Niumi National Park and Jinack Island
A north bank park of mangrove, savanna and a barrier island with an empty beach.
Updated 2 October 2026
Niumi covers the Gambian side of the coast north of the river mouth, mangrove creek, savanna woodland and the barrier island of Jinack, which is split between the Gambia and Senegal and reached by boat across a bolong. Jinack has a long empty Atlantic beach with almost nothing built on it, a few community lodges, and dolphins offshore. The park adjoins Senegal's Saloum delta. Jinack is sometimes called Coconut Island by the lodges, though the name is not used locally.
Highlights
- Jinack Island - a barrier island with a long empty Atlantic beach.
- The mangrove bolongs - the creek network behind the island.
- The split border - an island divided between the Gambia and Senegal.
- The Saloum link - the park adjoining Senegal's delta to the north.
When to go
November to February is the cool dry season. The rains from June make tracks difficult. Tide governs the boat crossings to Jinack.
Before you go
Access needs a boat arranged from the mainland and there is no scheduled service. Accommodation on Jinack is very basic with no power. Mosquitoes are severe.
Nearby
Barra is south, and the Senegalese border runs across the island.
What to pack for Niumi National Park and Jinack Island
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon
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