What to See and Do
There is a broad range of activities and things to do in The Gambia, including land-based tours in a 4x4, river excursions, golfing, swimming, fishing, up-country trips, market shopping, visiting museums and villages, micro-flights, nature park walks, bird-watching, quad rentals, car rentals, bike rentals, horseback riding, camel riding, and much more. Below are some of the popular activities:
To see wildlife:
Abuko Nature Reserve
At 105 hectares (260 acres), this nature park is one of the smallest protected areas in Africa, however, it has a nice diversity of flora and fauna, and offers a good introduction to Gambian wildlife.
Close to 300 species of birds and 40 mammal species could be spotted at Abuko, including monkeys, baboons, porcupines, bushbucks, ground squirrels, and various reptiles such as the crocodile, monitor lizard, and royal pythons.
You can either walk or ride a bike (quietly) through the park, there’s a small observatory offering photos and park information and there’s a good view of the crocodiles basking in the sun outside.
In the middle of the park there’s a small hut serving water, soft drinks, and some snacks. Beware of the callithrix monkeys that hang around the bar waiting for a banana or two. Some angry, caged baboons are also visible at this rest stop.
Bijilo Forest Park
Often referred to as “The Monkey Park,” this small wildlife reserve features a well-maintained series of marked trails through dense, shady vegetation, with glimpses of the blue Atlantic waters and golden beaches along one side of the perimeter.
Both the Callithrix (Green Vervet) and Red Colobus monkeys are in abundance in the park as are numerous species of birds. It can take up to two hours or so to walk through the entire park, and it is located near the end of the main tourist strip in Senegambia. This park is but a remnant of what most of the Gambian coast used to look like.
The Gambian Reptiles Farm
Owned by a Frenchman and aimed at educating locals and occasional tourists alike, the Gambian Reptiles Farm located between the fishing villages of Gunjur and Kartong is well worth visiting.
Many different species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and even several bushbucks are housed here, most if not all of them having been rescued by the Frenchman himself. He is both trying to prevent certain species from extinction and attempting to educate people on how to deal with reptiles, namely snakes (teaching locals as to which are poisonous, which are not, and how to safely get rid of the snakes without harming them).
For about D100/pp you can spend a good hour or so at the farm with an informative guide, getting an interesting insight into the wildlife that is found in The Gambia but seldom seen. Perhaps you may even get a chance to have a very close encounter with a relatively harmless African royal python!
Katchikally Sacred Crocodile Pool
Located in the midst of a poverty-stricken area of Bakau, this park is a sacred site for some Gambians who come here to pray as the crocodiles represent the power of fertility.
Close to 80 crocodiles live in the small, water lettuce-covered pool, and you can have the opportunity of touching one of the reptiles in relative safety while having your photo taken. There’s a good little museum housed in small rounded huts with artifacts, historical information, and photos. Clean bathrooms on site.
Makasutu Cultural Forest
This 1000 acre palm forest is situated on a beautiful meandering tributary of the River Gambia. Explore the dense forest on foot and the mangroves in dugout canoes.
Learn about Gambian culture and nature and perhaps catch a glimpse of the resident baboons. Legend has it that once a great tribal war took place in this amazing piece of jungle...
Tanji Bird Reserve
Although this large protected area of 612 hectares (1512 acres) seems to no longer be taken care of, it allows for a quiet and interesting opportunity to explore some of Gambia’s coastlines without many people around. Good bird watching and beach combing and during the rainy season many butterflies will be present also.
Historical and Cultural Sights:
James Island
This small rocky outcropping resting in the River Gambia near Juffureh is probably the most famous historical sight in The Gambia. With its crumbling 17th century fort structures amongst a grove of ghostly looking baobab trees, this island is all but a relic of what was once a major Portuguese, French, and English slave trading station.
Various tours cruise by the island, including the popular tourist trap Roots journey, and there's always the possibility of hiring a pirogue to take a few passengers along.
Tanji, Sanyang, Gunjur, and Kartong
All four are small fishing villages, resembling Gambian coastal life as it used to be. Watch the pirogues coming in with loads of fish that the women will sell at the markets.
Many locals will be glad to tour you around (some for a fee, some for free), giving you an opportunity to see, smell, and if you want, taste the fish in the smoke shacks. In the south of Kartong the Hallahein River forms the border with Senegal and it is a beautiful, tranquil spot for long walks on the quiet beach.
Bakau also has a very busy fishing port that can be found by following the smell! Here you can see many types of fish being sold to locals, ex-pats, and restauranteurs alike.
Wassu Stone Circles
Archaeologists believe the Wassu stone circles are burial sites dating between AD 500 to AD 1000 and excavations have unearthed human bones and artifacts in the area, though the bones were likely buried after the circles were constructed. Each stone weighs several tonnes and the sizes range from 1m (3.3ft) to 2.5m (7.5ft) in height.
Organized Excursions:
Both land, river, and air-based excursions can be arranged and many are certainly not to be missed. Many of the places mentioned above in the -what to see and do section can be arranged in an excursion format, especially handy if you are only here for a week or so.
If you plan on staying longer in The Gambia however, then it is recommended to go to these places on your own (with friends for example) instead of with an organized trip. This would include the excursions below:
Bird Watching Tours
Many excursions are offered for the bird-watcher/lover and may be well worth it as the organizers will bring you to good viewing spots with informative guides, and many of the trips include boat rides on the River Gambia and its creeks.
Camel Safaris
Try a ride on a camel for half an hour or so, strolling through the small fishing village of Tanji along the beach. In an excursion format lunch can be included, as would the transport to and from Tanji.
Fishing Trips
Fishing is a popular pastime in The Gambia and many fishing trip excursions are available. Even fishing right from the beach is common.
Jeep Safaris
Usually a full day trip including food and beverages, rides can include convertible jeeps, large busses, or even buggies. Stops can include visiting a local school (where you can hand out pens and books if you like), a beach for swimming, and the bush for some wildlife spotting.
River Cruises
Any trip on the River Gambia and its creeks is well worth it. One of the popular trips is to Lamin Lodge, a simple restaurant built on stilts over a creek (bolon).
Boat trips can also go up to Janjanbureh (Georgetown) which would allow for much wildlife and village life viewing. Even take a dip in the River, just be aware of the crocodiles and eels.
Upcountry Trips
Whether on land or via the river, seeing the rural upcountry areas of The Gambia is a must, passing by mud-hut villages, staying overnight on a boat under the stars, and perhaps spotting the hippos hidden in the waters.
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