our Mission
We are celebrating more than 20 years of successful endangered species conservation in The Gambia. During this time, Project Wild Gambia has contributed to the research, data collection, and conservation of some of the rarest species. Our research projects lead to the development of ecotourism initiatives which not only conserves the country's most threatened wildlife, but also helps to alleviate poverty in local communities and boost the Gambian economy.
This crucial conservation work is made possible through our participants who join us on our trips.
HOW TO GET Involved?
Whether you're an individual with little to no experience in the field, or a professional with plenty of experience, and want to immerse yourself in real-world conservation in West Africa, we can assure you that our short and long-term research expeditions will offer you a trip of a lifetime!
Or, if you're an academic professional looking to offer a unique and bespoke field course or long-term placement programme to your passionate students, then look no further.
You will experience some of the rarest wildlife within some of the most remote and breathtaking parts of The Gambia, a country that many aid organisations and charities have overlooked in the past. Joining us allows you to become totally immersed in West African culture, carry out scientific research and meet the people within local communities you're helping through your contributions.
OPEN-GROUP RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS
An expedition is defined as a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of research, and our Project Wild Gambia team delivers precisely that. We have been conducting valuable research for the last 20 years with the help of participants from our conservation research expeditions.
Our annual 2-week conservation research expeditions are suitable for all individuals with an interest and passion for wildlife; whether you are a budding conservationist with little to no experience, or an experienced professional, we can guarantee our research expeditions will have a lot to offer you and you will make memories that will last a lifetime!
What are you waiting for?
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Academic
field courses
With our team having over 20 years of experience studying The Gambia's wildlife, consistent involvement in conservation initiatives, and previous employment in UK universities, we have specialised in formulating unique and inspirational field trips to The Gambia.
Our field courses are designed for academic staff to be able to incorporate into their courses and/or modules hassle free. We work with you to understand your course requirements and create a bespoke itinerary to meet those needs. We also offer free staff places and redacted paperwork to make your busy life as easy as possible!
You and your students will delve into the African bush and be presented with unique opportunities such as researching Critically Endangered primates, surveying dwarf crocodiles, transect counts for hippopotamuses, or even discovering a new species of shark at an artisanal elasmobranch fishery! The opportunities are endless...
What are you waiting for?
placement programme
We are delighted to announce that in addition to our academic field courses and research expeditions, we are now offering competitive short and long-term placement opportunities for current students and postgraduates with full academic and field support for capable and dedicated individuals.
What are you waiting for?
why the gambia?
wildlife
Although The Gambia is the smallest country on Africa mainland, it is also one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on the African continent and is home to an array of diverse and spectacular flora and fauna. There is so much to learn about these species and their ecosystems; thus, current monitoring and surveying are crucial for their survival. From Critically Endangered (CR) hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) to Temminck's red colobus (Piliocolobus badius temminckii), Atlantic humpback dolphins (Sousa teuszii), and the endemic Armitage's skink (Chalcides armitagei), your days will be packed with astonishing wildlife. Beginning your day at the breakfast table with multiple birds of prey species passing by and the unknown of which species we will discover next.
COMMUNITY
This tea plays an important role in Gambian culture. Steeped for around an hour and divided, attaya allows you to slow down your day, talk with friends, and enjoy each other's company.
Great for the aircon!
This tea plays an important role in Gambian culture. Steeped for around an hour and divided, attaya allows you to slow down your day, talk with friends, and enjoy each other's company.
The Gambia is home to a beautiful coastline and towering gallery forests. Senegambia is known for its bustling streets and vibrant colours with locals making the area deserving of the title the 'Smiling Coast'. Gambians have a saying that “nothing is impossible in The Gambia”, allowing you to make the most of each trip and organising difficult journeys to carry out our crucial research, otherwise impossible without their can-do attitude. As you're driven along chaotic dirt roads, children will run alongside the vehicle with excitement, taking any opportunity to talk and play with you. Senegambia has an abundance of live musicians for all to enjoy, encouraging you to dance and join them on the djembe. You’ll be sure to feel at home in the Smiling Coast!
