Marike Forest Park

Marike Forest Park is a protected area in Gambia.

Marike Forest Park at a Glance

Location
Western Riverine & Transition Zone, Gambia, West Africa
Coordinates
13.473980, -16.072441
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
November to April (dry season) for birdwatching. Peak birding December to March.

Getting to Marike Forest Park

Nearest airport: Banjul International Airport (BJL), 64 km away.

Nearest international airport: Banjul International Airport (BJL), 64 km away.

Weather & Climate in Marike Forest Park

The warmest temperatures in Marike Forest Park occur in April, averaging 29.5°C (up to 39.2°C). The coolest conditions are in December at 25.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 29.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.0°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • February: 28.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • March: 28.6°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • April: 29.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • May: 28.8°C (rainfall: 7.0mm)
  • June: 28.6°C (rainfall: 39.6mm)
  • July: 27.4°C (rainfall: 232.5mm)
  • August: 26.6°C (rainfall: 271.0mm)
  • September: 26.7°C (rainfall: 311.1mm)
  • October: 27.8°C (rainfall: 97.0mm)
  • November: 26.8°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • December: 25.7°C (rainfall: 1.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Marike Forest Park

The best months to visit Marike Forest Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.02°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 29.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 28.12°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 25%
  • March: Great, temperature 28.6°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 33.6%
  • April: Great, temperature 29.52°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 40.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 28.84°C, rainfall 7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 53.4%
  • June: Great, temperature 28.62°C, rainfall 39.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 68.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 27.37°C, rainfall 232.5mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 80.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 26.58°C, rainfall 271mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 86.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 26.67°C, rainfall 311.1mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 86.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 27.79°C, rainfall 97mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 81.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.79°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 58.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.72°C, rainfall 1.2mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 39.1%

Wildlife in Marike Forest Park

Home to 94 recorded species including 31 iconic birds, 30 waterbirds, 22 birds of prey, 6 tropical birds, 2 primates, 1 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Marike Forest Park

Based on average temperature of 27.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 57%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 28°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Marike Forest Park

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Riverine & Transition Zone

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Gambia

Travel advisory for Gambia

Marike Forest Park FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Marike Forest Park for wildlife viewing and comfortable conditions?

The dry season, typically from November to May, is ideal for visiting Marike Forest Park. During these months, the vegetation is less dense, making wildlife easier to spot, and the cooler, drier weather is more pleasant for exploring the park's trails.

What specific wildlife species can visitors expect to encounter at Marike Forest Park, and what are the primary activities offered?

Marike Forest Park is renowned for its diverse birdlife, including various raptors and waterbirds, alongside primates like patas monkeys and baboons. Visitors can enjoy guided walking safaris and potentially boat trips along the Gambia River, offering unique perspectives on the ecosystem.

What are the typical entry fees for Marike Forest Park, and is it advisable to hire a local guide?

Entry fees for Marike Forest Park are generally affordable, often around 100-200 GMD (Gambian Dalasi) for international visitors, though prices can vary. Hiring a local, knowledgeable guide is highly recommended to enhance your experience, as they can help locate wildlife and provide valuable insights into the park's flora and fauna.

Aside from malaria prevention, what key safety precautions should visitors observe while exploring Marike Forest Park?

Always maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife, especially primates, and never feed animals. It's crucial to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen, and follow all instructions from your guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit within the park's natural environment.

How does Marike Forest Park's low visitor traffic contribute to a unique safari experience?

With its exceptionally low crowding, Marike Forest Park offers a remarkably tranquil and intimate safari experience. Visitors can enjoy undisturbed wildlife viewing opportunities and a profound sense of immersion in nature, often feeling like they have the park almost entirely to themselves, which allows for more personal interactions with the environment.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet West Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and more. Includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and practical overland travel advice across the region.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.