Things to Do in River Gambia National Park, Gambia

River Gambia National Park, located in the Central River Region of The Gambia, is the country's largest national park and one of West Africa's most important wildlife sanctuaries. Established in 1978, this 585-square-kilometer park encompasses a series of islands in the Gambia River, including the famous Baboon Islands, which serve as a rehabilitation center for rescued chimpanzees. The park's unique riverine ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles to over 270 bird species, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. The park's most famous residents are the rehabilitated chimpanzees living on the river islands, part of a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced these primates to their natural habitat. Beyond the chimps, visitors can expect to encounter various monkey species, warthogs, bushbucks, and an impressive array of birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. The park's remote location and pristine wilderness offer an authentic African safari experience, with boat-based game viewing providing unique perspectives of wildlife along the riverbanks and islands.

Top Things to Do in River Gambia National Park

Chimpanzee Island Boat Safari

Embark on a guided boat trip to observe the famous rehabilitated chimpanzees living freely on the river islands. These chimps, rescued from illegal trade, now live in semi-wild conditions and can often be seen playing, feeding, and interacting along the shorelines. The boat safari provides excellent opportunities for photography and witnessing natural chimpanzee behavior in their island habitat.

Booking Tip: Book through the park headquarters in Kuntaur or arrange via eco-lodges in the area. Tours cost approximately $25-40 per person and are best scheduled for early morning (7-9 AM) when chimps are most active. Choose operators affiliated with the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project for the most informative experience.

River Wildlife Viewing

Navigate the Gambia River's channels and tributaries to spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and various antelope species coming to drink at the water's edge. The river ecosystem supports an incredible concentration of wildlife, with opportunities to see monitor lizards, warthogs, and numerous primate species. Early morning and late afternoon trips offer the best wildlife viewing as animals are most active during cooler hours.

Booking Tip: Full-day river safaris cost $60-80 per person including lunch and park fees. Book multi-day packages for better value, typically $150-200 for 3 days including accommodation. Ensure your boat has a quiet electric motor to avoid disturbing wildlife and choose guides with wildlife expertise.

Bird Watching Expeditions

Explore the park's diverse habitats to spot over 270 recorded bird species, including African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, hammerkops, and various heron species. The riverine environment attracts both resident and migratory species, making it one of West Africa's premier birding destinations. Specialized birding guides can help identify rare species and provide insights into bird behavior and ecology.

Booking Tip: Birding tours cost $30-50 per day with specialized guides. Best times are November through March when migratory species are present. Bring binoculars or rent them for $10 per day. Book guides through the Gambia Ornithological Society for expert knowledge.

Cultural Village Visits

Visit traditional Mandinka and Fula villages near the park to experience authentic Gambian rural life and learn about traditional fishing, farming, and craft-making techniques. Village visits often include demonstrations of local skills like pottery making, traditional medicine preparation, and storytelling sessions with village elders. These interactions provide valuable cultural context for understanding the relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation.

Booking Tip: Village visits cost $15-25 per person including a community fee that supports local development projects. Arrange through park guides or local eco-lodges. Bring small gifts like school supplies for children, and expect to purchase local crafts directly supporting families.

Fishing and River Activities

Try traditional fishing methods with local fishermen or enjoy catch-and-release sport fishing for species like African pike and tilapia. The river also offers opportunities for peaceful canoeing through quiet channels and swimming in designated safe areas away from hippos and crocodiles. These activities provide a more hands-on way to experience the river ecosystem while supporting local livelihoods.

Booking Tip: Fishing excursions cost $40-60 per day including equipment and guide. Best fishing is during dry season (November-May) when water levels are lower. Canoe rentals are $20 per day with safety briefing included. Always use local guides familiar with safe areas and wildlife movements.

Getting There

River Gambia National Park is accessible via a 280-kilometer drive from Banjul, taking approximately 4-5 hours on mostly paved roads through Bansang to the park headquarters in Kuntaur. Public transport options include bush taxis and local buses, though these can be crowded and uncomfortable for the long journey. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation, or rent 4WD vehicles in Banjul for the journey. The final approach to the park involves some unpaved roads, particularly during rainy season, making a sturdy vehicle advisable.

Getting Around

Movement within River Gambia National Park is primarily by boat, as the park consists of river islands and waterways accessible only by water transport. The park provides motorboats with experienced guides for wildlife viewing and island visits. Walking is possible on some of the larger islands and mainland sections, but always requires an armed park guide due to wildlife presence. Local canoes can be arranged for quieter exploration of shallow channels, while larger boats are used for longer expeditions and transfers between different sections of the park.

Where to Stay

Kuntaur town near park headquarters

River lodges within park boundaries

Eco-camps on park periphery

Bansang town accommodation

Camping sites within the park

Traditional guesthouses in nearby villages

Food & Dining

Dining options near River Gambia National Park are limited but authentic, focusing on traditional Gambian cuisine featuring fresh river fish, rice dishes, and locally grown vegetables. The park's eco-lodges typically serve meals included in accommodation packages, featuring grilled tilapia, chicken yassa, and traditional groundnut stew. Local villages offer simple restaurants serving benachin (Gambian jollof rice), fresh fish soup, and seasonal fruits. Visitors should expect basic but flavorful meals, with most lodges able to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Bringing some snacks and bottled water is advisable for longer boat trips and wildlife viewing excursions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Gambia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Ganbei Japanese Restaurant & Bar

4.5 /5

(972 reviews) 2

bar

View on Map Website

Delicious Indian Cuisine & Bar

4.7 /5

(900 reviews) 2

View on Map Website

Nepali Chulo

4.9 /5

(200 reviews) 2

View on Map

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit River Gambia National Park is during the dry season from November to April, when wildlife congregates around water sources, making viewing easier and more predictable. This period offers comfortable temperatures, minimal rainfall, and better road conditions for reaching the park. The peak wildlife viewing months are February and March when water levels are lowest. Bird watching is exceptional from November through March when migratory species are present. While the rainy season (May-October) brings lush scenery and fewer tourists, access can be challenging due to flooded roads and high water levels that disperse wildlife.

Insider Tips

Bring insect repellent and long sleeves for early morning and evening boat trips when mosquitoes are most active, and consider antimalarial medication as the area is endemic

Pack a good camera with telephoto lens and waterproof bag, as boat-based wildlife viewing offers unique but sometimes distant photo opportunities

Respect the 30-meter minimum distance rule when viewing chimpanzees, as these are wild animals despite their rehabilitation history, and never attempt to feed any wildlife

Things to Do in River Gambia National Park