Bijilo Forest Park
Western
Bijilo Forest Park, commonly known as Monkey Park, is a 51.3-hectare fenced woodland located about 11 km west of Banjul in The Gambia's Western Region. Established as a protected area in 1952, it features a closed canopy forest with significant Borassus aethiopum palm populations. Opened to the public in 1991, the park offers a 4.5 km nature trail that winds through diverse habitats including forest, coastal scrubland, and sand dunes. Visitors can explore the 'ornithological path' near the beach, favored by birdwatchers. The park supports a rich fauna including troops of green monkeys, Temminck's red colobus, Campbell's mona monkey, and patas monkeys. Other mammals such as Gambian sun squirrels, African civets, genets, mongooses, and brush-tailed porcupines inhabit the forest. Reptiles like agamas, rainbow and monitor lizards, alongside colorful insects such as dragonflies and golden silk orb-weavers, add to the biodiversity. Birdlife is abundant with over 133 species recorded, including black-necked weavers, red-billed hornbills, bearded barbets, palm-nut vultures, and migratory birds like Caspian terns and ospreys. Facilities include a maintained pond serving as a watering hole, visitor benches, signage, and a viewing point. The park attracts over 23,000 visitors annually, especially birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Bijilo Forest Park is during the dry season when wildlife is more easily spotted along the nature trails. Visitors are advised to purchase entrance tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. While feeding monkeys is discouraged to protect their health and natural behavior, peanuts are sometimes sold by staff for this purpose. Wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing binoculars will enhance the experience, especially for birdwatching along the 'ornithological path.'
Datos interesantes
- •Bijilo Forest Park is home to over 133 bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
- •The park contains a significant population of Borassus aethiopum palms, characteristic of the local ecosystem.
- •Green monkeys in the park have become accustomed to being fed by visitors, although this practice is discouraged to maintain natural behaviors.
- •A maintained pond within the park serves as a crucial watering hole for many forest animals.
- •The park features a specialized 'ornithological path' favored by birdwatchers for coastal bird sightings including migratory species.
Historia
Bijilo Forest Park was officially designated as a protected forest reserve in 1952 to conserve its rich biodiversity.
It was opened to the public in 1991, becoming a popular destination for wildlife observation and ecotourism.
In 2018, the park lost part of its reserve status due to the construction of the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
Despite this, the park remains a vital sanctuary for many species and a key natural attraction in The Gambia.
Guía del lugar
Nature Trail
A 4.5 km trail that takes visitors through diverse habitats including closed canopy forest, coastal scrubland, and sand dunes, showcasing the park's rich biodiversity.
Ornithological Path
A straight footpath near the beach preferred by birdwatchers to observe coastal and migratory bird species such as Caspian terns and ospreys.
Watering Hole Pond
A small pond maintained within the forest to provide water for various forest animals, enhancing wildlife visibility for visitors.
