Niumi National Park, Essau, Gambia

Niumi National Park, Essau, Gambia  

Niumi National Park was gazetted in 1986 under section 5.2 of the Wildlife Act. Niumi National Park encompasses the southern tip of the Sine-Saloum Delta. The wetland complex is primarily coastal in nature with seasonal variation in the hydrological regime of the inland component. The fauna of the area is diverse though not exceedingly abundant and includes the West African Manatee and Atlantic Hump-backed Dolphin.

Niumi National Park occupies the coastal strip of the north bank of the River Gambia and covers approximately 7758 ha of which 4940 ha of terrestrial and 2818.ha of marine waters. The park extends northwards to the Senegalese border where it joins with the Delta du Saloum National Park.

Essentially Niumi National Park forms the southern limit of the vast delta complex, which is centered on the seasonal Sine and Saloum Rivers. Eleven peripheral villages use the Park. Three villages are located within the Park area. Bakindik Koto is the only village located well within the mainland area of the Park and the villages of Jinack Niji and Jinack Kajata are located on the north-eastern end of Jinack Island. Several other villages lies on the eastern periphery fringes of the Park.

Epic Gambia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound