Also referred to as Group 13, Agashya is one of the fascinating gorilla families to be trekked within Volcanoes National Park. The family derived its initial “Group 13” name from the number of members it had at the time of habituation. At the time of being habituated, the family was led by Nyakayirima who always worked hard to expand the family until it grew to 25 individuals. His son Agashya took over leadership after hotly contested battle and this was followed migrating with his members to higher altitudes in the Mountains to keep them safe. This was also followed by the change of group name.
Agashya Gorilla Family occupies the foothills of Mount. Sabyinyo alongside the popular Sabyinyo Gorilla Family. Some visitors are lucky because while hiking Mount Sabyinyo, they sometimes come across Agashya Gorilla Family. The name Agashya means “special” in the Kinyarwanda dialect and Agashya the silverback gorilla was always protective and security conscious of his family, which also worried visitors and trackers/rangers. This family is currently made up of 25 members that include 1 silverback, 12 adult females, 2 blackbacks, 3 juveniles and 7 infants.
Trekking Agashya Gorilla Family.
Trekking Agashya Gorilla Family begins at 7:00am, where visitors have to first assemble at Kinigi Park Headquarters for registration and briefing before beginning the trek. Actual treks begin at 8:00am with transfer to the trailhead then 1-5 hours of searching in the jungles. The time spent finding the mountain gorillas greatly depends on the location of the gorillas that particular day, hiking ability and pace of trekkers as well as terrain of the gorilla home range.
Upon meeting this gorilla family, visitors spend a full hour in their magical presence taking photos, capturing live videos and watching them go about their daily activities. Other gorilla families to be trekked in Volcanoes National Park are Pablo, Susa A, Bwenge, Amahoro, Titus, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi (Susa B), Umubano, Ugenda, Kwitonda and Hirwa.
Permits for trekking Agashya Gorilla Family.
Visitors planning to trek Agashya Gorilla Family have to first book for permits because only 8 gorilla permits are available per day for this family. A permit costs $1500 per person per trek and can be secured directly from Rwanda Development Board or indirectly through a credible and trusted Tour operator.
Booking for gorilla permits is advised for at least 3-4 months prior to the intended trekking date.
Best time to visit Agashya Gorilla Family.
Agashya Gorilla Family can be trekked throughout the year although the peak is during the dry months-January, February, June, July, August, September and December. During these months, trekking trails are relatively drier, not muddy/slippery and the vegetation is generally sparser hence making trekking easier.
For visitors planning to trek during the wet months – March, April, May, October and November, expect to trek through muddy and slippery trails and maneuvering thicker vegetation. This makes trekking more difficult but there are also some advantages of trekking during these months, like discounted hotel rates and fewer trekkers thus you have the entire park to yourself.
What to carry for trekking Agashya Gorilla Family?
Right and light packing for gorilla tour is crucial to achieving unforgettable experiences and for trekking Agashya family you need to have energy-giving snacks, sunglasses, gardening gloves, drinking water, strong hiking boots, safari pants, waterproof backpack, hat, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellant, first aid kit, good camera, scarf, rain jacket/poncho and many others.
Places to stay when trekking Agashya Gorilla Family.
Visitors trekking Agashya Gorilla Family can stay within any of the budget, midrange or Luxury Safari Lodges that include at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Garr Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Muhabura Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Villa Gorilla and Le Palme Hotel among others.
