Why Visit The Gambia

Chimpanzee Island

A visit to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust's (CRT) camp, 270km inland, is an unforgettable experience and one which we are delighted to be able to offer our clients.

Established in 1969 by Stella Marsden, the Trust is Africa's longest running chimp rehab project and is now home to 78 chimps. The Trust consists of three islands in the River Gambia set within the River Gambia National Park.

What to See & Do

As well as the chimps, the area is home to a wide variety of animals including Red Colobus and Green Vervet monkeys, which pass by the camp each day, Western baboons, hippos, crocodiles, a vast array of bird life and you might even be lucky enough to see West African Manatee. The highlight of your stay will undoubtedly be the boat trips around the islands to view the chimps and natural beauty of the area, however there are a number of other activities available: go birdwatching, climb to the alleged site of the demise of the last Gambian elephant for fantastic views of the chimp islands and watch the sun set, or visit the nearby Gambia Horse and Donkey Association. CRT also sponsors children at a local school and has helped set up a village health clinic. Finish off the day by star gazing and listening to the calls of the chimps from the terrace of the waterhouse.

Camp Accommodation

Customers wanting to visit the Trust, stay at the Badi Mayo Camp (meaning Monkey River) which only has four two-bed tents so you will be one of a handful of guests. The en-suite safari tents are situated approximately 50 metres apart on elevated platforms on the riverbank overlooking the River Gambia and the islands of the National Park. The tents are comfortable with a sense of privacy without isolation and the open-air showers have breathtaking views, described by previous guests as "one of the most amazing shower views in the world". Meals are served in a waterhouse on stilts over the river which has a partly shaded veranda and open terrace, ideal for watching the wildlife by day and star gazing by night.

Important Information & Prices

The journey to get to the camp is fairly arduous. After crossing the river on the Barra Ferry your guide will meet you on the North Bank for the start of the 4 to 5 hour drive to Chimpanzee Island. A reasonable level of fitness is needed to maximise the enjoyment of this trip and to manage the winding stairs to the tents. It is hot during the day with cool nights during the winter and hot and humid day and night in summer.

3 nights cost from £499 per person based on 2 sharing a tent on full board and includes a boat trip to view the chimps and transfers from the coastal resorts. The trust has their own website at www.chimprehab.com