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Red Rock (Highest Point)
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Red Rock is the informal name for the highest point in The Gambia, located in the east of the country near the border with Senegal. With a modest elevation of approximately 53 meters above sea level, this site highlights the flat topography of mainland Africa's smallest nation. Geologically, the rise is composed of lateritic rock, which exhibits a characteristic reddish hue due to oxidation, giving the location its name. The surrounding area is characterized by a dry savanna landscape featuring acacias and scattered baobab trees. While Red Rock provides no mountaineering challenge, the point provides a wide view over the flat plains of the Upper Gambia River region. Historically, the area was of interest due to its strategic position on the boundary between British and French colonial territories. Today, the spot serves as a symbolic destination for travelers wishing to explore the country's geographical extremes.
- Location: Gambia
- Nearby: Koina (16 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
Locating this modest high point usually involves driving towards the eastern border region near Senegal, typically navigating smaller dirt roads and requiring a bit of local guidance to pinpoint.
Best season
The dry season, extending from roughly November to May, is widely considered the optimal time for a visit, ensuring the unpaved approach paths remain easily passable without muddy delays.
Terrain & paths
The landscape here is characterized by subtle, undulating savannah terrain and low-lying scrubland, where the elevation change is so minimal that the "peak" is hardly distinguishable.
What to bring
Due to the exposed nature of the environment, visitors should prepare with wide-brimmed hats, strong sunblock, breathable hiking attire, and a sufficient supply of drinking water.
Parking
There are absolutely no formal parking spots; vehicles are typically just pulled off safely to the side of the nearby dirt tracks wherever the terrain allows for a stable stop.
Safety
Exploring this remote border region is generally safe, but travelers should respect the heat, stay aware of their proximity to the international border, and ideally travel with a local guide.
Time needed
While reaching the general area from the coast takes a long drive, the actual time spent acknowledging and photographing this specific subtle high point usually takes no more than thirty minutes.
Geography
Facts
- At approximately 53 meters, this is the highest natural elevation in all of The Gambia.
- The point is located near the village of Makka Kunda in the eastern part of the country.
- The red color is the result of high iron content within the lateritic rock.
- Gambia has the third-lowest maximum elevation of any country in the world after the Maldives.
- The annual rainfall in this eastern region is approximately 800 mm.
- The 'summit' is more of a gentle hill than a striking rock formation.
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.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Red Rock (Highest Point) (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is Red Rock?
At about 53 meters, this is one of the highest points in The Gambia, though the country is very flat overall.
Why is it called 'Red Rock'?
The name comes from the striking reddish color of the iron-rich laterite rock.
Can you climb the rock?
Yes, it is more of an easy hike than climbing. Sturdy footwear is advised due to loose ground.
What can you see from the summit?
From the top, you enjoy a wide panoramic view of the surrounding savanna and bushland.
Are there any entry fees?
Usually there is no official entry fee, but small donations to local guides are common.
Red Rock (Highest Point): where is it located?
Red Rock (Highest Point) is located in Gambia.
Red Rock (Highest Point): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Red Rock (Highest Point): why is it worth visiting?
Red Rock is the informal name for the highest point in The Gambia, located in the east of the country near the border with Senegal.
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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.
Nature
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Basse Santa Su Peanut Fields
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Basse Plateau
An elevated plateau in the far east of the Gambia, dominating the surroundings of Basse Santa Su.
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Sami Plateau
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Bansang River Wharf
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