Welcome to the 7-Day Birdwatching Tour in The Gambia, designed for birdwatching enthusiasts who want to discover the rich birdlife and natural beauty of this West African country. You will be accompanied by Mustapha Manneh, an experienced birdwatcher who knows the best birdwatching spots and can help you identify the different species you will encounter along the way.
Day 1: Abuko Nature Reserve
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: Tendaba Camp
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: Kiang West National Park
7:00 AM: After breakfast at the camp, we will head to Kiang West National Park, located in the Lower River Region of The Gambia.
9:00 AM: We will arrive at Kiang West National Park and start our birdwatching tour in the different habitats of the park, including savannah, forest, and wetlands. This park is home to over 300 bird species, including raptors, kingfishers, and bee-eaters.
12:00 PM: After a few hours of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch.
1:00 PM: In the afternoon, 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 lodge in Bwiam, a small town in the Foni Region.
Day 4: Wassu Stone Circles and Niumi National Park
7:00 AM: After breakfast at the lodge, we will head to the Wassu Stone Circles, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Central River Region.
9:00 AM: We will arrive at the Wassu Stone Circles and take a guided tour of this mysterious site that dates back to the 3rd century BC.
11:00 AM: We will continue our journey to Niumi National Park, located in the North Bank Region, near the border with Senegal.
1:00 PM: We will arrive at Niumi National Park
and have lunch at a local restaurant.
2:00 PM: After lunch, we will start our birdwatching tour in the park, which is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, African spoonbills, and African jacanas.
5:00 PM: We will head to your accommodation for the night at Ngala Lodge, located on the beach in the town of Bakau.
Day 5: Kotu Creek and Bijilo Forest Park
7:00 AM: After breakfast at the lodge, we will head to Kotu Creek, a popular birdwatching spot in the Greater Banjul Area.
9:00 AM: We will arrive at Kotu Creek and start our birdwatching tour, which includes a boardwalk through mangrove forests and a lagoon.
12:00 PM: After a few hours of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch.
1:00 PM: In the afternoon, we will head to Bijilo Forest Park, a small but important forest reserve that is home to a variety of bird species, including cuckoos, turacos, and owls.
4:00 PM: We will return to Ngala Lodge for dinner and spend the night in our comfortable rooms.
Day 6: Tanji Fish Market and Abuko Forest Reserve
7:00 AM: After breakfast at the lodge, we will head to Tanji Fish Market, a bustling market where local fishermen bring their catch of the day.
9:00 AM: We will arrive at Tanji Fish Market and have the opportunity to see a variety of seabirds, including gulls, terns, and pelicans.
12:00 PM: After a few hours at the market, we will take a break for lunch.
1:00 PM: In the afternoon, we will head back to Abuko Nature Reserve for more birdwatching. We may spot some of the same species we saw on our first day, as well as some new ones.
4:00 PM: We will return to your accommodation at Mandina Lodges for dinner and spend the night in our comfortable rooms.
Day 7: Departure
7:00 AM: After breakfast at the lodge, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 7-day birdwatching tour in The Gambia.
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 seven 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