Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Located in the North Bank region of The Gambia, the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. This national park is a paradise for birdwatching, with over 250 species of birds calling the wetlands home. Visitors can spot kingfishers, herons, eagles, and even the rare African finfoot as they explore the diverse ecosystems within the reserve.
The Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is not only a haven for birdlife, but also for a variety of wildlife. Crocodiles bask in the sun along the banks of the river, while monkeys swing through the trees in the surrounding mangrove forests. Visitors can take a guided boat tour through the reserve to catch glimpses of these animals in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable and immersive experience.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve offers opportunities for cultural exchange with the local communities. Visitors can take part in eco-tourism activities such as guided nature walks, visits to traditional villages, and interactions with the friendly and welcoming local people. This provides a unique insight into the traditional way of life in The Gambia, and allows for meaningful connections to be made between visitors and the local community.
North Bank
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve Attractions - What to See and Explore
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Jalabiro Forest Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
Learn when is the best time to travel to Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Leopard
Leopards, belonging to the Felidae family and the genus Panthera, are among the five big cats in this group. They inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
Mammals
Nile crocodile
The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is one of Africa’s most formidable predators, inhabiting freshwater environments across 26 countries on the continent. Classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN since 1996, these crocodiles thrive in sub-Saharan Africa...
Reptiles
Spotted Hyaena
The spotted hyena, often referred to as the laughing hyena, is the sole extant member of the genus *Crocuta* and is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the IUCN, the species is categorized as "least concern" due to its substantial population, estimated between...
Mammals
Bateleur
The Bateleur Eagle is a captivating, medium-sized bird of prey predominantly found in Africa and occasionally in parts of Arabia. As a member of the Accipitridae family, it stands out as the sole representative of the genus Terathopius and is possibly linked to the...
Birds
Cattle egret
The cattle egret is a captivating bird within the heron family, found worldwide, especially in tropical, subtropical, and warmer temperate regions. It is the sole species in the Bubulcus genus, though some ornithologists argue that its subspecies might actually be...
Birds
North Bank