In Gambia, West Africa
River Gambia National Park in pictures.
River Gambia National Park, also known as Baboon Island, is a stunning archipelago of five islands located about 300 kilometers upriver from the coast. This strictly protected wilderness area is most famous for the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, which has successfully reintroduced rescued chimpanzees into the wild. While visitors are not allowed to set foot on the islands to protect the primates, boat safaris offer an exceptional way to view these charismatic animals from the water. The park is also home to pods of hippos, massive West African crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The boat journey itself is a highlight, passing through dense mangrove forests and tranquil river reaches, providing a profound sense of the African wilderness and the importance of conservation in the region.