Initially called group “13 family”, Agashya is one of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. This gorilla family was called group 13 due to the 13 members which the gorilla family started with on its time of habituation. The family was first led by Nyakaiima silverback who strived to expand and increase the number of family members to 25. Nyakairima was later succeeded by his son Agashaya that called for the change of the gorilla family name to the present “Agashya”. This gorilla family lives in the sloped of Mount Sabyinyo living alongside Sabyinyo gorilla family. At present, Agashya gorilla group comprises of 25 members, which include 1 silverback, 3 juveniles, 12 females and 7 infants. At times, travelers hiking Mt Sabyinyo are blessed with a chance to meet Agashya gorilla family, which makes the whole experience memorable. Unlike his fallen dada, Agashya silverback is so security conscious and fears to lose any of his family members. For that reason, Agashya normally takes his family up to areas of high altitudes to keep it safe from wild gorilla families. The protective character of Agashya silverback has seen the family grow big and stable for the past years. Like in other gorilla families, Agashya is visited by 8 people per day, hence assuring travelers of 8 gorilla permits available every day.
Time to trek Agashya gorilla family
Trekking to see Agashya gorilla family starts at 7:00 am where travelers first gather at Kinigi Park headquarters for registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing. The actual trek starts at 8 am lasting for between 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of gorillas that day, their speed of movements and the hiking ability of the slowest person in the group. On reaching the gorilla, travelers spend an hour in their presence. An hour of gorilla interaction is counted from the time travelers set their eyes on the gorillas. The one hour is for taking gorilla pictures, capturing live videos and carefully observing the human-like characters of gorillas.
How to book a tour to Agashya gorilla group
For whoever is planning to visit and trek Agashya gorilla family, you ought to book and secure a gorilla permit at $1500. Gorilla permit booking can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or through Africa Adventure Safaris your number one gorilla safari company. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months prior due to a high demand for Rwanda gorilla tours.
Guidelines for Trekking Agashya Gorilla Family
At the start of the gorilla trekking day, travelers are introduced to the rules and regulations of trekking Agashya gorilla family. These guidelines are to ensure the safety of gorillas in the jungle and at the same time the travelers. The dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park include:
• Keep a distance of seven meters away from the gorillas
• Don’t use a flashlight camera
• Don’t trek when sick
• Avoid direct eye contact
• Do not litter in the pack
• Keep your voices low
• Don’t rune when a gorilla charges
• Keep within your group, Do not move alone in the jungle
Packing list for trekking Agashya gorilla family
Yes, you ought to pack the appropriate essentials when going to trek Agashya gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park. Among the must-have things include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes
2. Gardening gloves’
3. Long-sleeved shirts
4. Long pants
5. Sunglasses
6. Hat
7. Rain jacket
8. Scarf
9. Bottled drinking water
10. Energy giving snacks
A porter is very helpful for trekking the Agashya gorilla family. Porters help to carry baggage and help to support travelers through slippery forest grounds.
Other gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
Besides the Agashya gorilla family, Volcanoes National Park is home to other 9 habituated gorilla groups. These include:
• Hirwa family currently in Uganda
• Susa A family
• Sabyinyo gorilla ground
• Kwitonda Gorilla family
• Karisimbi gorilla group
• Titus gorilla family
• Amahoro gorilla group
• Umubano gorilla group
• Bwengye gorilla family
• Pablo gorilla group
In general, a visit to see the Agashya gorilla family in an exceptional experience you will live to remember. Book a Rwanda gorilla group today, trek Agashya gorilla group and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience with gorillas.
