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Abuko Nature Reserve

Coast  >  Gambia

This oldest protected wildlife area in The Gambia might be small, but offers excellent birding. More than 340 bird species have been recorded.

Added* by Wesley Smith
Most recent update 13 January 2026

Description

Abuko Nature Reserve is the oldest protected wildlife area in The Gambia, famous for easy wildlife viewing and excellent birdwatching. The reserve covers 107 hectares of gallery forest, savannah grassland, and riparian habitat along the Lamin Stream. From the entrance, a 4 km circular easy path leads you through the area. Species commonly seen include Green Turaco, Violet Turaco, African Pygmy-Kingfisher, Collared Sunbird, Beautiful Sunbird, Bearded Barbet, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Palm-nut Vulture, Green Woodhoopoe, Broad-billed Roller, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Oriole Warbler and African Paradise-Flycatcher.

Details

Access

Abuko Nature Reserve is located just south of the town of Abuko on on the Brikama Highway and is easily accessible from the main coastal holiday resorts in The Gambia. You can park right in front of the entrance. Press P on the map for directions. The Reserve is open from 6:30 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 35 dalasi (2025).

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Pond

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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