Discover the Wonders of Monkey Park

My Magazine 2024/09

1 min

KNOW

Bijilo Forest Park & Nature Trail, also known as Monkey Park, is a natural gem established in 1951 and tucked away at the southern end of Senegambia Beach. It’s one of The Gambia's most cherished tourist spots and serves as an educational haven for nature enthusiasts. Having a guide can greatly enhance your experience with fascinating insights you might otherwise miss.

As its nickname suggests, Monkey Park is home to two fascinating species of primates. The playful Green Vervet Monkeys are a common sight, eagerly accepting nuts from visitors while maintaining a gentle, respectful distance. In contrast, the shyer Western Red Colobus Monkey, an endangered species, may surprise you by perching on your shoulder, particularly if you're offering them their favourite snack, bananas. Please take along some bananas and peanuts— the monkeys will happily approach you for a snack!

Both species are known for their calm demeanour, making them friendly companions throughout your visit. You will also have the rare opportunity to feed the monkeys and take memorable photos with them. The monkeys are friendly, accustomed to humans, and provide a safe, close-up experience for all visitors.

Beyond its charismatic monkeys, Monkey Park boasts a rich variety of flora. Towering iconic baobabs and graceful palm trees line the paths adding to the park’s diverse botanical tapestry and creating the perfect environment for both wildlife and visitors to enjoy.

Opened to the public in 1991, Monkey Park attracts over 23,000 visitors annually. A highlight of any visit is the 4.5 km nature trail, which winds through the park’s diverse habitats. As you stroll along, you’ll transition from lush forest to coastal scrubland, and even sand dunes, offering a glimpse of the park’s varied ecosystem. For birdwatchers, the "ornithological path" is a must-see, offering the chance to spot some bird species. Along the way, a small pond serves as a watering hole for forest animals.

In addition to monkeys and birds, Monkey Park is home to a variety of reptiles and insects, including colourful species like rainbow and monitor lizards, dragonflies, and the golden silk orb-weaver spider. Visitors may also encounter small mammals like the Gambian sun squirrels, and the shy African civet. The park even provides benches, signs, and a viewing point for visitors to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the area.

A visit to Monkey Park is a chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of Gambia’s natural world. Whether you're a wildlife lover, a birdwatcher, or someone looking to escape into nature, this magical park offers a memorable experience for everyone.