Kiang West National Park

Kiang West runs along the south bank of the river and is the largest national park in the Gambia, a mix of dry Guinea savanna woodland, mangrove creek and mudflat with a laterite escarpment above the water. It holds what large wildlife the country still has, including bushbuck, warthog, colobus and the occasional clawless otter, and its bird list runs to well over three hundred species.

The landscape

• The escarpment - the laterite ridge running above the river.
• The savanna woodland - the dry forest across most of the park.
• The bird list - over three hundred species recorded in the park.
• The creek mouths - the mangrove bolongs feeding into the river.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season and best for wildlife around water. The rains from June to October make tracks impassable. Early morning is best for animals.

Things to know

Large mammals are scarce and sightings are unlikely; this is a birding and landscape park. Tracks inside need four wheel drive and a guide. Facilities are at Tendaba rather than in the park.

Nearby

Tendaba is beside it, and Bao Bolong is across the river.

Key facts