River Gambia National Park (Baboon Islands)

The River Gambia National Park, often referred to as the Baboon Islands, is one of West Africa's most significant conservation areas. The park comprises five densely forested islands, offering a pristine jungle environment. The highlight of the park is the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, which allows rescued chimpanzees to live a protected life in the wild. Visitors are not permitted to set foot on the islands, but they can safely observe the primates from the water during boat tours. Beyond the chimpanzees, the national park is a haven for hippos, crocodiles, baboons, and an astounding variety of birds, including colorful kingfishers and fish eagles. Early morning or late afternoon boat trips offer spectacular photographic opportunities as the golden light illuminates the lush riverbanks. It is a place of absolute tranquility and deep connection with nature. The park is located inland and is best accessed from the nearby town of Janjanbureh (Georgetown). Travel is typically by road to a riverside camp and then onward by boat. The convenient time to visit is the dry season (November to May), as the water levels provide the best visibility for spotting hippos, and the weather is very pleasant.

Nearby cities

Bansang

Bansang is a market town on the south bank of the Gambia River, home to the only major hospital in the country's interior.

Janjanbureh

Janjanbureh, formerly Georgetown, is a historic island town in the Gambia River, known for its colonial past.

Kuntaur

Kuntaur is an important trading town on the Gambia River and the gateway to the River Gambia National Park.

Kaur

Kaur is a historic trading town on the north bank of the Gambia River, known for its once-thriving peanut trade.

History & landmarks

Kerbatch Stone Circles

Another significant megalithic site in The Gambia, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Mungo Park Memorial

A memorial in Janjanbureh dedicated to the Scottish explorer Mungo Park, who explored the Niger River.

Freedom Tree of Janjanbureh

A historic symbol in Janjanbureh marking the spot where liberated slaves gained their freedom.

More places

Baboon Islands

A group of islands where chimpanzees can be observed in their natural environment.

River Gambia National Park

This park includes five islands in the river and is famous for its chimpanzee reintroduction projects.

Kuntaur Highlands

One of the few gently rising hilly landscapes in the Gambia, rising above the Gambia River valley.

Kuntaur Groundnut Depot

An important logistical hub on the upper reaches of the river for the transport of the region's agricultural products.

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Kuntaur Rice Mill

One of the largest rice mills in the country, central to processing the harvests from the surrounding floodplains.

Wassu Stone Circles

The most famous megalithic site in West Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site, consisting of precisely arranged laterite pillars.

Sapu Rice Research Station

A major agricultural research center focused on improving rice cultivation in the Gambia River valley.

Nianija Hills

A group of low hills in the north of the Central River Region, near the border with Senegal.