Tanbi Wetland Complex

The Tanbi wetlands fill the water between Banjul's island and the mainland, a network of mangrove creeks and mudflats that is a Ramsar site and a nursery for much of the estuary's fish. Women of the Kartong and Tanbi oyster associations cut oysters off the mangrove roots here on a managed seasonal cycle. Boats run from Denton Bridge into the creeks and the birdlife is heavy. The complex covers around sixty square kilometres, most of it mangrove rather than open water.

What you actually see

• The mangrove creeks - the channel network between island and mainland.
• The oyster harvest - women cutting oysters off the roots on a managed cycle.
• The mudflats - feeding ground for waders at low tide.
• The Ramsar status - protection for the estuary's main nursery.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season and best for birds. Oyster harvesting runs on a set seasonal window. Tide governs which creeks are passable.

Honest expectations

Access is by boat and must be arranged; there is little to see from land. Mosquitoes are severe at dawn and dusk. Water quality near Banjul is poor.

Nearby

Banjul is east, and Serekunda is south.