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 (see
map) 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
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Attractions
Nature
Reserves
Resorts
 Abuko
Nature Reserve
Ballabu
Conservation
Bama
Kuno Forest
Bao
Bolong Wetland
Bijilo
Forest Park
Bolong
Fenyo
Kiang
West
Kunkilling
Forest Park
Makasutu Forest
Niumi
National Park
Pirang
Forest
River
Gambia Park
Tanbi
Wetlands
Tanji
Bird Reserve
Tumani
Tenda
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