Abuko Nature Reserve is The Gambia's oldest protected nature reserve and lies a short distance from the coastal tourist areas. The reserve has forests, wetlands and small pools inhabited by monkeys, crocodiles, antelope and hundreds of bird species. Raised walkways and forest trails make it one of the country's most accessible wildlife destinations.
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The Gambia Tourism Authority in the UK
Address: 57 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DG, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7535 476494
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thurs 930-1600; Fri 930-1300.
www.visitthegambia.gm
Abuko Nature Reserve
Banjul
Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, sits on St Mary’s Island at the mouth of the Gambia River. The city contains colonial-era buildings, government institutions and the busy Albert Market, known for its textiles, crafts and everyday goods. The Arch 22 monument provides views across the city and surrounding mangrove-lined waterways.
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve stretches along the north bank of the Gambia River and has mangroves, tidal creeks and floodplains rich in birdlife. The reserve attracts pelicans, herons, kingfishers and migratory species from Europe. Boat trips through the waterways are particularly popular with birdwatchers and photographers.
Bijilo Forest Park
Bijilo Forest Park, near Kololi, is a small coastal woodland reserve popular for short walks and wildlife viewing. Green vervet monkeys and red colobus monkeys are frequently seen close to the walking trails. Its location near the beach resorts makes it one of the easiest nature areas to visit independently.
Georgetown (Janjanbureh)
Janjanbureh, formerly known as Georgetown, lies on an island in the middle reaches of the Gambia River. Established during the colonial period, the town retains historical buildings and serves as a base for exploring inland river communities. River cruises and wildlife excursions frequently stop here during journeys into the interior.
Juffureh and Albreda
The riverside settlements of Juffureh and Albreda are closely associated with the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the story told in Alex Haley's book Roots. Museums and memorials document the experiences of enslaved Africans and the river's role in regional trade. The villages remain important cultural and historical destinations within The Gambia.
Kiang West National Park
Located on the south bank of the Gambia River, Kiang West National Park protects woodland, mangroves and savanna landscapes. Wildlife includes baboons, bushbuck, warthogs and a wide variety of birdlife. The park is also known for its quieter atmosphere and lower visitor numbers compared with many safari destinations elsewhere in Africa.
Kunta Kinteh Island
Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly known as James Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site linked to the Atlantic slave trade. Situated in the Gambia River near Albreda and Juffureh, the island has the remains of a colonial fort once used in the trafficking of enslaved Africans. Visits are often combined with nearby museums and historic settlements, exploring this difficult period of history.
Makasutu Cultural Forest
Makasutu Cultural Forest is a privately protected reserve of palm forest, mangroves and creeks located south of the capital region. Guided excursions often include canoe trips, cultural performances and wildlife viewing. Monkeys, monitor lizards and numerous bird species are commonly seen within the reserve.
River Gambia National Park
River Gambia National Park protects several islands in the central part of the river and is best known for its chimpanzee rehabilitation project. Chimpanzees released onto the islands are not visited directly, but boat trips offer opportunities to observe them from the river. Hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife are also found in the area.
Serrekunda and the Atlantic Coast
Serrekunda is the country's largest urban area and the centre of much of The Gambia's tourism industry. Nearby coastal resorts such as Kololi, Kotu and Bakau are known for long sandy beaches, beachside restaurants and lively nightlife. Fishing communities, craft markets and music venues give the coastline a more local character beyond the hotels.
Tanji Fishing Village
Tanji is one of The Gambia's busiest fishing communities and is known for its lively beach fish market. Colourful wooden fishing boats line the shore while fish are smoked, sorted and traded in large quantities throughout the day. The nearby Tanji Bird Reserve combines coastal dunes, lagoons and woodland habitats.
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