Bijilo Forest Park The Gambia
Get up close with playful monkeys in a beautiful coastal woodland park. Feed them, walk the trails, and enjoy a unique wildlife encounter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active monkeys
Bijilo Forest Park The Gambia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active monkeys
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Get up close with playful monkeys in a beautiful coastal woodland park. Feed them, walk the trails, and enjoy a unique wildlife encounter.
"The monkeys are really friendly and curious, especially if you bring some peanuts or fruit to share."
Cash Only Entry
:moneybag: Entry fee is 300 GMD, cash only. Have the exact change if possible.
Bring Your Own Snacks
:banana: Monkeys love bananas (green) & peanuts (red). Bring your own to save money!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Monkeys
Throughout the park
Get up close with hundreds of curious Green Vervet and Western Red Colobus monkeys. They might even climb on you!
Nature Trails
Park pathways
Enjoy a scenic 4.5km loop walk through tropical woodland, offering a tranquil escape and great photo opportunities.
Feeding the Monkeys
Designated areas
Offer peanuts to red monkeys and bananas to green monkeys for a heartwarming interaction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guide Fees & Entry
Best Time for Monkey Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash Only Entry
:moneybag: Entry fee is 300 GMD, cash only. Have the exact change if possible.
Bring Your Own Snacks
:banana: Monkeys love bananas (green) & peanuts (red). Bring your own to save money!
Official Guides Recommended
:man_detective: If you hire a guide, use an official one from the office to avoid harassment.
Respectful Interactions
:heart: Feed monkeys gently and be mindful of their space. Avoid provoking them.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash Only Entry
:moneybag: Entry fee is 300 GMD, cash only. Have the exact change if possible.
Bring Your Own Snacks
:banana: Monkeys love bananas (green) & peanuts (red). Bring your own to save money!
Official Guides Recommended
:man_detective: If you hire a guide, use an official one from the office to avoid harassment.
Respectful Interactions
:heart: Feed monkeys gently and be mindful of their space. Avoid provoking them.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: The nature trails are about 1 hour long, wear comfy shoes for walking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bijilo Forest Park offers a delightful and close-up wildlife experience, particularly with its friendly monkeys. Visitors love the interactive nature of feeding the animals and the beautiful park trails. However, some find the guide fees and pressure to hire them to be overpriced.
"Great experience and it was great. However I wanted to walk alone and the guy at the entrance was like no you cant do that. He was the guide and I had to pay him 500 dalasi. The ticket to get in was 300. I felt the 500 was a rip off but then again I was safe with him so maybe it was ok. I should have given him 200-300. Oh well it was a cool experience."
S L
"Very nice place always. Many monkey run around in wild nature. Nice and kind staff. No dislikes. Like everything. Located near the beach, like part of jungle."
Raimonds Rozenfelds
"What a fantastic place monkeys are free to come and go so all choose to live there. 300d to get in and you can also buy banana and peanuts to feed the monkeys. They also want you to take a guide and push quite hard but you don't need to. We chose too as the money goes to the guide and we don't mind supporting the locals. May go back before we leave!"
Pete Banham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bijilo Forest Park is easily reachable from most Senegambia resorts. You can take a scenic walk along the beach or arrange for local transport.
Yes, Bijilo Forest Park is located just 11km south of The Gambia's capital, Banjul.
Many visitors opt for a taxi or a short drive from nearby resorts. Walking along the beach is also a popular and scenic option.
While specific public transport routes might vary, local taxis and shared taxis (buses) are common ways to get around The Gambia and can likely take you near the park.
Depending on your starting point, travel time can range from 15-30 minutes by car from popular tourist areas like Senegambia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 300 Gambian Dalasi (GMD) per person, and it's cash only.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the park entrance.
While the entry fee is fixed, some visitors have reported being pressured to hire guides or buy food for monkeys, which incurs additional costs. +1
The park is typically open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check locally or aim for morning or late afternoon visits.
The entrance fee is strictly in Gambian Dalasi (GMD) and is cash only. It's advisable to have the local currency on hand.
🎫 🐒 Wildlife & Experience
You can encounter two main species: the Green Vervet Monkeys and the Western Red Colobus Monkeys. 
Yes, feeding the monkeys is a popular activity. Green monkeys prefer bananas, while red monkeys enjoy peanuts.
While generally docile, it's important to be respectful. Avoid sudden movements and don't provoke them. Official guides can offer safety tips. +1
The main nature trail loop is approximately 4.5km and takes about an hour to complete without extensive stops.
While monkeys are the main attraction, the park is a natural woodland environment, so you might spot various birds and other small wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere along the nature trails offers great opportunities, especially when monkeys are active or interacting. The close proximity to the animals makes for unique shots.
Absolutely! The monkeys are very photogenic, and you'll get incredible shots, especially if you're feeding them.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing good memories. However, a zoom lens can be helpful for getting closer shots without disturbing the animals.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid using flash if it might disturb the wildlife.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be softer and more flattering for photography, and the monkeys are often more active during these times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring plenty of bananas and peanuts for feeding. Consider hiring an official guide if you want extra peace of mind regarding safety and animal behavior.
💰 Budget Travelers
While guides are available, they add a substantial cost (around 800 GMD).
📸 Wildlife Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 Capturing images of monkeys climbing on visitors, interacting with each other, or enjoying snacks is a highlight. Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light.
A camera with a good zoom lens can be beneficial, but even a smartphone can capture stunning shots due to the monkeys' willingness to approach. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Monkey Encounters
+1It's important to note the distinct dietary preferences: green monkeys favor bananas, while red monkeys are particularly fond of peanuts. Bringing your own snacks can enhance the interaction and potentially save you money, as pre-packaged food is sometimes offered at an additional cost.
Remember that while these encounters are thrilling, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding any actions that could startle or agitate the animals is crucial for a positive experience for both you and the monkeys. Some visitors have shared experiences of monkeys becoming territorial over food, especially during less busy periods. Being aware of this and managing your feeding strategy can help ensure a smooth interaction.
Navigating Guides and Fees
If you choose to hire a guide, it's strongly recommended to use an official guide from the park's office. These guides are typically more knowledgeable and professional. Unofficial guides who approach you from the street or beach may not be legitimate and could lead to a less satisfactory experience.
Many travelers have found that exploring independently is perfectly feasible and enjoyable, especially if they come prepared with their own snacks and are mindful of their surroundings.
The Bijilo Forest Park Experience
The 4.5km nature trail winds through the woodland, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment. Beyond the monkeys, the park is a peaceful place for a tranquil walk. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as serene and heartwarming, especially when observing the monkeys' playful antics.
+1While the park is primarily known for its monkeys, it's also a chance to appreciate the broader natural beauty of The Gambia's coastline and its unique ecosystems.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit