Road World Championships to Rwanda, the first edition of the championships held on African soil.

This connection makes Kwita Izina part of a broader story about Rwanda’s emergence as a destination for major international sporting and tourism events.

15. Dominique Plewes

Dominique Plewes, CEO and philanthropy leader and Founder of the SOF Support Foundation, is participating as a Namer.

Her organization supports research and humanitarian initiatives in conflict-affected communities. Her presence demonstrates the diverse humanitarian and philanthropic network associated with Rwanda’s conservation celebrations.

16. Alastair Fothergill

Award-winning British filmmaker and producer Alastair Fothergill is one of the most recognizable conservation storytellers among the 2026 Namers.

He is renowned for nature documentaries including Planet Earth, Blue Planet and A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough. His involvement is particularly fitting for an event dedicated to mountain gorilla conservation because wildlife documentaries have played a major role in introducing audiences worldwide to Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity.

17. Mutaz Essa Barshim

Qatari high-jumping legend Mutaz Essa Barshim is also among the 2026 Namers.

Barshim is an Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion. His participation adds another internationally recognized sporting personality to the ceremony and reinforces Rwanda’s growing reputation as a destination where sport, tourism, culture and conservation intersect.

18. Kelly O’Meara

Kelly O’Meara, Executive Director of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), is among the conservation-focused Namers.

PASA works to advance primate protection and welfare through a network of primate sanctuaries across Africa. Her participation is especially relevant to Kwita Izina’s central mission of raising awareness about primate conservation and protecting Africa’s wildlife.

19. Neil McDougall

Neil McDougall, Founder and Chairman of DelAgua, is another Namer at the 2026 ceremony.

His work focuses on clean cooking and improving livelihoods across Africa. His inclusion demonstrates that conservation is connected to broader questions of health, livelihoods, sustainable development and community wellbeing.

20. Jeanette Uwimbabazi

One of the most meaningful names on the 2026 list is Jeanette Uwimbabazi, a Nyungwe National Park ranger.

She has been recognized for her courage in combating wildlife crime and her commitment to protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity. Her participation is an important reminder that conservation is not only about internationally known celebrities and executives. It depends every day on the dedication of rangers, trackers, veterinarians and local conservation professionals.

For travelers planning a Rwanda wildlife safari, the work of rangers like Jeanette is fundamental to the protection of the country’s national parks.

21. Dominic Barton

Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto and LeapFrog Investments, is among the international business leaders participating in Kwita Izina 2026.

He previously served as Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company and as Canada’s Ambassador to China. His participation demonstrates the event’s ability to attract influential figures from international business and investment.

22. Mamadou Sakho

Former French international footballer Mamadou Sakho is another major sporting personality taking part in the 21st Kwita Izina.

Sakho previously captained Paris Saint-Germain and played for Liverpool and Crystal Palace. He earned 29 caps for France. His participation gives football enthusiasts another reason to follow Kwita Izina Rwanda 2026.

23. Kenza Ameloot

Kenza Ameloot, Miss Belgium 2024 and a person of Rwandan heritage, is also among the 2026 Namers.

Her participation brings a personal connection to Rwanda and its international diaspora. She has used her platform to advocate for children affected by cataracts while also championing her Rwandan heritage.

How Many Baby Gorillas Are Being Named in 2026?

The 2026 ceremony is celebrating 22 baby mountain gorillas. The official Kwita Izina website provides information about the babies’ mothers, family groups, birth dates and sexes, while the individual baby names and meanings are being revealed during the ceremony.

The babies come from several gorilla families, including Muhoza, Izuba, Mutobo, Susa, Humura, Pablo, Hirwa, Musilikale, Kwisanga, Ntambara, Sabyinyo, Segasira, Isimbi, Kwitonda and Umubano. Their births represent continued hope for the future of mountain gorilla conservation.

2026 Baby Gorillas: Births and Gorilla Families

The official list includes newborns born between April 2025 and April 2026. Some of the babies were born to mothers including Inkubito, Muhabura, Nzeri, Turimaso, Nezerwa, Impuhwe, Ururabo, Isangano, Mbele, Gw
aneza, Isaro, Turiho, Inkunga, Urahirwa, Teta, Ntamupaka, Ukwiyunga, Bukima, Ingemwe, Intango, Tabaro, Mafubo, Ntibisanzwe and Isimbi.

This detailed monitoring is an important part of mountain gorilla conservation. Knowing individual gorillas, their mothers and their family groups helps conservation teams follow births, health, behavior and family relationships.

Why Are Baby Gorillas Given Names?

Giving names to newborn gorillas helps create an individual identity for animals that are monitored by conservationists. It also makes it easier to discuss individual gorillas and their families in conservation, veterinary and research work.

More importantly, Kwita Izina creates an emotional connection between people and wildlife. A baby gorilla with a name becomes more than an anonymous animal. Its story can be followed, celebrated and remembered by communities, conservationists and visitors from around the world.

Kwita Izina and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

For travelers, Kwita Izina and gorilla trekking in Rwanda are naturally connected. The ceremony celebrates the same mountain gorilla population that visitors encounter during guided treks in Volcanoes National Park.

A gorilla trekking adventure takes visitors into the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes to search for habituated mountain gorilla families. The experience is led by trained trackers and guides, who help visitors understand gorilla behavior while ensuring that tourism follows established conservation guidelines.

If your main reason for visiting Rwanda is to see mountain gorillas, consider combining a Volcanoes National Park gorilla trek with cultural experiences in Musanze, Kigali sightseeing, a visit to Lake Kivu or a wider Rwanda safari.

Why Book a Rwanda Gorilla Safari in 2026?

Rwanda remains one of the world’s premier destinations for mountain gorilla trekking. The opportunity to observe a gorilla family in its natural forest habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

For visitors arriving in 2026, the experience can be enhanced by understanding the conservation story behind Kwita Izina. The ceremony shows that gorilla tourism is not simply about travelers entering a forest to see wildlife. It is part of a much wider system involving conservation, tourism revenue, local communities, scientific research, veterinary care, rangers and habitat protection.

Responsible Tourism and Mountain Gorilla Conservation

One of the strongest reasons to visit Rwanda is the country’s emphasis on responsible tourism. Gorilla trekking is carefully managed to minimize disturbance to the animals and protect their natural habitat.

When visitors choose experienced local tour operators, they also gain access to guides and drivers who understand the practical realities of traveling through Rwanda. A professional Rwanda safari company can organize transportation, accommodation, gorilla trekking permits, park logistics and cultural experiences around your preferred itinerary.

Kwita Izina 2026 Events Around the Main Ceremony

Kwita Izina 2026 is more than a single naming ceremony. The official programme includes a number of conservation, community, cultural and tourism activities.

The programme includes the Kwita Izina Community Exhibition in Kinigi from 28 August to 8 September, a Namer Gorilla Trekking Experience on 3 September, a community celebration concert in Musanze on 3 September, the main naming ceremony on 4 September and the Kwita Izina Concert at BK Arena in Kigali on 5 September.

For tourists, these additional activities create opportunities to combine gorilla trekking, Rwanda culture, live music, conservation education and city experiences within one trip.

Experience Kinigi and Musanze During Kwita Izina

Musanze is the ideal base for travelers interested in Kwita Izina 2026 and gorilla trekking. The district is surrounded by Rwanda’s spectacular volcanic landscape and sits close to the entrance of Volcanoes National Park.

Kinigi itself offers an unforgettable setting, with the Virunga volcanoes rising dramatically above the surrounding countryside. Visitors can combine the gorilla experience with nature walks, cultural visits, community tourism and other northern Rwanda activities.

For travelers who want more than a short gorilla trek, a 3-day, 4-day or 5-day Rwanda safari itinerary can include Kigali, Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.

Plan Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Holiday

If you are reading this article because you are considering Rwanda gorilla trekking in 2026 or 2027, now is an excellent time to start planning your journey.

A typical Rwanda gorilla safari can begin in Kigali before continuing north toward Musanze and Volcanoes National Park. Depending on your available time, you can add activities such as Kigali city tours, genocide memorial visits, cultural experiences, golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey-related experiences, Lake Kivu or Akagera National Park.

This allows you to turn a single gorilla trek into a complete Rwanda wildlife and cultural safari.

Combine Gorilla Trekking With Akagera National Park

Travelers with more time can combine Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park in one Rwanda itinerary. While Volcanoes is famous for mountain gorillas, Akagera offers a very different safari environment with savannah landscapes and opportunities to see classic African wildlife.

A combined gorilla and Big Five safari in Rwanda can therefore provide a diverse experience, from misty volcanic forests to open savannah.

Combine Gorilla Trekking With Nyungwe Forest

Another excellent option is combining Volcanoes National Park with Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe is famous for its ancient forest, primates and canopy experiences.

A longer Rwanda itinerary can therefore include mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and classic wildlife viewing in Akagera.

This makes Rwanda one of the most diverse compact safari destinations in Africa.

Why Kwita Izina Matters to Rwanda Tourism

Kwita Izina has become an important symbol of Rwanda’s approach to conservation and tourism. The event connects the country’s natural heritage with international audiences while highlighting the people who protect wildlife.

The official programme also emphasizes the relationship between conservation and communities. In 2026, activities include a Smart Green Village Project around Kinigi designed to support improved livelihoods for communities living near Volcanoes National Park.

For the tourism industry, this is an important message: wildlife conservation and local economic development are closely connected.

Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari With a Local Tour Operator

Planning a gorilla safari involves more than simply obtaining a trekking permit. Travelers need to consider accommodation, airport transfers, road transportation, park entry requirements, trekking logistics and the amount of time needed for the entire journey.

A professional local Rwanda tour company can design a tailor-made itinerary around your interests, budget and travel dates. Whether you want a luxury gorilla safari, affordable Rwanda gorilla trekking tour, family holiday, honeymoon safari, photography trip or multi-country East African adventure, your itinerary can be customized.

For travelers visiting during Kwita Izina, early planning is especially valuable because September is a popular period for tourism in the Volcanoes National Park region.

Best Rwanda Gorilla Safari Packages for 2026

A tour operator can create several different safari styles around the Kwita Izina season. Popular options include a 1-day Rwanda gorilla trekking experience, 2-day gorilla tours from Kigali, 3-day Rwanda gorilla safaris, luxury Volcanoes National Park packages and longer Rwanda wildlife itineraries.

Travelers interested in photography can request a specialized Rwanda gorilla photography safari, while honeymooners can combine gorilla trekking with luxury accommodation and romantic experiences.

Families can also request a tailor-made Rwanda itinerary that combines age-appropriate cultural, wildlife and nature activities.

Kwita Izina 2026: A Celebration of Conservation

At its heart, Kwita Izina is about hope. Every newborn mountain gorilla represents another generation of a species whose survival depends on continuous conservation.

The 2026 ceremony brings together international personalities and everyday conservation heroes, from sports stars and filmmakers to rangers and conservation professionals. Their participation demonstrates how many different sectors can contribute to protecting Rwanda’s natural heritage.

The theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future” captures this message particularly well. Rwanda is presenting conservation not as a separate activity, but as part of the country’s long-term future for biodiversity, communities and tourism.

 Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

Kwita Izina 2026 is another milestone in Rwanda’s remarkable mountain gorilla conservation story. Taking place in Kinigi on 4 September 2026, the 21st edition celebrates 22 baby mountain gorillas and brings together an extraordinary group of Namers from around the world.

For travelers, the event is also an invitation to discover the destination behind the headlines. From Kigali to Musanze, Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park, Rwanda offers an extraordinary combination of wildlife, culture, scenery and responsible tourism.

If seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat has always been on your bucket list, 2026 is a wonderful year to plan a Rwanda gorilla safari. Let our local safari specialists create a personalized itinerary that combines gorilla trekking with Rwanda’s best cultural, wildlife and nature experiences. With Unique Africa Ventures, You Explore Like Never Before!

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