What it is
A park of river islands, often called the Baboon Islands, near Kuntaur about 250 km upriver. The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project has released and managed chimpanzees here since 1979. Hippo and crocodile are in the river around them.
Why go
It is the only place in the country to see chimpanzees, and the viewing is done properly: landing on the islands is not permitted, and you watch from a boat at a distance, which is better for the animals and honest about what you are seeing. Colobus and other monkeys are along the banks, and the birdlife on this stretch of river is heavy. The Wassu stone circles, part of the Senegambian stone circles listed by UNESCO in 2006, are a short drive away and worth combining.
When to go
November to April. Access is a long day's drive from the coast or a multi-day river trip; accommodation is a small camp on the riverbank. Numbers are limited, so this needs booking in advance rather than adding on arrival.
Most people stay 2 nights.