Bijilo Monkey Forest – Discover the Wild Heart of The Gambia

Just a stone’s throw from the popular beach resorts of Kololi and Senegambia, Bijilo Monkey Forest offers a peaceful window into the real Gambia. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll explore winding forest trails where playful green vervet monkeys and rare red colobus monkeys roam freely through the treetops.

This coastal nature reserve is more than just a walk in the woods—it's a chance to immerse yourself in The Gambia’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Learn about local medicinal plants, listen to the calls of over 130 bird species, and gain a deeper understanding of how nature and community intertwine here.

With a local guide by your side, you’ll experience the forest through Gambian eyes—getting stories, traditions, and perspectives you won’t find in a travel brochure. Bijilo Monkey Forest is a perfect introduction to the country’s natural beauty and an ideal first step toward discovering The Gambia beyond the beach.

Why visit Bijilo Monkey Forest?

• Walk through a protected tropical forest just minutes from the coast

• Observe playful monkeys, including the rare red colobus, in their natural habitat

• Learn about Gambia’s biodiversity and conservation efforts from a knowledgeable local guide

• Ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers

• A peaceful, shaded retreat perfect for escaping the mid-day heat

Let your local guide lead you through this hidden gem just steps from the ocean—where Gambia’s nature reveals its gentlest soul.