Safari in Eastern Gambia & Upper River
Venture to Gambia's eastern reaches, where remote forest parks offer unique birding opportunities and a taste of rural Gambian wilderness.
Eastern Gambia & Upper River Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Eastern Gambia & Upper River
Eastern Gambia & Upper River Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Eastern Gambia & Upper River
Bankuba Forest Park
Bankuba Forest Park is a protected area in Gambia.
Kiberi Forest Park
Kiberi Forest Park is a protected area in Gambia.
Kunkilling Forest Park
Kunkilling Forest Park is a protected area in Gambia.
Madina Demba Forest Park
Madina Demba Forest Park is a protected area in Gambia.
Sabi Forest Park
Sabi Forest Park is a protected area in Gambia.
Compare Parks in Eastern Gambia & Upper River
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Eastern Gambia & Upper River
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bankuba Forest Park | - | 278 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KDA (72km) |
| Kiberi Forest Park | - | 278 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KDA (81km) |
| Kunkilling Forest Park | - | 278 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KDA (75km) |
| Madina Demba Forest Park | - | 278 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KDA (68km) |
| Sabi Forest Park | - | 250 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | TUD (77km) |
105 species recorded in Eastern Gambia & Upper River11 threatened
We love venturing east into Gambia's Upper River region. It feels a world away from the coast, a place where the Gambia River truly commands the landscape. The air hums with the calls of unseen birds in the dense gallery forests, and the sunsets over the water are simply sensational. We recommend taking a pirogue trip at dawn; the mist rising off the river, coupled with the chorus of awakening wildlife, is an unforgettable experience.
Terrain & Altitude
Predominantly flat to gently undulating land with scattered rocky outcrops and occasional low hills.
20-75m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by gallery forests along rivers, interspersed with open savanna woodlands, grassland patches, and some cultivated areas.
Water Sources
The mighty Gambia River is the lifeblood, supplemented by seasonal streams, swamps, and small man-made waterholes.
Unique Features
The extensive gallery forests lining the Gambia River create a distinct microclimate and support a rich diversity of birdlife not found in drier savanna regions.
Getting to eastern Gambia requires patience, but the rewards are immense. We suggest flying into Banjul and arranging a private transfer or rental vehicle for the drive east; it’s a long haul, but the landscapes and birding are worth every kilometer. Consider a stopover in the historic town of Janjanbureh to break up the journey and soak in the local atmosphere.
Nearest Airports
Banjul International Airport (BJL)
350km / 5-6hr drive
Daily connections from major European hubs and Dakar on various carriers
Cap Skirring Airport (CSK), Senegal
200km / 3-4hr drive
Seasonal flights from Paris and Dakar; may require border crossing formalities
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Banjul
The main route east is largely tarmac, though conditions can vary. We recommend breaking the journey in Janjanbureh or Lamin Koto to experience the river culture before continuing east.
From Dakar, Senegal
A longer but viable option if flying into Dakar. The N1 highway in Senegal is generally good, but expect delays at the border and variable road conditions once in The Gambia.
Temperature
27.9°C
82°F
Rainfall
0 mm
Dry season
Humidity
18.1%
Sunshine
10.1 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
Planning tools for Gambia
Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Gambia