Park & nature

Abuko Nature Reserve

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Abuko Nature Reserve, Gambia's first protected area, is a 105-hectare pocket of lush forest and savannah just outside Kololi. Despite its small size, it boasts remarkable biodiversity. A raised boardwalk leads visitors through thick vegetation past a crocodile pool, where you can spot Nile crocodiles and turtles. The reserve is famous for its birdlife, including the white-spotted flufftail and the green-backed heron. Monkeys, antelopes, and even the occasional monitor lizard are commonly seen. The reserve also features a small museum and a viewing platform overlooking a waterhole, making it a rewarding destination for a short but immersive nature experience.

Don't miss

  • Walk the elevated boardwalk through the forest canopy for a bird's-eye view of wildlife
  • Observe Nile crocodiles and terrapins at the crocodile pool near the entrance
  • Spot rare birds like the white-spotted flufftail and the African paradise flycatcher

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Abuko Nature Reserve

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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