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Pirang Shrimp Farm
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The Pirang Shrimp Farm on the Kombo coast was once one of the largest aquaculture projects in West Africa. During the 1980s and 1990s, the facility was intensively used to breed shrimp for export to the European market. The farm utilizes the brackish water from the tidal reaches of the Gambia River, which provides well-suited conditions for shrimp cultivation. Large-scale ponds were integrated into the mangrove landscape to facilitate controlled rearing. Following a period of economic decline and temporary closure, there have been recent efforts to reactivate the facility and introduce more sustainable farming methods. Today, the area around the farm is also a favorite among ornithologists, as the ponds attract a wide variety of wading birds and flamingos. The farm serves as a significant case study of the potential and challenges of industrial aquaculture in developing regions and its impact on the local mangrove ecology.
- Location: Gambia
- Nearby: Faraba Banta (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 74 | 187 | 306 | 231 | 67 | 3 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Pirang Shrimp Farm is one of the largest aquaculture facilities in The Gambia, specializing in sustainable shrimp farming. It supplies local and export markets with quality seafood and has insights into modern fish farming.
Visiting
The facility can usually be visited by appointment; tours explain the breeding ponds and processing. From the nearby road, the large ponds and aeration systems are clearly visible.
Where to view it
A viewpoint at the farm entrance features an overview of the entire facility with its circular ponds. From the bridge over Pirang Creek you also get a good view of the ponds.
Local products
Direct sales of fresh or frozen shrimp are possible, often also smoked or marinated. In season (October to May) the shrimp are served in local restaurants.
Active season
The main harvest season for shrimp is in the cooler months from October to May. Then the farm is especially busy, with processing lines running at full capacity.
Nearby
Combine the visit with a boat trip on the Gambia River or an excursion to Bijilo Forest Park. The nearby beaches of Kotu and Kololi are also easily reachable.
Geography
Facts
- The farm was originally constructed during the 1980s.
- It covers an area of several hundred hectares.
- The facility is located near Pirang village in the Kombo East district.
- Major export destinations formerly included the UK and the Netherlands.
- The site is a well-known location for spotting greater flamingos.
- Mangrove forests surround the ponds, providing coastal protection.
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 nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is farmed here?
The farm specializes in breeding shrimp in large ponds.
Can you visit the farm?
Visits are often restricted, but you can spot birds from the perimeter paths.
Why is it popular for birdwatching?
The shrimp ponds attract many water birds like flamingos and plovers.
Are the shrimp for export?
A large part of the production is destined for export to Europe.
Are there shaded areas?
Few; the area is very open, so bring sun protection with you.
Pirang Shrimp Farm: where is it located?
Pirang Shrimp Farm is located in Gambia.
Pirang Shrimp Farm: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Pirang Shrimp Farm: why is it worth visiting?
The Pirang Shrimp Farm on the Kombo coast was once one of the largest aquaculture projects in West Africa.
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