North Bank Region, River Gambia

Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, on the north bank of the River Gambia roughly opposite Tendaba, was the first site in The Gambia designated under the Ramsar Convention and is recognised by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. Its mangrove creeks, tidal mudflats, saltmarsh and flooded savanna support a rich mix of resident waterbirds, raptors and Palearctic migrants, typically explored by boat from Tendaba Camp.

Birders and a guide with a spotting scope beside open wetland at Bao Bolong on the north bank of the River Gambia

Habitats

mangrove foresttidal creeks (bolongs)mudflatssaltmarshflooded savanna woodland/grassland

Birds to look for

African Fish EaglePel's Fishing OwlAfrican FinfootGreat White PelicanPink-backed PelicanGoliath HeronWoolly-necked StorkAfrican DarterWhite-backed Night HeronMalachite Kingfisher

Planning your visit

November to April (the dry season/European winter) is generally best, when Palearctic migrant waders and waterfowl join resident populations. Large waterbird concentrations (into the tens of thousands) are also reported between August and December as floodwaters recede, so this shoulder period can be productive too.
The reserve lies about 100 km east of Banjul on the North Bank of the River Gambia. It's most commonly visited by boat (traditional pirogue) from Tendaba Camp, crossing the river to explore creeks such as the Tunku and Kisi bolongs; a land route by 4x4 via the village of No Kunda to the Dai Mandinka reserve headquarters is also possible. Visits are best arranged in advance, ideally coordinated with the Department of Parks & Wildlife Management (DPWM) in Abuko; no specific standard entry fee could be verified.
13.5167, -15.8667
5 distinct habitats on site

Tours that visit Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

15 daysFrom £2,250

15-Day Gambia & Northern Senegal: The Saloum Delta Birdwatching Tour

A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.

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Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

Habitats

Birds to look for

Tours that visit Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

Visit Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve with Yaya