Plizio Visual Lab
Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
Weather…
Water temperature…
The peanut fields of Basse Santa Su in the Upper River Region form the economic backbone of eastern The Gambia. Peanuts, known locally as groundnuts, are the country's primary export commodity and provide employment for a large portion of the rural population. Sowing traditionally begins with the onset of the rainy season in June, while the harvest takes place between November and January. In Basse, the nuts are dried in large fields after harvesting before being transported to collection points along the riverbank. Cultivation often occurs within smallholder structures, with entire families involved in the process of tilling and weeding. The region around Basse is renowned for its fertile soils, enriched by sediments from the Gambia River. However, groundnut production is heavily dependent on annual rainfall patterns and global market prices, which presents ongoing challenges for the local economy.
- 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
What is this place?
The Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields are extensive agricultural lands in eastern Gambia producing the country's most important export crop. They form the economic backbone of the region, supplying local oil mills and export markets.
Visiting
The fields are visible from main roads and farm tracks that pass through the growing areas. Travelers can observe the plants up close, but entering the fields is generally not permitted.
Where to view it
The best view is from the main road between Basse Santa Su and Fatoto, where the fields stretch for miles. A viewpoint near the village of Kantora has a particularly wide panorama of the fields.
Local products
The peanuts are sold raw or roasted at local markets. Also available are peanut oil, cake from pressed peanut residue, and various snacks like roasted peanuts in shell.
Active season
The peanut harvest season is from October to December, when the fields are full of workers and drying begins on the fields. This period is also the busiest for local markets and oil mills.
Nearby
Combine your visit with a stop at Basse Santa Su market, where fresh peanuts and local products are traded. Also a trip to the nearby Gambia River is recommended to enjoy the river landscape.
Geography
Facts
- Groundnuts account for approximately 60% of Gambia's export earnings.
- Basse is the most significant agricultural trade hub in the east.
- The rainy season from June to October is critical for crop growth.
- After harvesting, the nuts must sun-dry for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Most farms in the region are smaller than 2 hectares in size.
- The nuts are frequently transported to Banjul via river barges.
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 Santa Su Peanut Fields (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the peanut harvest?
The harvest usually takes place at the end of the rainy season between November and January.
Are visitors allowed to enter the fields?
Ask the local farmers; they are often happy to explain the cultivation process.
Why are peanuts so important for The Gambia?
They are the main export commodity and the primary source of income for many families.
How are the peanuts stored?
After drying, they are stored in large sacks piled up in the open air.
Can you taste fresh peanuts there?
During harvest time, you can often buy freshly roasted peanuts by the roadside.
Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields: where is it located?
Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields is located in Gambia.
Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields: why is it worth visiting?
The peanut fields of Basse Santa Su in the Upper River Region form the economic backbone of eastern The Gambia.
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 Groundnut Loading Bay
A key river port where groundnuts are loaded onto vessels for transport downriver.
Basse Colonial Quarter
The historic quarter of Basse Santa Su with its old warehouses from the peak of the peanut trade era.
Basse Plateau
An elevated plateau in the far east of the Gambia, dominating the surroundings of Basse Santa Su.
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.