National Parks in Gambia

The country has a coastline of almost 80 kilometers to the Atlantic Ocean and extends inland parallel to the river Gambia. Five official national parks, several reserves and protected areas bear witness to Gambia's great commitment to protecting the environment.

The Kiang West National Park

Located on the southern bank of the Gambia River, the Kiang West National Park is the largest national park in the West African state. Over an area of around 115 km², small mammals such as caracals or bushbucks live here. Throughout the park, primates such as colobus monkeys or baboons can be encountered, which live in the mangrove forests along the river or in the gallery forests. Particularly worthy of protection are the African manatees, an endangered species of sea cow. They are native to the Gambia River and are mainly found in West and Central Africa. The national park is still a secret tip for tourists. The park can be entered via three entrances, and rangers offer special tours for holidaymakers.

The Niumi National Park

At just under 50 km², but home to many endangered animal species - the Niumi National Park, designated in 1987, plays a very important role in species conservation. The park is located in the far northwest of Gambia and, in addition to Jinack Island, also encloses a small area on the mainland. The island itself is only about 700 meters wide, but is home to numerous bird species. It serves as a wintering ground for migratory birds and provides ideal nesting conditions for water birds. The Niumi National Park is home to Cameroon river dolphins and green sea turtles. On the Senegalese side, the Delta du Saloum National Park, which is 1,800 km² in size, adjoins. Together, both parks form a cross-border protected area that is about to gain international recognition.

The River Gambia National Park

Not open to locals or tourists, the River Gambia National Park is an important retreat for endangered animal species. The protected area is located in the center of the country, on the Gambia River. Several small islands are located in this national park; they are only accessed by humans for research purposes. The national park was opened in 1978, and a globally renowned chimpanzee reintroduction project was launched here a year later. Chimpanzees from all over the world have been released here. The project is very successful; today, numerous chimpanzee groups live on the individual islands. Along the banks of the river, numerous reptiles, mainly crocodiles and snakes as well as antelopes and bushbucks, are native.

The other protected areas

In addition to the national parks mentioned, there are several designated protected areas in Gambia. Among the most notable parks are the Abuko Nature Reserve and the Tanji Bird Reserve, a pure protected area for birds. Both facilities are located in the west of the country, near the Atlantic Ocean.