Wassu Stone Circles
Nature Reserve Ancient megalithic stone circles and UNESCO site
Near the village of Wassu, the Wassu Stone Circles are part of the Senegambian megalithic sites; visitors learn about the stone circles’ funerary context, see standing stones, and visit the on-site interpretive centre.
Wassu Stone Circles are a complex of megalithic stone circles and standing stones near the village of Wassu in the Central River Division of The Gambia, noted for their archaeological importance and megalithic architecture.
Groups of upright stones form concentric circles and alignments, with some circles spanning tens of metres across; the site is part of a wider regional ensemble of stone circles across Senegal and The Gambia. The arrangement and scale of the stones are the primary on-site features that draw interest and study.
Archaeologists attribute the monuments to prehistoric communities in the Senegambia region; studies have associated the circles with burial and ritual practices. The ensemble was recognized by UNESCO in 2006 as part of the Senegambian stone circles World Heritage listing.
The site sits near the village of Wassu close to the north bank of the Gambia River in the country’s central region, accessible from roads linking to larger towns along the river valley.
- UNESCO: Inscribed in 2006 as part of the Senegambian stone circles World Heritage listing.
How to Get to Wassu Stone Circles #
Wassu is reached by road from Jarra Soma or Janjanbureh (Georgetown). The nearest regional town is Janjanbureh on MacCarthy Island; from there it’s a drive north across the river. Local guides and 4x4 hire are recommended for the final stretch on unsealed roads.
Tips for Visiting Wassu Stone Circles #
- Visit the small Wassu Museum to understand the archaeological context before walking the circle site.
- Hire a local guide from Juffureh or Wassu to hear Mandinka oral histories tied to the stones.
- Morning or late afternoon light is best for photography; mid-day heat can be intense.
Best Time to Visit Wassu Stone Circles #
Best during the dry season (Nov-Mar) for road access and cooler daytime temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Wassu Stone Circles #
Wassu Stone Circles's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 39°C. Moderate rainfall (710 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month with highs of 38°C and lows of 24°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (170 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (218 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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