Bijilo Forest Park
Coastal forest trails with monkeys, beside the Senegambia area.
- Location
- On the coast at the southern end of Kololi
- What it is
- Forest park
- Stay nearby
- Kololi and Senegambia, Bijilo and Brufut, Kotu
What it is
Bijilo Forest Park, often called Monkey Park, is a fenced coastal woodland of about 51 hectares at the southern end of the Senegambia area. It was gazetted in 1952 and opened to visitors in 1991.
Why people visit
Its trails run through palm-rich forest where green vervet monkeys are easy to see. You may also see the shyer western red colobus. More than 130 bird species have been recorded here.
Natural significance
It is one of the last stretches of natural coastal forest near the resorts, and development pressure on it has been the subject of local conservation campaigns.
Before you go
- Don't feed the monkeys. It harms their health and behaviour.
- Walk quietly for a better chance of seeing red colobus and birds.
- Check current opening arrangements locally.
We don't publish entrance fees or opening hours because they change. Confirm them locally or with your guide. Last reviewed 26 September 2026.
Where to stay nearby
- Kololi and SenegambiaThe liveliest resort strip, with the widest choice of hotels and restaurants.
- Bijilo and BrufutA quieter stretch of coast south of Kololi, with more space and resort hotels.
- KotuA calmer beach base, with a mangrove-lined creek popular with birdwatchers.
Related attractions
- Abuko Nature ReserveThe Gambia's first wildlife reserve: gallery forest, monkeys and birdlife.
- TanjiA working fishing town on the coast, with a village museum and a bird reserve.
- Markets and craft marketsAlbert Market in Banjul, Serekunda's market and coastal craft stalls.
Photos on this page: Jan Kruithof, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Cropped for display. All image credits