Chimpanzee Island

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.

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.

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.