Agashya family is a fully habituated mountain gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Formerly known as Group 13, Agashya family is one of the interesting gorilla families waiting for you to explore on a Rwanda gorilla holiday. Twelve habituated families can be visited in Volcanoes National Park. Originally, the group had only 13 mountain gorillas when trackers first saw it, which is why it was called Group 13.
Agashya family was first led by Nyakairima, a silverback gorilla. Nyakairima worked hard to increase the number of group members. The number grew from 13 to 25. He was later succeeded by Agashya, and the group was renamed after him, a name that still stands today.
The 25 gorillas in Agashya family include 12 female gorillas, 7 offspring, 3 blackbacks, and others. Agashya took over leadership after a serious fight with Nyakairima. While trekking through Mount Sabyinyo, hikers sometimes encounter the Agashya group, adding to their adventure experience.
Agashya is very careful about security and often spends most of the time at higher altitudes. This is one of the ways he protects his group members from other wild gorillas. He is very protective, more than the former leader.
Tracking Agashya family
Tracking Agashya family is done by a maximum of 8 guests, led by an experienced park guide. The trekking time is unpredictable but usually takes between 2 to 6 hours, including one hour spent with the gorillas for observation and photography. During the trek, you will learn more about how these apes behave every day, take pictures, and enjoy the experience.
Before you go to search for Agashya family, a briefing will be given at Kinigi starting at 7:00 am. At 8:00 am, you start the trek into the forest. Like with other gorilla families, you are allowed to spend one hour face-to-face with Agashya, observing their behavior and taking photos.
Agashya gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda
Only 8 gorilla trekking permits are available each day for guests wishing to visit Agashya family. Each permit costs USD 1500. Only a maximum of 8 people are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day.
How to book Agashya gorilla permits in Rwanda
You can book directly by contacting the reservation team at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Or you can book indirectly through a reliable tour operator, who can also help with planning your full gorilla tour in Rwanda. Because of the limited number of permits and high demand, it is best to book your permit early, about 2 to 6 months before your trekking date.
What to pack for Agashya gorilla trekking safari
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Long pants
- Safari hat
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
- A bottle of drinking water
- Gardening gloves
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Other habituated gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include Susa A group, Karisimbi, Umubano, Hirwa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Titus, Bwenge, Pablo, and others.
