Overnight at River Gambia National Park Tour
Highlights
- Discover the breathtaking vistas of Gambia
- Hike in the forests and take a boat trip along River Gambia
- Explore the amazing wildlife of Gambia
Overview
Commonly known as Baboon Islands, the River Gambia National Park (RGNP) is located just 300 km up the Gambia River in one of the least disturbed parts of the country. These islands offer the rare opportunity of viewing the last of The Gambia’s wildlife and lush gallery forests, while staying in both privacy and comfort.
The RGNP is also home to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project (CRP) which was established on the islands in 1979 for the care and reintroduction of orphaned and unwanted chimpanzees. Wild chimpanzees disappeared from the Gambia in the early 1900’s, but there are now more than 100 chimpanzees living in four separate social groups on three islands.
Accommodations are basic yet comfortable and are designed to allow guests to appreciate the environment while ensuring our presence does not damage the wilderness. Meals are served in the water house which extends out over the river where you can sip coffee in the quiet of day break or reflect on the days adventures with a cold beer in the afternoon. Your experience is enhanced by our knowledgeable staff, personal service, and the finest meals available outside the Banjul area.
The CRP is a working camp which allows tourism visits from Thursday through Sunday. We are closed to the public on Monday through Wednesday in order to fully concentrate on our work. The majority of the revenue from your stay goes directly to the care and welfare of the chimpanzees with a percentage to government conservation programs and local community development.
How To Find Us
South Bank (Roughly 4 ½ – 5 hours):
Follow the Trans-Gambian highway to the village of Kudang about 1 hour from Soma. Turn left at the major intersection at Kudang. Follow dirt road out of Kudang village 14 kilometers through savannah type forest and passing through five villages. The fifth village is Sambel Kunda. At Sambel Kunda take right hand turn just after the school. Follow road past the village 2 kilometers to camp parking area. There is a steep set of stairs you will need to walk down to reach the main camp.
North Bank (3 to 4 hrs):
From Barra drive 3 hours to the village of Wassu, this is about 1 1/2 hours after Farafenni. Drive out of the village 1/2 kilometer and take a right hand turn. Follow dirt road into Kuntaur. Drive past police station and hospital. Near several small shops take a right hand turn. Follow road to river side where CRP staff will be waiting for you to take you by boat to camp. If you have a vehicle a place is provided to park for a small fee. To ensure that you make the pick-up time between by 12:00 pm please leave on the 7 am ferry leaving Banjul for Barra.
Drop off and pick up from Kuntaur on the North Bank is at 12:00 pm. If more than one group is arriving or departing during a day all visitors will be taken together. For arrivals after 13:00 an additional charge of 600 dalasis will be incurred.
- Day 1 - Exploring River Gambia National Park Tour
Boat expeditions guide you through the river and estuaries where you may have an up-close but safe view of chimpanzees, baboons, red colobus monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, manatees, over 240 species of birds and many other wildlife species.
For those willing to sweat a little, take a guided trail hike through the mosaic of gallery, woodland and savanna forests on the mainland. Catch one of the most breathtaking sunrise vistas in The Gambia from the cliffs overhanging the River Gambia. Other activities include a variety of boat tours, hikes to different locations, visits to neighboring projects and simple relaxation.
- Transport to and from Kuntaur on the North Bank
- Lunch and Dinner on day of arrival (arrivals are expected around 13:00)
- Lunch and Dinner on day of arrival (arrivals are expected around 13:00) Breakfast on day of departure (departure is at 11:30 a.m.)
- One afternoon boat trip around the largest of the RGNP islands to view chimpanzees and other wildlife
- Personal Expenses
- Tips for guides (optional)