The Gambia Eco Lodges – At The Smiling Coast of Africa

Discover West Africa’s hidden gem with The Gambia Eco Lodges, where sustainable travel meets rich culture and natural beauty. The Gambia offers ecotourists a unique blend of vibrant wildlife, peaceful river landscapes, and welcoming local communities. Explore birdwatching havens, mangrove forests, and traditional villages, all while staying in The Gambia Eco Lodges that support conservation and responsible tourism. Whether you’re cruising the Gambia River or spotting rare birds in the wild, The Gambia invites you to travel lightly and experience deeply.

The Gambia Eco Lodges and resorts

Ecotourism in Gambia

Ecotourism in The Gambia is on the rise! The country is steadily growing as an ecotourism destination, especially along the Gambia River and in protected forest and wetland areas.  If you’re a nature lover, you’re in the right place!  The Gambia has several national parks and reserves. They have been set aside as protected for natural habitats and native fauna. Included are Abuku Nature Reserve, and Baobolong Wetland Reserve. As well as Niumi National Park and the Tanji River Bird Reserve. These four parks are open to visitors. The Gambia is increasingly focusing on sustainable tourism as an alternative to mass tourism. There are several ecotourism initiatives, often led by local communities, that really get to know the landscape and culture.

Flora and Fauna in The Gambia

Despite its compact size, The Gambia has several unique habitats including mangroves, savannahs, wetlands, and riverine forests (a forest ecosystem directly influenced by a river, stream, or other water body).

Flora

• Mangrove forests along The Gambia River.
• Tropical scrub and savannah vegetation.
• River delta vegetation.

Fauna

• There are over 560 bird species – such as the Senegalese parrot, kingfishers, vultures, bee-eaters, shoebill(s), and Storks (rare). It’s one of Africa’s best birdwatching destinations!
• Mammals: Vervet monkeys, patas monkeys, Nile monitors, hippopotamus (in the rivers).
Africa’s longest running chimpanzee rehabilitation center was formed in The Gambia in 1979. Wild chimps had disappeared from The Gambia before then. Now there are four different social groups of wild chimps. The chimpanzees are on Baboon Island, where the project is based.
• Dolphins and manatees are found in the coastal waters.
• Reptiles and amphibians: you can find crocodiles (e.g. in Kachikally Crocodile Pool), turtles and chameleons.

The Best Ecotourism Destinations in The Gambia

Makasutu Culture Forest – A beautiful regeneration project in the middle of the forest. You can go hiking, canoeing, monkey spotting and enjoy cultural activities.
Tanji Village and Tanji Bird Reserve – A vibrant fishing village combined with a protected bird area, perfect for ornithologists and nature lovers.
Abuko Nature Reserve – The oldest nature reserve in The Gambia, it is close to the capital. You’ll find monkeys, reptiles and a variety of bird species there.
Bao bolong Wetland Reserve – A wetland area in the Central River Region of Gambia with rare birds and aquatic fauna.
Kiang West National Park – Less visited, but rich in savannah wildlife, birds and beautiful walking trails. It is one of the largest reserves in the Gambia.
Kartong and Allahein River – Quiet, green oasis with small eco-villages. The river forms the border between The Gambia and Senegal. Kartong is an eco-area, and this beautiful part of Gambia has not yet been discovered by tourists: there is peace and quiet! Take a river excursion and enjoy spectacular views.  

Suggestion for a 2-week Sustainable Itinerary in The Gambia

Week 1 – West Gambia and Coastal Region
Day 1-2: Fly into Banjul – and continue to either Bijilo (24 miles) or Brufut (35 miles) to stay in one of The Gambia Eco Lodges  
Day 3: Visit Abuko Nature Reserve.
Day 4-5: Stay overnight at Tanji – a small fishing village, where you can enjoy the beach and birdlife.
Day 6-7: Stay in Bafuloto, for hiking, canoeing and cultural workshops.

Week 2 – Riverside and Inland in the Gambia
Day 8: Travel towards Kuntaur via Farafenni or Soma (by local bus or shared transport).
Day 9-10: Overnight at a local homestay on the river –enjoy a boat trip, the  birdlife, and hippos.
Day 11: Day trip to Kiang West National Park. You can see the following mammals: the African clawless otter, bushbuck, caracal, common duiker, leopard, marsh mongoose, serval, sitatunga, spotted hyenas, warthog, and the West African manatee.
Day 12-13: Janjanbureh – It played a significant role in the slave trade (visit to the slave history and local projects) and is worth a visit.
Day 14: Back to the coast (or local airport if you are traveling through).

Ecological Threats in The Gambia

Although The Gambia is relatively small, its ecosystems are fragile and are affected by:

Coastal and river erosion
• Sea level rise and deforestation along the Gambia River are leading to land loss.
• Villages such as Kartong and Sanyang are already experiencing eroding coastlines.

Deforestation
• Illegal logging, agricultural expansion and charcoal production pose serious threats to forest areas such as Kiang West National Park.

Overfishing and pollution
• Fish populations in the Atlantic coastal waters are declining due to overfishing and industrial fishing (including foreign trawlers).• Plastic and wastewater pollute estuaries and mangrove areas.

Biodiversity loss
• Wetlands and mangroves are disappearing, affecting birds, amphibians and other species.• Hunting and poaching threatens monkey species, crocodiles and birds.

Climate change
• Drought and changing rain cycles affect agriculture, biodiversity and water availability.

The Gambia Government’s Ecotourism and Sustainability Policy

Many projects work together with NGOs and nature organizations such as the Gambia Tourism Board’s Responsible Tourism Policy and the West African Bird Study Association (WABSA).

Gambia National Environment Policy (2017–2026)
• Goal: sustainable use of natural resources and protection of ecosystems.
• Themes: forests, water management, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.

Ecotourism Development Policy
• Guided by the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard).
• Objectives:
*Promote small-scale tourism.
*Involve local communities.
*Preserve cultural heritage and nature.
*Create economic opportunities in rural areas.

Community Forests (empowering local communities with the legal right to manage their local forest resources) and Community-Based Tourism.
• The government has transferred dozens of forest reserves to villages, which are responsible for their own management.• These villages can generate income through tourism, timber and other products if managed sustainably.

Examples of small-scale conservation projects in The Gambia

Makumbaya Community Forest Project
• Community-run reforestation initiative near Brikama in The Gambia.
• Focuses on restoring savannah and planting indigenous trees.
• Supported by volunteers and local guides.
Footsteps Eco Lodge (Gunjur)
• One of the The Gambia Eco lodges on our website.
• Combines tourism with education on sustainability.
• Supports local reforestation, permaculture, composting and turtle monitoring.
Gambian Parks and Wildlife Management Unit (Abuko and Kiang West)
• Government agency works with schools and communities on conservation in national parks.
• Visitors can participate in education and ranger activities.
Tanji Bird Reserve Community Monitoring
• Birdwatchers and guides from Tanji help count and protect bird species.
• Supported by NGOs such as WABSA (West African Bird Study Association).
Kartong Wetland Conservation Initiative
• Protects mangroves and wetlands along the Senegalese border.
• Community-led ecotourism (kayaking, birding, environmental education).

How you can contribute as a traveler

It is highly recomended to stay in one of the The Gambia Eco Lodges. In The Gambia you can participate in projects – such as bird monitoring, sustainable farming, or school initiatives. Or donate or work with projects such as West African Bird Study Association WABSA or Green Up Gambia.
While traveling, eat in “bantabas” so you support local small restaurants.
You want to reduce your ecological footprint while traveling in The Gambia? Check out our 40+ Sustainable Travel tips.

The Gambia Eco Lodges and Travel Safety

Check in advance about the safety in The Gambia and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Dept. of State’s page on The Gambia.