Nature · Conservation · The Gambia

National parks and nature reserves of The Gambia

Published June 3, 2026.

For such a small country, The Gambia protects a remarkable variety of habitats: coastal forest, mangrove estuaries, savannah, freshwater wetlands, and stretches of the river itself. Its national parks and reserves are the easiest way to experience that variety, and several sit within an easy trip of the coast. This guide introduces the main protected areas and what each is known for.

A network along the river and coast

The protected areas fall roughly into two groups: a cluster near the coast that you can visit on day trips from a beach base, and larger inland sites along the river that usually need an overnight stay. Most are managed by the national parks and wildlife authority, and many community-run sites add to the network. Small access or guide fees are common and go toward protecting the sites — carry some cash, as covered in the money and payments guide.

Near the coast

Abuko Nature Reserve

One of the most accessible and best-loved reserves, Abuko is a compact pocket of gallery forest a short drive inland from the coast. Easy trails make it a popular half-day introduction to forest birds, monkeys, and reptiles — a lot of variety in a small, walkable area.

Tanji Bird Reserve

On the coast south of the resort strip, Tanji protects lagoons, dunes, and coastal scrub next to the famous Tanji fishing village. It is one of the richest spots for waders, terns, and other coastal species, and pairs naturally with a visit to the market. See the birding guide for more.

Bijilo Forest Park

A small coastal forest beside the Senegambia strip, Bijilo (often called the "Monkey Park") offers a shaded boardwalk loop, easy wildlife, and a quiet break from the beach within minutes of the main hotels.

Inland along the river

Kiang West National Park

The country's largest national park, Kiang West covers savannah, dry woodland, and creeks on the south bank of the river. It holds species that are hard to find on the coast and is usually combined with a stay at nearby Tendaba, the long-running camp used as a launch point for the area.

Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

A Ramsar-listed wetland complex on the north bank, Bao Bolong is a maze of mangrove creeks ("bolongs") that is important for wintering waterbirds. It is most often explored by boat from the Tendaba side of the river.

River Gambia National Park

Far inland, this park is built around a group of forested islands in the river — the Baboon Islands — best known for a long-running chimpanzee rehabilitation project. To protect the animals, the islands themselves are not open to visitors on foot; wildlife is viewed from boats at a distance, often as part of a stay at a nearby river lodge. Hippos and a range of riverine wildlife also inhabit this stretch.

Niumi National Park

In the far north-west, where the river meets the Atlantic near the Senegalese border, Niumi protects coastal and mangrove habitats and includes part of Jinack Island, a quiet sand-fringed island shared with Senegal. It is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track destination.

Visiting responsibly

Go early. Mornings are cooler and wildlife is far more active.
Stay on marked tracks and boardwalks; many reserves are small and easily damaged.
Hire local guides — they know the sites, support the local economy, and improve what you see.
Keep your distance from animals and never feed them, especially monkeys.
Pay community access fees willingly; they fund protection of the very places you came to see.