The 10 Best Attractions in Gambia Right Now

Visiting The Gambia isn’t just about ticking boxes it’s about soaking up tropical vibes, making friends with monkeys and crocs (the safe way) and munching on fresh catch by the beach. Whether you’re a sun‑seeking beach bum, a history buff on the hunt for heritage or a wildlife nerd who never leaves home without binoculars, you’ll find your happy place here. We scrolled through Google reviews, recommendations and the latest travel chatter to hand‑pick the coolest spots for 2025. Trust us this isn’t your granny’s guidebook.

1. UN@75 Park (Kotu Botanical Garden, KMC)

This brand‑new attraction is The Gambia’s glow up story of 2025. The former Kotu Botanical Garden got a D6.5 million makeover thanks to a UN‑KMC partnership. Think food forest, children’s playground, outdoor gym, solar lighting, pond, stage, café and even bird‑watching tours.

Locals rave about the park’s community vibe, families picnic under mango trees while teens practise tricks at the skate ramps. The transformation has turned the garden into a hub for wellness, arts and youth development. It’s right in Kotu, so swing by after the beach and join a free bird walk led by local youth guides. Entry is free; evenings are cooler and perfect for sunsets.

2. River Gambia National Park & Chimp Rehabilitation Centre

If Tarzan had a favourite weekend getaway, this would be it. The national park is a lush archipelago on the upper Gambia River where baboons, hippos and rare birds roam freely. Highlights include boat safaris along mangrove‑lined creeks, the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre, mangrove channels teeming with crocodiles and sunset walks on island trails. Basic campsites and eco‑lodges keep the experience rustic. November‑March (dry season) offers the most wildlife action and comfortable 25–30 °C days; bring insect repellent and binoculars to spot the chimps. Entrance fees are budget‑friendly, and guided boat trips can be arranged in nearby villages.

3. Kunta Kinteh Island (James Island) & New Jetty

History fans, this one hits hard. Kunta Kinteh Island in the River Gambia was a key outpost for the Atlantic slave trade. In 2022 a violent storm destroyed the island’s jetty, cutting off access. UNESCO and the National Centre for Arts and Culture stepped in the jetty’s full reconstruction, completed in late 2022, means visitors can once again walk straight onto the island.

The project employed 22 people from the local communities and restored full access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring heritage preservation and boosting local livelihoods. Hire a boat from the village of Albreda and allow 2–3 hours to wander the ruins and small museum. There’s a modest entrance fee (around 200 GMD) plus boat hire. Wear sunblock there’s little shade.

4. Makasutu Cultural Forest

Part botanical wonderland, part cultural immersion. Makasutu is a 1 000‑acre sanctuary near Brikama where medicinal plants, baboons and mythic spirits share the shade. Local legend says the forest is guarded by the Ninki Nanka dragon spirit.

Tours include forest walks to learn about herbal medicine, canoe rides along the Mandina Bolong and tasting fresh palm wine. Entrance costs about 1 500 GMD (cash only). Go early to enjoy cool temperatures and watch monkeys play; wear sturdy shoes and expect to spend half a day. Tip: ask a marabout to read your fortune it’s part of the fun.

5. Bijilo Forest Park & Monkey Park

A stone’s throw from the Senegambia hotels, Bijilo Forest (also called Monkey Park) feels like a mini‑jungle. The 51.3‑hectare park features 4.5 km of trails winding through coastal forest, scrubland and dunes. You’ll meet green vervet and Western red colobus monkeys, duikers and a parade of birds; buy peanuts and bananas at the entrance to make instant friends.

A new interactive section where visitors can feed monkeys under a guide’s supervision has become a hit. Tickets cost about 300 dalasi and guides will show you which monkeys like peanuts. The park opens 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily; go early or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Don’t wear loose jewellery curious monkeys love shiny things!

6. Abuko Nature Reserve

Small yet mighty, Abuko (about 105 hectares) is The Gambia’s oldest protected forest and an easy day trip from the coast. The reserve’s well‑marked trails and hides let you spot colobus monkeys, crocodiles and over 250 bird species. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for wildlife; the reserve opens 6.30 a.m.–6 p.m. and charges around 35 dalasi. Wear proper shoes and bring insect repellent – it’s a swampy paradise. Abuko’s close proximity to Serrekunda (15 km) makes it a popular first stop for nature lovers.

7. Tanji Fishing Village & Paradise Beach

For raw Gambian life, head to Tanji Fishing Village. Around 2 000 locals work here, and visitors can watch fishermen unload colourful wooden pirogues, see fish being smoked and chat with vendors. Arrive mid‑afternoon when boats return to shore; it’s free to visit and you’ll want cash for fresh seafood.

Just south of Tanji lies Paradise Beach a stretch of golden sand with palm‑fringed shade and minimal crowds. Grab a drink at Rainbow Restaurant, walk along the sandbars at low tide or watch fishermen mend their nets. The dry season (November–March) brings 25–30 °C weather and calm seas, perfect for sunbathing and sunset strolls.

8. Tanji Bird Reserve

Birders call this coastal reserve a hidden gem. The mosaic of mangroves, lagoons, mudflats and dunes attracts flamingos, spoonbills and migratory terns. Highlights include observation hides, short trails, the salt pans and the bustling fish market where birds swoop in for scraps. Entrance fees are modest and camping is possible but basic – bring everything you need. The best months are November–April when bird activity peaks and skies are clear. Visit at dawn or late afternoon to avoid heat and catch the early feeding frenzy.

9. Kachikally Crocodile Pool (Bakau)

Part sacred site, part reptile spa. Kachikally in Bakau is one of three sacred crocodile pools used by women seeking fertility blessings. A small museum on site explains Mandinka rituals and the pool’s history. Visitors can touch placid West African crocs under a guide’s watch – talk about bragging rights! Plan 30–45 minutes for the museum, nature trail and croc encounter. The pool opens 8 a.m. to sundown; entry costs about 100 dalasi (some sources quote ~£2 or 120 dalasi). Bring small bills for donations and be respectful – locals consider the water sacred.

10. Gambian Reptiles Farm (Kartong Highway)

Snake‑phobes, this one might cure you. Located on the coastal road between Gunjur and Kartong, this sanctuary rescues reptiles displaced by development. Knowledgeable guides introduce you to snakes, lizards and tortoises and explain how they’re protected. Visitors can even hold non‑venomous species; it’s both thrilling and educational. The farm operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and entry is 300 dalasi. Evendo’s travel guide recommends visiting during feeding time, wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a camera. Getting there is easy by car or bush taxi; drivers drop you on Kartong Highway and a short walk brings you to the entrance.

Honorable Mentions & Insider Tips

Albert Market (Banjul)

A riot of colours and spices. Wander through stalls piled high with fruit, fabric and fish; early mornings offer the freshest produce and a less crowded experience. There’s no entry fee, but bring cash and your bargaining skills.

Kotu Beach

Golden sands and calm waves just west of Bijilo. Locals come for mangrove pirogue trips, sunset walks and beachside grills. Visit during the dry season (Nov–Mar) and pack out any litter.

Musuems & Heritage Sites in Banjul

Ahead of the 2024 OIC summit, the National Centre for Arts and Culture refurbished Arch 22, McCarthy Square and other heritage sites while training 25 young guides to escort visitors. During major events museums stay open late.

Go Experience The Gambia

From lush forests and sacred pools to buzzing markets and beaches so wide you’ll forget what shoes are, The Gambia packs an impressive punch. What makes these attractions special isn’t just the scenery it’s the people sharing their traditions and the country’s ongoing efforts to preserve history and nature. So grab your sunglasses, practise your “salamu aleikum” and dive into The Gambia like a true local. You’ll be telling stories about monkey cuddles and sunset boat rides long after you’ve washed the sand out of your shoes.