Agashya gorilla family group is one of the ten habituated gorilla families in Rwanda. It alternatively goes by its famous moniker “group 13”. It earned its nickname from the initial thirteen (13) members at the time of its habituation. Furthermore, the number at the time eased during tracking of the group. The family was under guidance of Nyakairima the silverback until Agashya challenged and took over the group. This change of power also automatically led the family name to be turned to Agashya.
The new Silverback Agashya is power cautious and always looking out for any threats to his rule that this insecurity extends to even trekkers. Whenever this silverback feels his family’s safety is jeopardized he gathers and leads his family to the higher slopes of Mount Sabinyo. Agashya’s aggressive nature has seen the number shooting from the initial thirteen to approximately twenty-five (25) currently.
He has done this not only by producing but by grabbing and adding more members from other families. The Agashya family lives in close proximity to the Sabinyo gorilla family and these two families call one of the Virunga volcanoes, mount. Sabyinyo home. Lucky hikers to mountain Sabyinyo once in a while strike gold and come across the Agashya family group making the hiking experience more memorable.
Best time to track Agashya gorilla group.
Although gorilla tracking can be done through all months of the year, a few months are found more favorable and comfortable. These are mid-December up to February (the shorter dry season) or from June to September (longer drier season). This period presents travelers with smooth trekking experiences and less risk of exposure to malaria and other illnesses.
However, if you prefer a more adventurous and challenging experience you can visit these gentle giants in the rainy season. But at the back of your mind know that the tracking paths are muddy and slippery during this season. It is also recommended for you to be in good shape and health before setting off for your Agashya gorilla family tour.
Guidelines to be followed before or during Agashya group trekking.
Before the trekking experience kicks off, visitors are taken through rules and regulations to be adhered to. These can be looked at as more of the dos and don’ts of what a client should do in order to enhance their adventure while maintaining safety of the gorillas. These include:
Keeping together as a unit.
Do not wander off alone in the forest because it is dangerous, always keep voices at a low tone.
When you meet the gorillas ensure a minimum distance of seven meters from them, try to resist direct contact with their eyes as they may interpret it as a challenge and react defensively.
Avoid dropping litter in the park.
Never take photos using a flashlight camera.
Opt-out from trekking when sick especially if its flu or cough as gorillas can also contract these diseases.
When planning to embark on a gorilla trekking trip a few accessories are important to have to enhance and compliment your experience. A couple of stuff to include on the list are good hiking shoes/boots to enable you pass through slippery and muddy trails, a raincoat to protect you from unpredictable rainfalls, a bottle of drinking water to quench your thirst and hat/cap to protect you from direct sunlight.
Also, you need Sunglasses for the safety of your eyes from direct sunlight, a long-sleeved shirt and trousers in dull colors, energy providing snacks like biscuit or crisps, a pair of binoculars among others.
A local porter comes in handy to helps carry your heavy belongings to and fro the hike. This reduces the burden during this challenging trip.
Other gorilla families in Rwanda.
On top of Agashya family, there 9 more habituated gorilla families open to tourists in Volcanoes National Park. These are Susa A gorilla family (most famous group), Karisimbi family, Pablo family group, Amahoro family, Kwitonda group, Titus gorilla family, Hirwa group, Bwengye gorilla group among others.
Without a doubt, trekking Agashya gorilla group is a memorable experience you can’t easily trade for. Grab your trekking spot and come have an unforgettable time with the wonderful mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
