Monkeys, hippos, and crocodiles across six protected reserves and national parks.
The Gambia may be the smallest country on mainland Africa, but it punches above its weight when it comes to wildlife and nature. With six protected reserves and national parks, it's home to a variety of animals like monkeys, hippos, and crocodiles.
Bijilo Forest Park, also known as Monkey Park, is one of the best places to see monkeys.
Located just 11 km from Banjul, Bijilo Forest Park is easily accessible and offers the chance to see green vervet monkeys and red colobus monkeys. Stroll through its nature trails and watch these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Entrance fees are modest, and guided tours are available for those wanting a deeper understanding of the park's biodiversity.
Yes, the River Gambia National Park is known for its hippo population.
Situated some 300 km inland from Banjul, the River Gambia National Park is a haven for hippos. The best way to see them is by taking a boat trip along the river. Local operators offer guided tours that often include sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and even chimpanzees. It's advisable to visit during the dry season from November to April when animal sightings are more frequent.
The Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau is a popular spot to see crocodiles.
Located just 14 km from the capital, Banjul, Kachikally Crocodile Pool is home to around 100 crocodiles. The pool is considered sacred by locals, and visitors can see and even touch some of the more docile crocodiles under supervision. There's also a small museum that provides insights into the local culture and the significance of the pool.
Kiang West National Park, established in 1987, covers 11,500 hectares about 150 km from Banjul. Entrance fees are GMD 200 for locals and GMD 1,000 for tourists. The park is home to over 300 bird species and primates like the green monkey, thriving in an average annual temperature of 28°C.
Bijilo Forest Park, located 12 km from Banjul, covers 51 hectares and is home to over 300 green monkeys and 150 bird species. Entrance fees are 250 GMD for locals and 1,000 GMD for tourists, with daytime temperatures averaging 27°C during the dry season from November to May.
Makasutu Culture Forest, located 30 km south of Banjul, covers 2,000 hectares of dense tropical woodland. Guided canoe trips along the Gambia River start at GMD 500, while walking tours through the forest’s 5 km trail highlight over 200 bird species native to the area.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau, 12 km from Banjul, dates back to the 18th century and charges 100 GMD for entry. Home to over 80 Nile crocodiles, the sacred site maintains water temperatures around 28°C year-round, attracting visitors interested in local traditions and wildlife.
The Gambia River stretches over 1,120 kilometers, flowing through Banjul, where daily river cruises cost around 500 GMD ($10). These trips pass dense mangrove forests and allow sightings of up to 150 hippos, while stopping at riverside villages inhabited since the 15th century.
River Gambia National Park, established in 1979, spans 585 hectares along the Gambia River near Banjul and protects over 100 chimpanzees. Entry fees for tourists are 500 GMD, with guided tours to Baboon Islands located 20 km upriver, home to colonies of green monkeys and baboons.
Abuko Nature Reserve, established in 1968, covers 259 hectares about 26 km southeast of Banjul. Entrance fees are 200 GMD for adults and 100 GMD for children. Visitors can spot over 270 bird species and see monkeys, crocodiles, and the West African dwarf antelope.
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