It is also known as Group 13 because it originally consisted of 13 members who were habituated under the leadership of the dominant silverback Nyakairima. The family is now comprised of 25 members, including 12 adult females, 1 silverback known as Agashya, 7 babies, and 3 juveniles.
The name changed to Agashya when a prominent silverback called Agashya took over the leadership from Nyakairima; hence, Group 13 remained as an alternate name. Agashya is a Kinyarwanda word meaning “News.”
Nyakairima is credited with doubling the number of members from 13 to 25. Agashya fought several battles with Nyakairima before taking over the leadership of the family.
Agashya is very security-conscious and will always move the family to higher ground if he feels threatened, sometimes even by trekkers.
Agashya’s group is a neighbor to the Sabyinyo gorilla group, both inhabiting the rugged slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, located along the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo within the larger Virunga Massif. This area is one of the greatest conservation areas and home to the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world.
Tracking the Agashya (Thirteen) group is considered the most fascinating gorilla experience in Volcanoes National Park, known for its calm, peaceful environment and as one of the safest treks in the park.
Booking gorilla permits to track the Agashya family can be done directly through Volcanoes National Park, purchased from the Rwanda Development Board, or booked through a professional local tour operator.
Like other Rwanda gorilla permits, a permit to visit the Agashya family costs $1500 per trek, which is more expensive than permits in Uganda and D.R. Congo. Only eight persons are allowed to track this group on any given day, and each group of trekkers is accompanied by rangers, trackers, porters, and guides.
