Kinigi in high gear for upcoming Kwita Izina festival

One of the Gorilla infants that will be named on June 22

The base of the Volcanoes National Park in the Northern district of Musanze will this Saturday June 22, 2013 be graced again by people of all walks of life from both Rwanda and outside as Rwanda holds the ninth baby gorillas naming ‘Kwita Izina’.

According to the Tourism and Conservation Department at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), this year’s naming ceremony will feature twelve new born babies and one family.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Nature, Empowering Communities.”

The celebration of these wonderful animals is also a way to thank all those who take care of them ranging from rangers, vets and the communities living near their habitat.

Kwita Izina is inspired by the ancient Rwandan tradition of naming a baby soon after its birth. In the nine years since the event was established, 161 Gorillas have been named in a celebration of nature and the communities who protect these magnificent animals.

Rwanda’s community led conservation efforts have led to a 26.3% growth in the population of gorillas since 2003 and Kwita Izina has been key to this success.

RDB says that this year’s ceremony will include performances by Rwanda’s famous National Ballet and local musicians. The honour of naming the gorillas will be given to local and international guests.

The Caravan tour

To celebrate Kwita Izina in 2013, visitors and Rwandans alike will be given the chance to jump on board of a caravan tour from Kigali to Kinigi and discover some of the country’s most beautiful sights and environmental wonders.

The trip is the perfect way to explore Rwanda’s natural beauty and experience its rich cultural heritage. The tour will culminate in the annual Kwita Izina ceremony on Friday.

The Head of the Tourism Department in RDB Rica Rwigamba says that Guests will stop off at Shyorongi to take in the spectacular views of Kigali as well as at the breathtaking Nyabarongo river look out – a favourite for photographers.

Guests will be treated to a personal tour of one of Rwanda’s best-loved food and beverage companies, Urwibutso Enterprises, in Nyirangarama.  Here they can sample the famous cuisine as well as learn about how this business has transformed the local community.

On arriving in Musanze, the base for the tour, guests will have the chance to explore local caves thought to be over two million years old. Those less keen on a journey through Rwanda’s volcanic history can visit the historic Buhanga Eco-Park.

Dating back centuries, the Eco-Park was the location of the king’s coronation. Today the park boasts of 150 bird species as well as the cherished Unity Tree.  A visit to Rwanda’s famous ‘Twin Lakes’ – Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo – is also on offer. The spectacular views of the lakes and nearby volcanoes are sure to take your breath away.

The Kwitizina festival

A special cultural exhibition will be on show each day at the famous Hotel Muhabura where guests can take a break and meet artists, purchase local art and crafts and watch the mesmerising Intore dance troupes.

Those especially interested in the gorillas and their mountain habitat can join an informal fire side chat with the vets, trackers and researchers who care for and protect these beautiful animals.

A local concert will take place at Musanze stadium on Friday evening, after which guests can check out the Crazy Night of the Gorillas party held at popular Musanze night spot, Volcana Lounge.

The party will be a chance to enjoy a dance and a drink with friends and find out if you’ve been lucky enough to win a prize in the Caravan Raffle.

The Kwita Izina 2013 Caravan will have two options – a four day tour departing from Kigali on Thursday June 20 and three day tour departing on Friday June 21. Both options will return to Kigali on Sunday June 23.