The Wildlife of The Gambia

Updated on Jun 28, 2023 by Kathryn Burrington

What and where to see the wildlife of The Gambia, some of which you don't even need to leave your hotel grounds to spot.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited The Gambia and there’s plenty to do there so I never get bored. In fact, this wonderful, West African country has so much more to offer than just sunshine, lovely beaches and wonderful food, that it would be a crime if you didn’t get out and about to explore.

Sunset at Kotu Beach

There is big game to be seen in neighbouring Senegal and guests can visit Fathala Wildlife Reserve to experience this fantastic opportunity. In The Gamba itself, there are many other wonderful animals to see and capture on camera. Our experts share with you some wildlife shots and a few suggestions of where you can spot exotic wildlife.

Bijilo Monkey Park

600+ species of birds

The Gambia is well-known for its amazing bird life and with over 600 species of birds found in a variety of habitats, including mangrove swamps, open grasslands and forests, it’s no wonder that BBC’s Springwatch presenter Chris Packham quotes The Gambia as one of the best birding destinations in the world. Plus there are tours available with Chris’s favourite local guide Malick Suso. With over 20 years' experience, he can lead you to the rarest and most beautiful species. There are also a number of other regular excursions that The Gambia Experience offers. You can find out more about birdwatching current excursions here.

A cattle egret by The Kairaba

If you don’t want to go on an organised tour many of the hotels in the tourist area of The Gambia have extensive grounds where numerous species can be spotted. At the popular Senegambia Hotel, there are daily feedings of hooded vultures. However, one of the best hotels from where to bird-watch is the more modest hotel, Bakotu with its tropical garden, bird deck and nature walk beside the Kotu stream. Alternatively, hire your own guide and visit one of the many places within easy reach of the tourist area that are perfect for birdwatching.

Primates

There are six primate species found in The Gambia – the vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red patas, bush babies, baboons and chimpanzees. Bijilo Monkey Park is a good place to start to look for these, especially if you are staying in the Kololi area, but to do some more serious wildlife spotting spend some time at Abuko Nature Reserve. Other animals you can find here include antelopes, monitor lizards, three types of crocodiles, cobras, pythons and, if you are lucky, the green mamba! One word of caution though, please do not feed the monkeys. Guides at Bijilo, in particular, will encourage you to buy some peanuts to feed the green monkeys but we have heard that the population of green monkeys is growing rapidly at the expense of the rare (and much shyer) red colobus monkey.

Green Vervet Monkeys

Red Colobus Monkey

Chimpanzees

For a real treat venture away from the main tourist area, which only occupies a small region hugging the coastline, and journey up-country where you can spend a few nights under canvas at an eco-friendly camp at the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. As well as the chimps you’ll have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, baboons, bush babies and a great variety of birds in an unspoilt jungle setting on the banks of the River Gambia. This is the only place in The Gambia where you can find chimpanzees. You can stay here for two to three nights but no longer as it is closed to visitors for a few days each and every week so that the staff can concentrate on looking after the chimps.

Crocodiles

Other wildlife that is easy to find include crocodiles which you can visit at the Kachikally crocodile pond, near Cape Point, which is rich in tradition and it is said that your wishes will be granted here. There’s also a nice little museum. Be warned though this is a serious tourist trap and the crocodiles are hardly what you could call ‘wild’.

One of the many crocodiles at Katchikally

For relaxed wildlife spotters, you could do worse than spend a few hours relaxing at the Calypso Beach Bar on Cape Point where you can spot many bird species from the comfort of your chair with a cool beer in hand! Plus there’s a crocodile that’s often in the nearby creek. As you can see, The Gambia has something for everyone interested in wildlife, from the mildly curious to the most dedicated enthusiast! In addition, a visit to Fathala Nature Reserve in neighbouring Senegal makes a great day out.