River Gambia National Park
Banjul, Gambia
The River Gambia National Park consists of five islands—collectively known as Baboon Island—that are home to a wealth of wildlife: hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, baboons, and a population of rescued chimpanzees. A selection of camps allow you to get closer to nature overnight, while river cruises feel miles away from the coastal chaos.
The basics
The River Gambia National Park lies east of The Gambia, around a 4-hour drive inland from the coast. Many travelers come here on tours starting from their beach hotel, which typically include a boat cruise out to the park and an overnight stay in a jungle camp. You can also visit on a day trip from Janjanbureh.
Although you’re not allowed to set foot on Baboon Island for the sake of the chimps, boats let you get a great view of the simian population, as well as some of the basking hippos. Guides can share the story of the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, plus the histories of many individual apes.
Things to know before you go
The River Gambia National Park is a great choice for bird watchers, nature lovers, and photographers. Most travelers spend two days exploring the park from their coastal hotels, but you can also see it on day trips from Janjanbureh. The park is a great choice with kids, but be aware that the long, slow drive from the coast may tire younger children. The park is not wheelchair friendly. Some camps feature steep steps and the boats are not adapted for travelers with access needs.
How to get there
The River Gambia National Park and Baboon Island lie about a 130-mile (210-kilometer) drive inland from capital Banjul and the coastal resorts. Some travelers opt to base out of Janjanbureh, which is roughly a 35-mile (55-kilometer) drive from the jump-off point for Baboon Island. You’ll need a guide and a boat to experience the park.
When to get there
The River Gambia National Park and Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project’s opening hours may vary, but guides and tour operators will arrange a schedule that ensures you don’t miss out. Dry season in The Gambia runs from November to June, when rainfall is minimal.
Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project
Founded in 1979 and led by a primatologist, the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project is based in the River Gambia National Park’s islands and rehabilitates orphaned, rescued, and unwanted apes before returning them to the wild. Today, it’s home to around 140 chimps in four separate groups across three islands—a rare chance to see these majestic primates in action, as well as more than 240 species of birds, baboons, crocodiles, and red colobus monkeys.
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