Rwanda National Parks Archives |

10 May 2026

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Rwanda’s 2026 Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Deep in the heart of Africa, where the mist clings to the emerald slopes of the Virunga Massif, a celebration unlike any other takes place. Kwita Izina, the Rwandan tradition of naming newborn baby gorillas, has grown from a local custom into a global phenomenon.

If you are planning a trip to the “Land of a Thousand Hills” in 2026, attending this ceremony is the ultimate way to connect with nature, culture, and the frontline of wildlife conservation. At All Seasons Adventures, we specialize in crafting the perfect itinerary to ensure you don’t just watch the ceremony, you live the adventure.

What is Kwita Izina?

The term Kwita Izina translates to “to give a name.” Inspired by the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming human children in the presence of family and friends, the ceremony was formalized in 2005 to celebrate the birth of endangered mountain gorillas.

Naming these infants isn’t just a symbolic gesture; it’s a vital conservation tool. It allows researchers and rangers to monitor individual gorillas and track the growth of families within Volcanoes National Park. To date, over 390 gorillas have been named by conservationists, world leaders, and celebrities.

Event Details for 2026

The 2026 Kwita Izina ceremony is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026, in Kinigi, at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the event, and it promises to be a week-long celebration featuring conservation dialogues, community projects, and a star-studded naming ceremony filled with traditional music and Intore dancing.

Planning Your Trip

While the naming ceremony happens in September, Rwanda is a year-round destination. Choosing when to visit depends on your preference for trekking conditions.

Season	Months	Perks for Travelers
Long Dry Season	June – September	Best for Kwita Izina. Trails are dry, and trekking is at its easiest.
Short Wet Season	October – November	Great for birdwatching and lush, vibrant photography.
Short Dry Season	December – February	Excellent for hiking; coincides with the festive holiday season.
Long Wet Season	March – May	Best for budget travelers; primates stay at lower altitudes for food.

Why Book with All Seasons Adventures?

Navigating the logistics of a high-profile event like Kwita Izina requires local expertise. All Seasons Adventures provides a seamless experience, handling everything from your gorilla trekking permits to luxury eco-lodge bookings.

Expert Guides: Our guides are deeply rooted in the Musanze region, offering insights into gorilla behavior and Rwandan history that you won’t find in a guidebook.
Custom Itineraries: Whether you want to focus on the ceremony or combine it with a safari in Akagera National Park or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, we tailor every mile to your needs.
Conservation First: By traveling with us, you support community-led tourism that ensures the survival of the mountain gorillas for generations to come.

Beyond the Ceremony

If you’re heading to the Kinigi area for the naming ceremony, don’t miss these nearby highlights:

Gorilla Trekking: Secure your permit early! Seeing a silverback in the wild is a life-altering experience.
Golden Monkey Tracking: These playful, bamboo-dwelling primates are endemic to the Virungas.
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: A world-class research facility dedicated to gorilla protection.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village: Experience traditional Rwandan life through pottery, archery, and dance.

Join the Celebration

The roar of the drums and the sight of the Virunga peaks create an electric atmosphere during Kwita Izina. It is a moment of hope, proving that through dedicated conservation and community involvement, we can bring species back from the brink of extinction.

Ready to witness the 2026 Gorilla Naming Ceremony? Contact All Seasons Adventures today to book your 2026 Rwanda safari. Let us take you to the heart of the mist.

26 Mar 2026

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Gishwati Mukura National Park

Tucked away in the verdant highlands of western Rwanda lies a hidden emerald sanctuary. Gishwati Mukura National Park is the country’s fourth and newest protected treasure. Officially gazetted in 2015, this remarkable park unites the Gishwati and Mukura forests into one vital conservation zone.

It offers travelers a raw, exclusive wilderness experience far from the typical tourist trails. At All Seasons Adventures, we believe this park serves as a profound testament to the resilience of nature and the success of ecological restoration

A Story of Resilience

The history of Gishwati Mukura is truly remarkable. During the 1990s, the forest was nearly destroyed due to resettlement and illegal mining. However, the Rwandan government launched an ambitious restoration project. They merged the Gishwati and Mukura forest reserves into one protected area.

Today, the park covers about 34 square kilometers. Furthermore, it forms a vital part of the Congo-Nile Divide. Reforestation efforts have allowed indigenous trees and wildlife to return. As a result, it is now a thriving hotspot for biodiversity.

Primate Encounters

Primate tracking is the star attraction of Gishwati Mukura. All Seasons Adventures offers intimate tours to see these incredible creatures.

Chimpanzee Trekking

The park is home to a habituated community of about 30 Eastern Chimpanzees.

The Experience: Your trek starts early at 6:00 AM. First, you receive a briefing at the park office. Then, you head into the forest with expert rangers.
The Highlight: Because the park is smaller than Nyungwe, the experience feels more personal. You spend one hour observing their social dynamics. Consequently, you get a front-row seat to their daily lives.

Other Primates

While chimps are the main draw, the park shelters many other species. For instance, you can spot the vibrant Golden Monkeys. These are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Additionally, keep an eye out for L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Hiking and Waterfalls

The park’s dramatic topography makes it a hiker’s dream. All Seasons Adventures recommends several well-maintained trails.

The Waterfall Trail: This is our most popular hike. It leads you to the spectacular Kazeneza Waterfall. The trail winds through ancient hardwoods and giant ferns. In addition, the mist from the falls provides a refreshing break.
Matyazo Hill Trail: This path offers a steady climb. Eventually, you reach a summit with panoramic views of the forest canopy.
Umushwati Trail: This is a longer trek through the deep forest. It is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the silence of nature.

Gishwati Mukra Activity Comparison Table

Activity	Best For	Duration	Highlights
Chimp Trekking	Primate Lovers	2–4 Hours	Intimate encounters with habituated chimps.
Waterfall Hike	Photographers	3 Hours	The stunning Kazeneza Waterfall and lush flora.
Golden Monkey Trek	Wildlife Enthusiasts	2–3 Hours	Spotting the rare, copper-colored monkeys.
Birdwatching	Ornithologists	2–5 Hours	Seeing Rwenzori Turacos and 15 endemic species.
Community Visit	Culture Seekers	2 Hours	Traditional dancing, beekeeping, and crafts

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

For bird lovers, Gishwati Mukura is a dream destination. It hosts over 232 bird species in Gishwati and 163 in Mukura. Furthermore, 15 of these are Albertine Rift endemics.

1. - Key Species: Look for the Regal Sunbird, the Strange Weaver, and the Grey Crowned Crane.
  - The Best Time: Birding is excellent year-round. However, the wet season (October to May) is best for vocalizations. Consequently, the birds are much easier to locate.

Essential Planning Tips

Planning a trip to a new park requires careful thought. All Seasons Adventures handles the logistics, but here are the basics.

When to Visit

The dry seasons are the most popular. These occur from June to September and December to February. During these months, trails are less slippery. Moreover, the weather is perfect for photography. Nevertheless, the wet season offers lush greenery and fewer crowds.

What to Pack

Sturdy Hiking Boots: Good grip is essential for the forest slopes.
Rain Gear: Even in the dry season, afternoon showers are common. Therefore, always carry a light rain jacket.
Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from forest flies and mosquitoes.
Water and Snacks: We provide refreshments, but having a personal supply is always wise.

Community and Culture

Conservation here is a community effort. Therefore, we encourage visitors to engage with the locals. You can visit a traditional healer to learn about forest medicine. Alternatively, you can participate in a handicraft workshop. By doing so, you directly support the families living around the park. This ensures that the forest remains protected for future generations.

Why Choose All Seasons Adventures?

We offer an exclusive gateway to Rwanda’s best-kept secret. First, our guides are highly trained in both wildlife and safety. Second, we provide comfortable 4×4 transport from Kigali or Rubavu. Most importantly, we customize every trip. Whether you are a solo traveler or a family, we tailor the pace to suit you. Additionally, we handle all park permits in advance to ensure a seamless entry.

Conclusion

Gishwati Mukura National Park is a place of hope and healing. It is the perfect destination for those who want to avoid the crowds. Whether you want to trek with primates or listen to the song of the turaco, the magic is real. All Seasons Adventures is ready to take you there.

26 Mar 2026

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Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland. It is a stunning mix of acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and a complex system of lakes.

It is Rwanda’s only savanna park. At All Seasons Adventures, we believe Akagera offers the most diverse wildlife experience in the region.

A Conservation Miracle

The history of Akagera is one of resilience. Following the 1994 Genocide, much of the park’s wildlife was lost to poaching and cattle grazing. However, in 2010, African Parks took over management. Consequently, the park has seen a massive revival.

Lions were reintroduced in 2015. Additionally, Black Rhinos returned in 2017. Today, Akagera is a thriving Big Five destination. It proves that nature can recover when given a chance.

Wildlife Highlights

Akagera is home to an incredible array of species. All Seasons Adventures ensures you have the best chance to see them all.

The Big Five

Lions: The population is growing steadily. Look for them in the northern plains.
Leopards: These are the most elusive. Nevertheless, our expert guides know their favorite hiding spots.
Rhinos: Both Black and White Rhinos roam the park. Furthermore, they are heavily protected by dedicated rangers.
Elephants: Large herds frequent the lake shores. They are a magnificent sight during the dry season.
Buffaloes: These are abundant throughout the park. You will often see them cooling off in the mud.

The Aquatic Wonders

Lake Ihema dominates Akagera. This lake is home to massive pods of hippos. In addition, you will see some of Africa’s largest crocodiles. Watching a hippo yawn at sunset is a classic Akagera moment.

Top Activities in Akagera

There is more to do here than just standard game drives. All Seasons Adventures offers a variety of ways to experience the park.

Game Drives (North and South)

The park is long and narrow. First, you start in the south near the entrance. Then, you drive north toward the exit. The northern plains offer the best views of plains game like giraffes, zebras, and impalas. Consequently, a full-day drive is highly recommended.

Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema

A boat trip is essential for any visitor. It offers a different perspective on the wildlife. Moreover, it is the best way to see water birds. You can drift close to hippos while staying safe in the boat.

Night Game Drives

Some animals only come out after dark. For instance, you might spot hyenas, bushbabies, or leopards. Therefore, a night drive adds a layer of mystery to your safari.

Akagera Activity Comparison Table

Activity	Best For	Duration	Highlights
Day Game Drive	Big Five Spotting	6–10 Hours	Giraffes, Lions, and vast savanna views.
Boat Safari	Birding & Hippos	1–2 Hours	Huge Crocodiles and African Fish Eagles.
Night Drive	Nocturnal Species	2 Hours	Hyenas, Leopards, and nightjars.
Behind the Scenes	Conservationists	1.5 Hours	Meeting rangers and learning park tech.
Walk the Line	Hikers	2 Hours	Walking the perimeter fence with a guide.

Birdwatching

For bird lovers, Akagera is world-class. It hosts nearly 500 bird species. Furthermore, the variety is staggering. You can see savanna birds and water birds in the same hour. The star of the show is the rare Shoebill Stork; keep an eye out for the Papyrus Gonolek and the majestic Fish Eagle.