Agashya group (Group 13) is part of the 12 habituated gorilla family groups in Volcanoes National Park. Agashya originally had a composition of 13 mountain gorillas and is from here where it derived its name as Group 13. These were the members that existed during the habituation period.
Today, the Agashya group of mountain gorillas has increased in terms of its members to about 26 individuals. These consist of 3 blackback gorillas, infants, females, juveniles, and one silverback gorilla. Initially, the Agashya group was led by Nyakairima Silverback but he was overthrown by the ambitious Agashya Silverback gorilla. Agashya Silverback went with the rest of the gorilla members to the higher elevation to avoid any kind of disruptions from other silverbacks.
Agashya silverback gorilla was popular for its notorious behaviors, especially grabbing members from other groups of gorillas as a way to increase his own. Agashya in the local language (Kinyarwanda) is translated as “News”. Together with the Sabyinyo group, Agashya ranges around the slopes of the Sabyinyo volcano, a volcano that forms part of the Virunga Massifs.
What is important to note is that the composition of any gorilla group keeps changing over time. This can be due to death, migration to other groups, or splits to form new groups, especially by black back gorillas. Other factors include new birth or other members joining the group which leads to an increase in the composition of the gorilla group.
How many gorilla permits are available for the Agashya group?
Like the rest of the gorilla groups, Agashya accommodates up to only 8 visitors per day. This translates to only eight (8) gorilla permits that are usually available for booking for visitors to trek the Agashya group of mountain gorillas.
How much is a gorilla permit?
A single gorilla permit for visitors with plans to explore the Agashya group costs USD 1500 per person. All gorilla permits can be booked hassle-free through local tour operators such as Maranatha Tours and Travel (info@silverbackgorillatour.com).
Best time to go to trek Agashya group
Gorilla trekking is generally an all-year-round adventure but is best done during the dry season. Visitors with plans to explore the Agashya group (Group 13) can consider planning their gorilla tours around the peak dry months. These occur twice a year with the first phase usually experienced from June, July, August to September & December, January to February. These peak dry months are characterized by favorable weather conditions with the forest floor kept relatively drier.
The Agashya gorilla group can also be visited during the wet or off months of the year. This is a perfect option, especially for backpackers or visitors on a tight budget. The off-season/months also occur twice a year that is from March, April, May, and October to November.
Who can trek the Agashya group?
Persons above 15 years old can visit the Agashya gorilla group in Rwanda. According to the standards for gorilla trekking, you can be considered eligible to see gorillas if you are 15 years and above. This gorilla trekking rule applies not only to gorilla trekkers on a tour to explore the Agashya group but also to other gorilla groups in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What to carry for the Agashya gorilla group trek tour?
When packing for Silverback gorilla tours to explore the Agashya gorilla family, it is always recommended to have only essentials. The essential items not to miss on your packing list include waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, a sweater, a pair of socks, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, insect repellents, and a pack of energy-giving snacks. You also need enough clean bottled water, a first aid kit, a camera free of flashlights, a daypack, and toiletries.
Other important items to carry for a gorilla trip in Rwanda include sunscreen, extra batteries for the cameras, medication for malaria, which should be prescribed by a professional doctor, a safari hat, and more.
Which other gorilla groups can I visit in Rwanda?
Not only does Rwanda have Agashya group for visitors to trek. There are also several other interesting families of mountain gorillas to explore. They include Sabyinyo group, Karisimbi (Susa B), Mishaya group, Susa A group, Hirwa gorilla group, Pablo mountain gorilla group, Titus gorilla group, Umubano and Amahoro group.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
All mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda Volcanoes National Game Park is a 2-3 hours’ drive off from the heart of Kigali. This park was officially established in 1925 and currently, it lies on a surface area of 160 sq. km.
The gorilla habitat in Volcanoes National Park is characterized by bamboo forests and rainforests. It is this park where 12 habituated mountain gorilla groups exist and can be trekked on foot. The day to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park begins with a briefing at the park offices in Kinigi.
After the briefing, you can be allocated a habituated group of mountain gorillas to explore. The park ranger guides are also assigned to a group of mountain gorillas.
Is it hard to trek the Agashya gorilla group?
Unlike other groups, especially Susa A & B, the Agashya group is one of the less challenging gorilla families to trek. But to ensure that you have a complete trek with the Agashya gorilla group, it is essential to stay fit. You can do enough exercise before you fly to Rwanda to engage in a gorilla trek or travel early and practice in the hills of Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking regulations
Guidelines to follow when in the presence of the Agashya gorilla group
- Maintain a distance of 8-10 meters away from Agashya gorillas.
- Do not use a flashlight camera to take pictures.
- Do not touch gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Avoid making loud noise when on a gorilla trek or interacting with a family of gorillas like the Agashya group.
- You are allowed a short hour to enjoy a face-to-face encounter with the Agashya group.
- Do not go to the trek Agashya group when sick.
Where to stay in and around Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Choose from the three categories of accommodation facilities; budget, midrange, and luxury. Top lodges to book for overnight stays in and around Volcanoes National Park include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Silverback Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and others.
