River Gambia National Park Hippo and Chimpanzee Boat Safari
Take a two-day boat safari from Janjanbureh into River Gambia National Park to watch hippos loaf in shallow channels and chimpanzees in riverine forest. Expect long transfers, close but controlled wildlife viewing, and simple overnight camp or lodge accommodations.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring binoculars
Optical binoculars (8x–10x) for spotting distant chimpanzees and birdlife from the boat.
Insect protection
Use DEET or picaridin repellent and a treated lightweight layer—mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk.
Respect animal distance
Follow guide instructions; hippos are territorial and boats should never approach mothers and calves.
Cash and snacks
Carry small cash for remote purchases and energy snacks during the long road transfer.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunset walk on Janjanbureh island to watch river traffic and local boatbuilding yards
- •Small riverside villages where guides will show traditional fishing methods and smoked-fish trade
Wildlife
- •Common hippopotamus
- •Western chimpanzee (in riverine forest)
Conservation Note
River Gambia National Park protects critical riverine forest islands and species; visitors are encouraged to minimize noise and waste and follow guide protocols to reduce disturbance.
This stretch of the Gambia has long been a river trade corridor; Janjanbureh (formerly Georgetown) was a 19th-century administrative post and remains a cultural hub for central river communities.
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Helps identify chimpanzees, hippos and the many river birds from a distance.
Insect repellent & head netEssential
Protects against mosquitoes at dawn/dusk and in wetter months.
Light rain jacket
Useful during sudden tropical showers and early-morning mist.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Comfortable shoes for boat landings and short forest walks
Common Questions
How close will we get to hippos and chimpanzees?
Guides maintain safe viewing distances; boats will approach hippos at calm edges but never on foot—chimpanzee viewing is usually from cleared river islands or short guided walks.
Is an overnight included?
Yes—this tour includes an overnight stay in Janjanbureh camp or basic lodge as part of the two-day itinerary.
Do I need vaccinations or permits?
Check routine travel vaccines and consult a travel clinic for tropical disease advice; no special wildlife permits are typically required for visitors on guided park tours.
How long is the road transfer?
Expect about a four-hour drive from the coastal region to Kuntaur/Janjanbureh depending on traffic and road conditions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Location
Janjanbureh, Central River Division
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires sitting in a boat for extended periods and short, uneven walks
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