 
The national park was established in 1978 and is made
up of a complex of 5 islands that lie on the river
in the Central River Division (Region) about 300 kilometres
upstream to the south west of Kuntaur and downstream
of Janjangbureh,
Georgetown. The 5 island are collectively known as Baboon
Islands which cover an area of approximately 1,445 acres
(585 ha.) and are relatively flat. It forms one of the
last refuges for the very threatened hippopotamus within
The Gambia. Their ecological systems range from lush
jungle rainforest, reeds, savannah and mangrove swamps.
An interesting place to visit is the Chimpanzee
Rehabilitation Camp (CRC) which lies on the
banks of the river and was established in 1969 to rescue
orphaned chimps.
There are currently about fifty Chimpanzees living on
3 of the larger islands. The population is steadily
increasing through births. In addition to reintroducing
an indigenous species to the country, the existence
of the park's project on Baboon Islands has assisted
in protecting the forest and its resources from over
exploitation.
The DPWM and the CRP work hand in and for the protection
of the area and its environs. Though it is not possible
to land on the islands as it is a conservation project,
under the Department
of Parks, it possible to see the creatures while
on a boat cruise passing by or alternatively you could
stay at the projects accommodation camp located on the
river bank and see them up close. The animal life on
this section of the
River Gambia National Park includes hippopotamus, Nile
crocodiles and monkeys such as the Green Vervet
Colobus, Egrets, Ibis, Herons Guinea Baboons Aardvark,
Bushbuck, many reptile species and sometimes even porpoises.
Visitor Information: CRC
Bush treks on guided tours
Boat safaris
Can accommodate 8 persons |
