River Gambia National Park

River Gambia National Park is a protected area centred on a group of islands (commonly called the Baboon Islands) in the Gambia River, in Central River Region. It is home to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project (CRP), founded in 1979 by Stella Marsden together with the Gambian government as a sanctuary for orphaned and formerly captive chimpanzees; around 100 chimpanzees now live free across several island groups. No one — visitors or staff — is permitted to set foot on the islands themselves, so the chimpanzees are viewed entirely by boat along the shoreline, alongside hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of birdlife.

Reached via Kuntaur, the departure point for boat trips on the river to the park.

Boat trips along the shores of the islands; the CRP's own visits typically include daily two-hour boat trips.

Chimpanzees viewed from the water along the islands' shoreline; hippos, crocodiles, and riverine birdlife.

Boat safaris to see the chimpanzees; birdwatching; night walks to see bush babies are offered at the CRP site.

Bring water; bottled water is otherwise not guaranteed to be available.

The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project offers simple twin-bedded safari tents on raised platforms, open to visitors two days a week. Otherwise, visitors stay in Kuntaur or Janjanbureh.

• Kuntaur — departure point for boat trips
• Janjanbureh — historic island town
• Wassu — stone circles UNESCO site