Welcome to our five-day birdwatching and nature tour in The Gambia and Senegal, designed especially for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts! This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the stunning birdlife and natural beauty of The Gambia and Senegal, two of the top birdwatching destinations in West Africa.
Day 1: The Gambia
- 7:00 AM: We will pick you up from your hotel and travel to Abuko Nature Reserve, the oldest and most popular nature reserve in The Gambia.
- 9:00 AM: We will arrive at Abuko Nature Reserve and start our birdwatching tour. This reserve is home to over 270 bird species, including African fish eagles, hornbills, sunbirds, and weavers.
- 12:00 PM: After a few hours of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch.
- 1:00 PM: We will travel to Tanji Bird Reserve, which is located on the coast of The Gambia. This reserve is a haven for seabirds, including gulls, terns, and pelicans.
- 3:00 PM: We will head to your accommodation for the night at Mandina Lodges, located in a secluded spot on the Makasutu Forest.
Day 2: The Gambia
- 7:00 AM: After breakfast at the lodge, we will head to Tendaba Camp, located on the banks of the River Gambia, where we will spend the night.
- 9:00 AM: We will arrive at Tendaba Camp and start our birdwatching tour in the surrounding area. Tendaba is known for its diverse bird species, including ospreys, egrets, cormorants, and many more.
- 12:00 PM: After a few hours of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch at the camp.
- 1:00 PM: In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip along the River Gambia, where we can spot pelicans, herons, storks, and other water birds.
- 4:00 PM: We will return to the camp for dinner and spend the night in our comfortable rooms.
Day 3: Senegal
- 7:00 AM: After breakfast at the camp, we will cross the border to Senegal and head to Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important bird reserves in the world.
- 10:00 AM: We will arrive at Djoudj and start our birdwatching tour, exploring the different habitats of the park, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands. Djoudj is home to over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, storks, and many more.
- 12:00 PM: After a few hours of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch.
- 1:00 PM: We will continue our birdwatching tour in the park until the late afternoon.
- 4:00 PM: We will head to your accommodation for the night at a hotel in Saint Louis, a charming colonial town on the banks of the Senegal River.
Day 4: Senegal
- 7:00 AM: After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Langue de Barbarie National Park, located on a narrow peninsula between the Senegal River and the Atlantic Ocean
- 9:00 AM: We will arrive at Langue de Barbarie National Park and start our birdwatching tour. This park is known for its abundant birdlife, including sandpipers, terns, gulls, and flamingos. We may also spot some marine mammals, such as dolphins and manatees, in the surrounding waters.
- 12:00 PM: After a few hours of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch. We will provide a packed lunch or take you to a nearby restaurant for a traditional Senegalese meal.
- 1:00 PM: In the afternoon, we will visit the historic town of Saint Louis, which was the capital of French West Africa from 1895 to 1902. We will explore the colonial architecture, including the Pont Faidherbe, a stunning iron bridge over the Senegal River.
- 4:00 PM: We will return to the hotel for dinner and spend the night.
Day 5: Departure
7:00 AM: After breakfast at the hotel, we will head towards the Senegal River Delta and the Joal-Fadiouth area.
9:00 AM: We will arrive at Joal-Fadiouth, a beautiful fishing village built on two islands connected by a wooden bridge. This area is home to a variety of bird species, including pink flamingos, pelicans, egrets, and herons. We will explore the village and the surrounding wetlands to observe the birds and learn about the local fishing culture.
12:00 PM: After a few hours of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch at a local restaurant that serves fresh seafood caught by the villagers.
1:00 PM: In the afternoon, we will visit the Bandia Reserve, a private game reserve that hosts a variety of African wildlife, including giraffes, antelopes, rhinos, and monkeys. The reserve also has a bird park with over 150 bird species, including some rare ones such as the Egyptian plover.
4:00 PM: We will start heading back towards Senegambia, stopping at some viewpoints along the way to enjoy the scenic landscapes and birdlife.
6:00 PM: We will drop you off at your hotel in Banjul or Senegambia, marking the end of your five-day birdwatching and nature tour in The Gambia and Senegal.
Mustapha, our tour guide, is an experienced birder and nature enthusiasts who is passionate about showcasing the beauty of The Gambia’s birdlife. He will share his knowledge and expertise, making sure you have the best possible birdwatching experience.
He uses a comfortable and well-maintained vehicle for transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. His tours are also designed to be eco-friendly.
We encourage responsible tourism practices that preserve the natural environment.
If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or a nature lover, this five day tour is perfect for you! The Gambia is a paradise for birdwatchers, and we guarantee you’ll see some incredible bird species during your tour. Book your tour with Mustapha now and experience the magic of The Gambia’s birdlife