Plizio Visual Lab
Basse Plateau
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Relief
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Basse Plateau is situated in the far east of The Gambia within the Upper River Division, significantly shaping the local landscape. This plateau consists of resistant lateritic crusts formed over millennia through intense weathering under tropical conditions. The region marks the transition from flat coastal plains to the gently undulating uplands of the African interior. The plateau is dissected by numerous seasonal watercourses that cut deeply into the ground during the rainy season. Economically, the area is of central importance to Basse Santa Su, the region's primary commercial hub. The sparse soils of the uplands are used mainly for livestock grazing, while intensive agriculture is practiced in the more fertile valleys. The geological stability of the plateau makes it a well-suited location for infrastructure projects in this remote province.
- Location: Gambia
- Nearby: Gambissara (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 | 28 | 31 | 34 | 34 | 32 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 92 | 170 | 268 | 212 | 64 | 3 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The area is typically reached by traveling towards the eastern region, often starting from nearby Basse Santa Su. Local roads serve as the main access points to the surrounding landscape.
Best season
The dry season is generally considered the most suitable time to explore the savanna landscape, as rains can make rural paths difficult. Clear skies often provide the best visibility across the plateau.
Terrain & paths
Visitors can expect a mostly flat but elevated savanna environment, with paths that might be uneven or dusty depending on the season. The relief is generally straightforward but requires walking on natural ground.
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes and sufficient sun protection are strongly recommended for exploring the dry savanna. It is also advisable to bring plenty of drinking water, as shade can be quite scarce in this environment.
Parking
Vehicles are usually left in designated areas within nearby settlements like Basse Santa Su before proceeding further. It is generally best to find secure parking in the town rather than directly on the rougher tracks.
Safety
General caution is advised regarding sun exposure and staying hydrated in the elevated dry landscape. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid wandering too far from known paths without a guide.
Time needed
A typical visit often takes a few hours to half a day, depending on how much of the surrounding relief one wishes to see. Some may simply pass through the area briefly while exploring the broader eastern region.
Geography
Facts
- Located in the easternmost division of The Gambia, Upper River.
- Average elevation ranges from 25 to 40 meters.
- The dominant rock type is ferruginous laterite.
- Basse Santa Su serves as the regional administrative capital.
- Major transit point for trade with Guinea and Senegal.
- Rainfall is generally lower here than at the Atlantic coast.
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 in the town Basse Plateau (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Basse Plateau located?
It is located in the far east of Gambia, in the Upper River Region near the town of Basse Santa Su.
What is special about this relief?
The plateau consists of weathered laterite and has a rugged, fascinating landscape far from the coast.
How do you get there?
The journey is usually via the South Bank Road; the drive from the coast takes several hours.
Are there tourist facilities there?
There are simple accommodations in Basse, but the plateau itself is largely untouched.
What animals live on the plateau?
You can often observe warthogs, monkeys, and various birds of prey.
Basse Plateau: where is it located?
Basse Plateau is located in Gambia.
Basse Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Basse Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
The Basse Plateau is situated in the far east of The Gambia within the Upper River Division, significantly shaping the local landscape.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Gambia →
Nearby cities
Basse Santa Su
Basse Santa Su is the administrative center of the Upper River Region and the easternmost town in the country.
Sabi
Sabi is an important trading town in the Upper River Region, located right on the border with Senegal.
Koina
Koina is the easternmost village in The Gambia, located on the banks of the Gambia River near the border with Senegal.
Garowol
Garowol is a significant settlement in the Upper River Region, known for its agriculture and traditional culture.
Gambissara
Gambissara is a large settlement in the Upper River Region, known for its strong religious tradition and agriculture.
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.
Pirada
Pirada is a border town in northeastern Guinea-Bissau, in the Gabú region.
History & landmarks
More places
Basse Colonial Quarter
The historic quarter of Basse Santa Su with its old warehouses from the peak of the peanut trade era.
Basse Groundnut Loading Bay
A key river port where groundnuts are loaded onto vessels for transport downriver.
Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields
Extensive agricultural lands in eastern Gambia where the country's most important export crop is grown.
Red Rock (Highest Point)
The highest point in the Gambia is located in the east of the country near the border with Senegal.
Fatoto River Wharf
The country's easternmost river port, an important terminus for the transport of goods by ship to the far hinterland.
Sami Plateau
A vast, dry plateau in the east of the Central River Region.
Mussa Molloh's Tomb
The burial site of the last great King of Fuladu, who played a central role in the resistance against colonial powers.
🗺️
Kolda Plateau
A slightly undulating plateau in the south of Senegal.