The Gambia – Reasons why nature plays a leading role
The Gambia is a leader in Sustainable Tourism ventures and can proudly boast of being the second country in the world to develop a Responsible Tourism Policy. The position as leader in Responsible Tourism is demonstrated in the number of global awards won by various individuals and organizations. Why is Sustainable Tourism so important for The Gambia? Here you have some reasons.
Bird Watching: There are more than 500 species of birds in the Gambia, living within six protected areas. Gambia’s abundance in diversity of birds is ranked as one of the most highest in the world.
Niumi National Park: Niumi National Park features on of the last untouched mangrove stands in West Africa.
Kiang West National Park: Is one of the largest and most important wildlife reserves in the Gambia. It was gazette as a national park in 1987 and is managed by the Gambia Department of Parks and Wildlife Management.
Abuko Nature Reserve: Is an all-time favorite for wildlife and bird watching. Walk the 3km path, which leads you to the Bamba Pool where crocodiles live.
Makasutu (Holy Forest): Makasutu is set in a thousand acres of forest and is a jewel of eco-tourism in the Gambia. It is winner of the eco-tourism award 2005.
Bijilo Forest Park: Is a small reserve on the edge of the beach. The park offers a heaven for birds and monkeys and is ideal for an early morning walk.
Tanbi Wetlands National Park: The Tanbi Wetland Park provides excellent boating fishing, bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. It includes coastal lagoons mudflats, gallery forest, marshes and mangrove forests.
Baobolong Wetland Reserve: Baobolong Wetland Reserve features six major bolongs that provide excellent opportunities for boating and birding
River Gambia National Park: The River Gambia National Park is made up of a complex of 5 islands, which are collectively known as Baboon Islands. They form one of the last refuges for the very threatened hippopotamus within the Gambia. Their ecological systems range from lush jungle rain forest, reeds, savanna and mangrove swamps.
Lamin Lodge: Lamin lodge is situated on the edge of the creeks. This huge tree house style lodge offers a wonderful view over the mangrove swamps and is an ideal spot for bird watching. Small boats can also be hired from there.
Jinack: Jinack Island is part of the Nuimi National Park. It has over 11 kilometers of unspoiled, fairly beaches which are often visited by dolphins.
