Kwita Izina ceremony in Rwanda

The always anticipated Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a joy to attend. The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is an annual event that you can attend to ensure that gorillas’ value is enhanced. The Kwita Izina ceremony occurs towards the end of the year, around September to October at the park headquarters in Kinigi. The Kwita Izina ceremony has been done since 2005 and over 390 baby gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park have been named.

Before the Kwita Izina ceremony, the task of naming mountain gorillas was generally done by the park rangers and researchers to facilitate their monitoring in Volcanoes National Park. For the past 2 decades the Kwita Izina ceremony has attracted numerous visitors and primate enthusiasts. They also get to learn that Kwita Izina got its inspiration from a Rwandan tradition of giving names to children in the presence of friends and relatives.

What are some of the other activities to do?

While planning to visit Rwanda for the Kwita Izina ceremony in Volcanoes National Park, these are some activities you can do in addition.

Batwa Pygmies encounter

A chance to meet and interact with the Batwa Pygmies is an opportunity so uniquely exciting you will never forget it. The Batwa resided in the forest for centuries as hunter-gatherers. Visiting them is an opportunity to learn about their hunting skills, and various aspects of their existence. Entertainment is also provided through music and dance. Some wise elders have exciting folktales about their legacy to tell you.

Hiking tour

Volcanoes National Park has numerous breathtaking hiking routes. You can hike up to the summits of volcanoes Karisimbi and Bisoke. Besides the immense benefit to your cardiovascular health, hiking tours are opportunities to explore exotic natural wonders. You will view crater lakes, different species of vegetation, and wild animals like mountain gorillas, vervet monkeys, elephants, and bushbucks, etc.

Dian Fossey grave

Like the name suggests, this is the burial ground of the primatologist/anthropologist. Though it offers a poignant experience, it is important to witness and learn more about Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey was an American who died in the hands of mysterious murderers. However, we celebrate her legacy that includes, among others, extensive studies on the mountain gorillas in the Virunga region and founding the Karisoke Research Centre.

Gorilla tracking tour

With around 13 habituated gorilla groups, Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see gorillas in the wild. Take advantage of the opportunity to locate a mountain gorilla group in a guided trek. Photographing and watching them for an hour in their natural home is allowed once you encounter them. A gorilla trek is available if you are 15 years old and above. You just have to be physically fit and free from infectious diseases that can spread to the apes.

Golden monkey tracking

If you are 12 years old and above, this is an unmissable experience in the lush Volcanoes National Park. Unlike gorilla treks that restrict visitors to 8 individuals per trek, golden monkey treks allow up to 16 people per trek. This is a guided tour that offers a chance to track and locate the habituated troop of these old-world monkeys in their natural homes. Like gorilla treks, an hour is offered to see and photograph the golden monkeys if encountered.

There are still plenty of activities to do in Volcanoes National Park. These encompass a visit to the Musanze caves, nature walks and a picnic in Buhanga Ecological Park. For additional information about tour activities in Volcanoes National Park in particular and Rwanda in general, contact us. We at Standard Safaris are a licenced tour operator, specialized in designing the best tour and travel packages that suit your interests and budget.

How to reach there?

This is done by both road and air transport. You will enjoy a scenic journey on the road, covering around 130 kilometers from Kigali city centre to Volcanoes National Park. This journey takes 2-3 hours on a comfortable safari vehicle. At Standard Safaris we have a fleet of cars, 4X4 safari land cruisers, drones, minivans, saloon cars, and buses, etc. Choose from any of these to reach there safely. Moreover, a Standard Safaris knowledgeable driver guide will transport you.

Volcanoes National Park is also reachable by road from other tour destinations in either Rwanda or Uganda. You can start your scenic road trip from Nyungwe National Park (270 km), Lake Kivu (115 km), Akagera National Park (220 km) and Lake Bunyonyi (110 km). Travel to the best place to see gorillas in Africa and enjoy the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.

Air transport is a quicker mode compared to road transport. From Kigali International Airport, you will be destined to Musanze Airport near the park headquarters. This is a flight on a private helicopter that takes 30 minutes. While airborne, you are guaranteed views of Rwanda’s pristine landscapes. Since this is a domestic flight, you can make reservations through Standard Safaris. We shall also assist with the pick up and drop off.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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