%u The Abuko Nature Reserve%u and other The Gambia Things to Do Tips

Located off a busy street in one of Banjul's suburbs, the Abuko Nature Reserve protects a small piece of the gallery forest that once dominated the region along the Gambia River. In Gambia, and much of West Africa, gallery forest is now threatened by urbanization. (Gallery forest is a type of riverside habitat once common in West Africa that can be described as jungle-like. It is made up of different types of palm trees, large hardwood trees, and other lush plant life).

A blind overlooking a pool along the Lamin Stream provides visitors with close looks at birds, mammals, and reptiles. A system of trails through the reserve allows visitors to experience the diversity of the gallery forest. Only 259 acres (105 hectares) in size, the Abuko Nature Reserve can be crossed by foot in less than an hour. Despite the small size of the reserve, it is one of the best places in Gambia to observe wildlife. Over 250 species of birds are regularly observed along the stream and in the forest. Fifty-two species of mammals, including three types of monkeys, are located within the reserve. And over 37 species of reptiles can be found within the reserve's boundaries, including Nile crocodiles, turtles, and several kinds of snakes.

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Pirang Forest Park preserves a patch of gallery forest along the Gambia River. It is managed by local communities, meaning the local people become involved in protecting and appreciating nature. They learn that by protecting the forest, rather than cutting it down for agriculture or firewood, tourists will come to visit and spend money in their communities.

Unlike the Abuko Nature Reserve, Pirang Forest Park is located well away from the Banjul metropolitan area and is therefore less crowded with tourists. But because it is off the beaten tourist path, there are no amenities, such as blinds or even toilet facilities. However, visitors can walk along the paths through the forest and observe numerous species of birds, as well as monkeys and other mammals, and reptiles.

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Directions: Pirang Forest Park is located just outside the village of Pirang, upriver from Banjul.

Fort Bullen was constructed by the British between 1820 and 1830 to protect the mouth of the Gambia River, and to control the slave trade that was the basis of the economy at that time. The fort was abandoned in the 1870s. Other than a short reactivation during the Second World War, Fort Bullen remained unused until 1996, when it was restored for the Roots Homecoming Festival.

Nowadays, it is possible to explore Fort Bullen, but there is not much to see. Visitors are basically restricted to walking along the battlements. And even those interested in architecture will find Fort Bullen uninspiring. Architecturally it is just a rectangular building with round bastions at each corner.

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The Gambia River rises in the Fouta Djallon Plateau in northern Guinea, and flows about 700 miles (1,130 kilometers) before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Banjul. At first the river flows northward into Senegal before making a turn to the west, where it enters Gambia at Fatoto. Because the river runs down the middle of the country from one end to the other, it is Gambia's main geographical feature. Most of the country's main towns and cities are located on the river, and it is one of Gambia's major transportation routes.

Although a relatively short river, several large tributaries give the Gambia River such a large volume of water that it is navigable for about one-half its length, and is about six miles (ten kilometers) wide at its mouth.

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