Rwandan actress and activist Rosine Bazongere walked about 100 kilometres from Kigali to Musanze over two days to promote conservation, tourism and wellness amid the annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.

The "Walk for the Wild” campaign began in Kigali on Wednesday, September 2 and ended in Musanze on Thursday, a day before Kwita Izina. It carried the message, "Protect their home, protect our future.”

ALSO READ: Who will name baby gorillas at Kwita Izina?

Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde and Rwandan artiste Bwiza joined Bazongere for parts of the journey, while police officers accompanied the group from Rulindo to Musanze.

Wiwo Hospital provided an ambulance, support vehicle, doctor, nurse and drivers throughout the route.

For Bazongere, the walk combined conservation awareness with a personal challenge aimed at encouraging young people to push beyond their comfort zones.

"It was my first time conducting conservation awareness in this way and my second awareness activity involving many people,” she said.

ALSO READ: Gorilla conservation must go with citizen welfare, says PM

She said watching young people join despite the physical demands was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

"They were curious and willing to walk long distances, challenge themselves, endure the pain and use their voices to spread the message,” she said.

A demanding two days

The first 50 kilometres, from Kigali to Nyirangarama, were relatively manageable for the walkers, who were still fresh. Bazongere said some sections were difficult, although the winding roads and forested scenery around Shyorongi made the journey enjoyable.

Some participants left the group at Kanyinya because of work commitments, while about 15 continued. Eight completed the 50-kilometre stretch to Nyirangarama, where a support team was waiting.

The second day brought sore muscles, swollen feet and fatigue. Participants without suitable footwear faced additional discomfort.

"When you know what you want and what you want to achieve, you use your mind to keep going,” Bazongere said.

Participants were allowed to join for a single day or at different points along the route. By Buranga, those who had walked from Kigali had covered about 66 kilometres, including the additional 16 kilometres from Nyirangarama.

A four-kilometre climb at Buranga became one of the tougher sections. More difficult slopes followed around Kivuruga and Mukoto, while downhill stretches put additional pressure on tired feet and muscles.

The group reached Musanze at about 5:30 p.m., with around 15 walkers completing the final stretch.

Support along the way

Mugabowagahunde had been informed about the initiative during its planning because the route entered the Northern Province. Bazongere kept him updated and invited him to join the walk.

He eventually met the group in Buranga and walked with them for about two kilometres, encouraging participants and supporting the conservation message.

Bwiza's appearance was less planned. On her way to the Kwita Izina event, the singer saw the walkers, stopped to encourage and applaud them, then walked with the group briefly.

Medical support was important. Some walkers experienced headaches, sore feet and exhaustion, while Bazongere developed a sore toe that required a bandage.

She said the medical team provided reassurance in case anyone developed a more serious problem.

Hydration was another challenge. The group walked under sunny conditions from about 6 a.m. in Kigali through the journey, using much of the water and other hydration supplies provided at Nyirangarama.

The Rwanda Development Board was aware of the initiative and accepted it as part of the activities surrounding the ceremony. Participants also wore Kwita Izina caps during the walk.

Bazongere hopes the journey can become a regular activity associated with the annual gorilla naming ceremony.

Bazongere urged young people to choose activities that contribute to their well-being and future, arguing that healthier communities are better positioned to build a stronger future.

A growing tradition

The Musanze journey is the latest in a series of long-distance walks through Bazongere's "Walking for a Healthy Body and Mind” initiative, which promotes walking as a way to support physical and mental well-being.

Her first long-distance walk came in October 2024 during Kwita Izina, when she covered 116 kilometres as a personal challenge.

In March 2025, she walked 150 kilometres from Kigali to Rubavu. On May 3-4, 2025, she completed a 24-hour non-stop walk to raise cancer awareness and funds for people unable to afford treatment.

In February 2026, she walked about 160 kilometres from Kigali to Nyagatare, focusing on teenage girls, unwanted pregnancies and menstrual health while raising funds to provide sanitary pads to girls in need.