3 Best Sights in Gambia

This small rain forest on a cliff overlooking the beach has 126 acres of old forest that is open to the public. Besides around 133 species of birds, such as falcons, hornbills, and prinia, see patas, galagos, and green vervet monkeys living among the palms, wild orchids, silk cotton trees, and odd baobab trees. The animals are cute, but don’t feed them. Snacks interfere with their natural behavior and put them at risk.

Don't expect to see tough guys wrestling crocs here—this is one of three sacred crocodile pools in Gambia, which are primarily fertility shrines. Childless women might bring kola nuts as offerings in hope of receiving the gift of offspring. That’s not to say other requests aren’t made. Wrestlers may ask for victories, or parents for the protection of their children. At this site, you can walk a nature trail and tour a museum detailing the Bakau’s history and culture.

The five islands that make up part of the park are better known as the Baboon Islands. A chimpanzee rehabilitation camp, in operation since 1969, is on the river banks, and a number of chimpanzees live on the larger islands. Their numbers have grown over time, which affords ample opportunity for viewing the animals in a protected forest. The area is also one of the last refuges for hippopotamuses in Gambia. Private boats are the only transportation to the island areas, and various companies offer tours.