Abuko Nature Reserve
Western
Abuko Nature Reserve, located south of the town of Abuko in The Gambia, is the country's first designated wildlife reserve and a popular destination for nature lovers. The reserve covers approximately 106 hectares of typical savanna and gallery forest, featuring trees such as oil palm, mahogany, iroko, and Anthocleista procera. It hosts a remarkable diversity of fauna including 52 mammal species like bushbucks, duikers, porcupines, bush babies, and three types of monkeys: vervet, endangered western red colobus, and patas monkeys. The reserve is also renowned for its reptiles, including Nile and dwarf crocodiles, pythons, puff adders, green mambas, and several cobra species. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy spotting over 270 species, such as sunbirds, green hylias, African goshawks, and rare species like green and violet turacos, white-spotted flufftails, and Ahanta francolins. The reserve features about 5 km of walking paths and a field station overlooking a watering hole, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. It also includes enclosures serving as an orphanage for animals like hyenas. Easily accessible without a car, Abuko Nature Reserve offers a rare chance to experience rich African biodiversity in a manageable and well-maintained park setting.
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Tip: The best time to visit Abuko Nature Reserve is during the dry season when animal sightings are more frequent at the watering holes. Walking paths are well maintained, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Entry tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking for any available discounts or guided tours in advance is advisable. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best birdwatching opportunities. Visitors should bring binoculars and insect repellent for a more enjoyable experience.
Interesting facts
- •Abuko Nature Reserve was the first designated wildlife reserve in The Gambia.
- •The reserve supports over 270 recorded bird species, making it a significant Important Bird Area (IBA).
- •It is home to endangered western red colobus monkeys, a species rare in West Africa.
- •The reserve includes an animal orphanage enclosure, notably housing a pack of hyenas.
- •The Lamin Stream, fenced in 1916, was the original water source that helped increase wildlife populations in the area.
History
The area now known as Abuko Nature Reserve was first protected in 1916 when the Lamin Stream was fenced to create a water collection point, which helped increase local wildlife and flora.
In 1967, wildlife officer Eddie Brewer and his daughter Stella Marsden recognized the conservation importance of the forest.
Their advocacy led to the establishment of the Department of Wildlife in 1968 at the reserve, marking the formal protection of the area.
Since then, the reserve has been managed to preserve its rich biodiversity and serve as a key site for wildlife observation and conservation in The Gambia.
Place Guide
Walking Trails
Approximately 5 kilometers of well-maintained paths wind through the reserve, allowing visitors to explore savanna and gallery forest habitats rich in flora and fauna.
Field Station and Watering Hole
A vantage point offering views over a watering hole, this spot is ideal for observing wildlife such as mammals and birds coming to drink, especially during dry periods.
Animal Orphanage Enclosures
Enclosures within the reserve serve as a sanctuary for orphaned and needy animals, including a pack of hyenas, providing insight into local wildlife conservation efforts.
Contact
Phone: 724 8035
