Bintang Bolong
A wide mangrove creek off the south bank, with a village and lodges on the water.
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The Bintang Bolong is one of the largest creeks off the Gambia, running inland from the south bank through mangrove wide enough to feel like a river in its own right, with the village of Bintang on it and a lodge built out over the water on stilts. Pirogues go up the creek from there. Kingfishers, herons and fish eagles work the mangrove edge and the fishing is good.
What you actually see
- The creek width - a bolong large enough to read as a river.
- The stilt lodge - accommodation built out over the water.
- The mangrove edge - the fringe worked by kingfishers and herons.
- The pirogue trips - the boat runs further up the creek.
When to go
November to February is the cool dry season and best for birds. Tide changes the creek considerably through the day. The rains from June bring heavy insects.
Honest expectations
Accommodation is simple and the road in has rough stretches. Mosquitoes on the water at dusk are severe. Boat trips depend on tide and on the boatman being available.
Nearby
Tumani Tenda is west, and Tendaba is east.
What to pack for Bintang Bolong
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.