Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, Wetland reserve in North Bank Division, Gambia
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is a protected area and Ramsar site on the northern bank of the River Gambia, covering mangroves, salt marshes, and savanna woodland. These habitats meet and overlap, creating a network of waterways, mudflats, and tree-lined creeks that support both aquatic and land-based wildlife.
The reserve was officially protected in 1993 and received international recognition in 1996 when it was listed as a Ramsar wetland of global importance. Since then, its boundaries have been expanded to bring more habitat under protection.
The name "Bao Bolong" comes from the local Mandinka language, where "bolong" means a small river or creek. Fishermen from nearby villages still paddle through these narrow waterways using traditional dugout canoes, following routes passed down through generations.
The dry season, running from November to May, makes walking and boat trips much easier, with clearer water and firmer ground. Starting early in the morning gives the best chance of seeing wildlife and makes the heat more manageable.
The reserve is one of the few places in West Africa where Atlantic humpback dolphins regularly enter the inland waterways to feed. These dolphins are rarely studied and can sometimes be spotted from a boat moving quietly through the bolongs.
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