Plizio Visual Lab
River Gambia National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
Weather…
Water temperature…
River Gambia National Park was established in 1978 and covers a total area of 585 hectares in the Central River Division. The park consists of an archipelago of five islands, collectively known as the Baboon Islands, situated about 300 kilometers upstream from the Atlantic coast. It is a strictly protected area where human settlement and landing on the islands are prohibited to safeguard the reintroduced chimpanzee population and other native wildlife. The park features diverse habitats including gallery forests, open savannas, and swampy areas, providing a refuge for hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles, and various primate species. Conservation efforts focus on the rehabilitation of primates and the protection of the riverine ecosystem. Visitors can observe the wildlife from boats, but the interior of the islands remains a sanctuary for animals to thrive undisturbed.
- Location: Gambia
- Nearby: Kuntaur (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 27 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 31 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 88 | 191 | 298 | 214 | 65 | 4 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to the national park is typically arranged via boat tours departing from nearby riverside camps or settlements. Guided river excursions are generally required to navigate around the protected islands.
Best season
The dry season, usually between November and May, provides the most favorable conditions for wildlife observation and river navigation. During the rainy season, heavy downpours can significantly affect travel logistics.
Terrain & paths
The environment consists primarily of river waterways, dense gallery forests, and island habitats where landing is often strictly prohibited. Visitors observe the terrain and its primate inhabitants mostly from the water.
What to bring
Bring binoculars for spotting chimpanzees and birdlife from a distance, along with reliable sun protection and insect repellent. Lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof bag for electronics are highly recommended.
Parking
Vehicles are typically left at your chosen lodge or the designated departure points for the boat tours in the surrounding region. Safe parking arrangements are usually handled directly by the local tour operators.
Safety
Always remain seated in the boat according to the guide's instructions and maintain a respectful distance from the wild animals.
Time needed
A typical boat safari exploring the river and viewing the islands usually lasts between two to four hours depending on the route. Many visitors incorporate this natural experience into a larger multi-day regional itinerary.
Geography
Facts
- Established as a national park in 1978.
- Covers a total area of 585 hectares.
- Consists of an archipelago of 5 islands.
- Located in the Central River Division.
- Human landing on islands is prohibited.
- Home to a large hippopotamus population.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you enter the park grounds?
Landing on the islands is strictly forbidden to protect the chimpanzees.
How can you see the chimpanzees?
They can only be observed from a boat while cruising around the islands.
Is there accommodation available?
There are basic camps near the park, but not within the park itself.
What is the 'Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project'?
A conservation project that reintroduces formerly captive chimpanzees into the wild.
When is the best time to visit?
In the dry season (November to May), wildlife sightings are most likely.
River Gambia National Park: where is it located?
River Gambia National Park is located in Gambia.
River Gambia National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
River Gambia National Park: why is it worth visiting?
River Gambia National Park was established in 1978 and covers a total area of 585 hectares in the Central River Division.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Gambia →
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.
River Gambia National Park (Baboon Islands)
A protected archipelago in the Gambia River serving as a sanctuary for chimpanzees, hippos, and lush jungle vegetation.
Kaur
Kaur is a historic trading town on the north bank of the Gambia River, known for its once-thriving peanut trade.
History & landmarks
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.
Kerbatch Stone Circles
Another significant megalithic site in The Gambia, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
More places
Kuntaur Groundnut Depot
An important logistical hub on the upper reaches of the river for the transport of the region's agricultural products.
Kuntaur Highlands
One of the few gently rising hilly landscapes in the Gambia, rising above the Gambia River valley.
🗺️
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.
Baboon Islands
A group of islands where chimpanzees can be observed in their natural environment.
Janjanbureh Slave House
A historic building in Janjanbureh that commemorates the island's history as a resettlement site for liberated slaves.
Janjanbureh Island
An island in the Gambia River known for its historical significance and natural beauty.