The Agashya gorilla family, also known as Group 13, lives in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and now has 25 members, including 12 adult females, 1 silverback, 7 infants, and 3 juveniles. The family’s older name comes from its original size of just 13 members at habituation, under the leadership of dominant silverback Nyakairima.
How the Family Got Its Name
Leadership changed hands when silverback Agashya challenged and defeated Nyakairima after a series of confrontations, taking over as the group’s dominant male. The family was renamed after him, with Group 13 remaining in use as an alternate name tied to its original size. Agashya is a Kinyarwanda word meaning “news.” Since taking over, Agashya has been credited with growing the family from its original 13 members to its current 25.
A Cautious Leader
Agashya is known for being highly security-conscious, often moving the family to higher ground at the first sign of a threat, sometimes even in response to trekkers approaching. This cautious streak is part of what makes tracking this family a notably calm and low-stress experience compared to some of the park’s more territorial groups.
Where the Family Lives
Agashya’s territory sits on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, shared with the neighboring Sabyinyo gorilla group, near the point where Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo meet within the wider Virunga Massif. This region remains one of the most important conservation areas for the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.
Why Trekkers Choose Agashya
Tracking the Agashya family is often considered one of the more rewarding experiences in Volcanoes National Park, known for its peaceful atmosphere and reputation as one of the safer treks available in the park, largely thanks to Agashya’s cautious leadership style.
Booking Your Permit
Permits to trek the Agashya family can be booked directly through Volcanoes National Park, purchased from the Rwanda Development Board, or arranged through a trusted local tour operator. As with other Rwanda gorilla permits, the cost is $1,500 per person per trek, higher than equivalent permits in Uganda or DR Congo. Only 8 trekkers are permitted to visit the family each day, accompanied by rangers, trackers, porters, and guides throughout the trek.
With a calm temperament, a security-conscious leader, and a name tied to one of Volcanoes National Park’s more interesting leadership stories, the Agashya family is a strong choice for a Rwanda gorilla trek. Book your gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the trek alongside the rest of your Rwanda itinerary.
