Niumi National Park and Jinack Island

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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.