The Agashya gorilla family, also known as Group 13, originally had 13 members at the time of habituation. However, the group grew to 25 members, including 3 blackbacks, 12 females, 7 infants, 3 juveniles, and 1 silverback. The word “Agashya” means “special” in the local language.
Nyakairima was the dominant silverback before being overthrown by an ambitious silverback, Agashya, who took over leadership of the group. Agashya moved the family to higher mountain ranges to avoid disruptions from other silverbacks. He is also known for taking members from other gorilla families to expand his own group.
The name “Agashya” comes from a local Kinyarwanda word meaning “News.” The Agashya gorilla family, along with the Sabyinyo gorilla family, lives on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, one of the Virunga range volcanoes.
The number of gorillas in a family can change due to deaths, new births, or members moving to other groups.
Sometimes, a silverback will form his own family by taking members from an existing group.
If you are concerned about security, the Agashya gorilla family is a good group to trek while on a gorilla safari in Rwanda.
However, trekking can sometimes be challenging when Agashya moves the group to higher elevations.
- Gorilla Permits: Rwanda gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and allow access to mountain gorillas. The permits cost $1,500 per person and are only available to people aged 15 years and above. People with communicable diseases, such as the flu, are not allowed to trek gorillas.
- What to Carry: Gorilla trekking requires physical fitness and can take 2-8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. You should pack waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, insect repellents, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, warm long-sleeved clothes, and a raincoat.
- Best Time to Visit: Volcanoes National Park can be visited all year round, but some months are better than others. The best time to visit is from June to September and December to February, when the weather is favorable and trekking trails are in good condition. During the wet season, trekking can be difficult because the trails become muddy and slippery.
