Kiang West National Park is in the Gambia.

Understand

Kiang West National Park

Kiang West National Park is one of the largest and most important wildlife reserves in The Gambia, although the park receives few tourists. It was declared a national park in 1987 and is managed by the Gambia Department of Parks and Wildlife Management.

Landscape

Most of the park is located on a plateau of low altitude. It consists of Guinea savanna and dry deciduous woodland, as well as tidal flats and mangrove creeks. The park is unpopulated, though villages are located close outside its borders.

Flora and fauna

The park is an important area for Gambian wildlife. Mammals include the African clawless otter, bushbuck, caracal, common duiker, leopard, marsh mongoose, serval, sitatunga, spotted hyena and the warthog. West African manatees and humpback dolphins are sometimes observed in the park's waters. The park has more than 300 bird species, more than half of all the bird species that have been recorded in the Gambia.

Tubabkollon Point, located near a sandy beach beside the Gambia River in the northeast of the park, is a good place for visitors to watch wildlife. The park is becoming well known for birdwatching.

Climate

November to January are the best months to visit.

Sleep

• Tendaba Camp in Tendaba village has been open since the 1970s and is the most established base for trips to the national park. Chalets are available in the camp.

Stay safe

The park's tourist infrastructure is underdeveloped. You'll likely be venturing about on your own. Watch for snakes!