Elephant Island

Elephant Island is a prominent island in the Gambia River, located about 150 kilometers upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. It sits within a stretch of the river famed for its rich wildlife and dense gallery forests lining the banks. The island's name is derived from the West African elephants that once inhabited the area in great numbers, though they have been considered extinct in this part of The Gambia since the mid-20th century. The island itself is uninhabited and consists of a mix of marshland and thick vegetation, making it a convenient sanctuary for hippos and crocodiles. For birdwatchers, the surroundings offer excellent opportunities to spot rare species like the African Fish Eagle in their natural habitat. Due to its position in the center of the river, the island also serves as a nautical landmark for vessels transporting goods deeper into the country's interior.

Nearby cities

Soma

Soma is a major transport hub in the Lower River Region, at the crossing of the Trans-Gambia Highway.

Mansa Konko

Mansa Konko is the administrative seat of the Lower River Region, located on a hill overlooking the Gambia River.

Farafenni

Farafenni is an important commercial town on the North Bank, strategically located along the Trans-Gambia Highway.

River Gambia National Park (Baboon Islands)

A protected archipelago in the Gambia River serving as a sanctuary for chimpanzees, hippos, and lush jungle vegetation.

Tendaba

A picturesque fishing village on the Gambia River and the main starting point for exploring the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve.

Kalagi

Kalagi is a town in the Foni Jarrol district, strategically located on the South Bank Road and serving as an important local hub.

Janjanbureh

Janjanbureh, formerly Georgetown, is a historic island town in the Gambia River, known for its colonial past.

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Sibanor

Sibanor is an important commercial center on the South Bank Road, known for its medical facilities.

History & landmarks

Senegambia Bridge

Also known as the Trans-Gambia Bridge, it connects the north and south banks of the Gambia River.

Kerbatch Stone Circles

Another significant megalithic site in The Gambia, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Mungo Park Memorial

A memorial in Janjanbureh dedicated to the Scottish explorer Mungo Park, who explored the Niger River.

Nature

Gambia River

The Gambia River is one of the most important waterways in West Africa, winding through the entire country to the Atlantic.

Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

A vast wetland on the north bank of the Gambia River, which is a paradise for birdwatchers.

More places

Kiang West National Park

One of the largest and most important wildlife reserves in The Gambia, with diverse flora and fauna.

Sankandi Battlefield

Site of a historically significant battle in 1900, which was a decisive moment in the colonization of The Gambia.

Kiang West Plateau

An extensive high plateau within the Kiang West National Park, rising significantly above the river's tidal creeks.

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Keneba Plateau

An elevated plain in the Lower River Region, situated above the surrounding mangrove swamps.

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Kwinella Hills

Gentle elevations in the Lower River Region that characterize the surroundings of Kwinella.

Kaur Groundnut Depot

A historically significant river port and collection point for groundnuts, which are loaded onto barges here for transport to Banjul.

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Kataba Fort

Ruins of a pre-colonial earth fort used in the 19th century during local conflicts and against colonial encroachments.

Stone Circles of Sine Ngayène

An impressive archaeological site with hundreds of megalithic stone circles and burial mounds.