BIRD WATCHING TOURS
COASTAL BIRDING SITES
Kotu Creek
Kotu Creek, renowned for birdwatching, is conveniently located near prominent hotels like Bakotu Hotel, Bungalow Beach Hotel, and Badala Park Hotel. The area offers two distinct habitats for bird enthusiasts. Adjacent to the hotels, the rice fields provide a habitat where, within just a two-hour walk, one can observe up to 80 bird species, including Spoonbills, Ibis, Painted Snipes, Herons, Terns, and various seabirds migrating from Europe. Moreover, we will have few hours canoe rides in the creek. Additionally, the Nature Trail next to the rice fields offers further exploration along the Cycle Track leading to the sewage ponds enveloped by mangroves, which are popular with many wader species. The trail culminates at the Golf Course. Visitors can opt for either a morning trip starting at 7:30 am or an afternoon trip beginning at 3:30 pm, making it flexible to fit into travel schedules.
Marakissa Woods
Marakissa Woods, located approximately 5km south of Brikama, stands out as a premier coastal birdwatching destination due to its diverse habitats. These include rice paddies, scrublands, open savannas, reed beds, and the Allahein River. This rich variety of ecosystems supports a remarkable
diversity of bird species. Notable among them are the White-crowned Robin-Chat, Giant Kingfisher, White-breasted Cuckoo-Shrike, Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Black Crake, Yellow-throated Leaf Love, Greater Honey Guide, African Scops Owl, White-faced Scops Owl, Dwarf Bittern, Greater Painted Snipe, Purple Glossy Starling, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, White-crested Helmet Shrike, Long-crested Eagle, and many others.
Farasutu Forest
Farasutu Forest, located in Kuloro, Western District, The Gambia, is a remnant patch of what can be termed as ‘wet evergreen forest,’ although it only exhibits its true wetness during the rainy season, typically from June to October. Characterized by towering trees adorned with buttress roots, the forest exudes an atmosphere of darkness, heat, humidity, and dense greenery. During the wet season, visibility along the tracks is limited to just a few meters, if not less, due to the lush vegetation. Among the species expected to be seen here are Spotted Honey Guide, Lesser Honey Guide, Greater Honey Guide, Green Headed Sunbird, African Wood Owl, Greyish Eagle Owl, African Goashawk, Simple Leaflove, and many forest birds are expected to be seen here.
Pirang Bonto Community Forest
Pirang Bonto community forest, encompassing about 64 hectares, is a pristine gallery forest surrounded by diverse habitats like farmlands, salt flats, and mangroves in The Gambia. It remains cool and tranquil even during peak daytime, making it a haven for birdwatchers and photographers. The forest is renowned for its diverse avian population, hosting forest-specialist species with limited distributions, such as the white-spotted flufftail, African wood owl, green turaco, and many others including the violet turaco and buff-spotted woodpecker. Notable raptors like the Verreaux’s eagle owl and long-crested eagle also inhabit this area.
A dedicated photo hide within the forest offers enthusiasts the opportunity to observe and photograph these birds in their natural setting, enhancing the experience for both birdwatchers and photographers.
Brufut Woods
Brufut Woods, a small reserved area in The Gambia, managed by the Brufut community, is an easily accessible birding location near the main resort areas. Covering about 3 acres, it protects a pocket of dense coastal forest and open woodland, making it an ideal habitat for various exotic bird species. The site is known for its excellent bird watching opportunities, with a focus on the Long-tailed Nightjar, reliably spotted at close quarters. Other bird species in the area include the Splendid Sunbird, Guinea Turaco, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Northern Puffback, Bruce’s Green-Pigeon, African Yellow White-eye, African Pied Hornbill, Violet Turaco, Cardinal Woodpecker, African Harrier-Hawk, Pin-tailed Whydah, and more.
Abuko Nature Reserve
Abuko Nature Reserve, established in 1968, holds the distinction of being the first national park in The Gambia. Initially measuring 188 acres, it has undergone expansions, with the current size standing at 259 acres, including a 2.5-acre extension known as the Guinea savanna area. The entire reserve is enclosed by a 2.5-meter fence, a collaborative effort with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Situated close to the main tourist resort, Abuko Nature Reserve plays a vital role as one of the last forested areas in the region. The Lamin stream traverses the reserve, creating a rich and diverse evergreen gallery forest along its banks.
This gallery forest features a central lake and is a crucial habitat for diverse bird species. Notable avian residents include the Pied Kingfishers, African Paradise Flycatcher, Waxbils, Western Bluebill, Manikins, Doves, African Jacana, Giant Kingfisher, Palm nut Vulture, Hammerkop, Grey Headed Bristle Bill, White Crowned Robin Chat, Grey Backed Camaroptera, Lanner Falcon, Pygmy Kingfisher, Violet Turaco, African Thrush, Fork-Tailed Drongo, Black Herons, Squacco Heron, Oriole Warbler, Black Crake, Red-Bellied Flycatchers, Little Greenbull, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Common Wattled Eye, African Pied Hornbill, and more.
Kartong Wetland
Kartong Wetland, is a coastal haven located at the country’s southern tip, bordering Senegal and easily accessible from main hotel areas. Initially a sand extraction quarry, it has transformed into a diverse landscape featuring shallow freshwater ponds with reed beds, coastal dunes, mudflats, sandy beaches, and patches of woodland and scrub. The site boasts a remarkable variety of birdlife, including woodland birds, raptors, seabirds, Osprey, and seasonal migrants. Notable species like the White Fronted Plover nest on the dune fringe, contributing to the area’s ecological richness.
Tanji Bird Reserve
Tanji Bird Reserve, was established in 1993 under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Wildlife. The bird reserve is located in the southern part of The Gambia, approximately 3 km north of a renowned fishing centre. This reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a rich diversity of both winter visitors and native African bird species.
The reserve comprises various habitats, including dunes, lagoons, woodlands, and Bijolisland, featuring a protected island dedicated to bird breeding. Among the species to expect at Tanji Bird Reserve include the Osprey, Crested Lark, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Kelp Gull, Godwits, and Lesser Black-backed Gull, among many others. This makes Tanji Bird Reserve an ideal location for bird watching, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to observe a diverse range of species in their natural habitat.
UPCOUNTRY BIRDING SITES
Tendaba Camp
Tendaba Camp, situated in the vibrant birding haven of Tendaba region in The Gambia, is renowned for offering exceptional opportunities for bird enthusiasts. Nestled around Tendaba Lodge, the camp provides various birding options, inviting visitors to explore the diverse avian life in the area.
One can embark on a walk to the lake near the south side of the Tendaba airstrip or venture into the ‘Batelling’ Bush track, surrounded by a tree savanna where numerous bird species can be observed. Additionally, a boat safari through the mangrove creeks unveils a plethora of birdlife, including the Pink-backed Pelican, Long-tailed Cormorant, Darters, Grey Heron, and more.
Noteworthy bird species found in the vicinity include the African Fish-Eagle, Lizard Buzzard, Abyssinian Roller, and Black Scimitar-bill Hornbill, among others. The camp’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for birding excursions to prime localities such as Kiang West National Park and Baobolong Wetland Reserve.
Tendaba Camp, although offering basic yet comfortable accommodations, provides a warm and
welcoming atmosphere. A stroll to nearby hills and woodlands reveals the presence of unique bird species like the Black Rumped Waxbill, Pygmy Sunbird, and Bronze-winged Courser.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can partake in a boat trip into the Baobolong Wetland
Reserve where you are expect to see White Backed night heron, Black Crowned night heron, Goliath heron, Brown sunbird, Wolly necked stork, Pinked backed pelican, White breasted commorant, African spoon billed, Yellow billed stock and if you are lucky enough you can see Pel’s fishing owl, adding another dimension to the birding adventure. Overall, Tendaba Camp stands as a gateway to discovering the rich birdlife of the lower river region in The Gambia.
River Gambia National Park
River Gambia National Park, a notable national park in The Gambia, consists of a complex of five islands in the River Gambia, often referred to as the Baboon Islands. Established in 1978, the park plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation in Gambia, including significant projects like Chimpanzee rehabilitation and protecting endangered hippos in West Africa. Other inhabitants include the Nile crocodile, western baboon, green velvet monkey, red colobus monkey, hippos, and possibly bushbuck.
The area is also rich in reptilian life, including various snakes, lizards, and more. However, it is good to note that, the park is not accessible for human, but you can explore the island via boat trip.
Kiang West National Park
Established in 1987, Kiang West National Park is situated in southern Gambia, adjacent to the riverbank, approximately 145 kilometres from Banjul, the capital. As one of Gambia’s largest protected nature reserves, it spans about 11,000 hectares and boasts a rich diversity of wildlife. The park primarily consists of deciduous woodland and Guinea savannah, complemented by expansive mangrove creeks, ‘bolong’ tributaries, and tidal mood flats. Its three major areas, Nganingkoi, Jarin, and Jali bolong, contribute to its varied landscape.
Bird watching is a key attraction at Kiang West National Park, with different bird species, raptors suchas vultures, harrier eagles, sandgrouse, Blue-breasted Kingfishers, hawks, White-shouldered Black Tits, and falcons. Prime bird-watching locations include Tubabkollon Point and along the dirt road toBatelling from the Kwinella Tendaba highway
Morgan Kunda
When you journey to Morgan Kunda, anticipate the sight of a diverse array of bird species, including the Hawk Eagle, the observant Grasshopper Buzzard, the imposing Ground Hornbills, and graceful Storks. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the delicate Pygmy Sunbirds, the resilient Sparrow Larks, White rumped seed-eater, Abyssinian ground horn billed, European Hoopoe, Savil’s bustard, White belled bustard, Pearl spotted owl, Speckled fronted weaver, Rufous Scrub Robin, Northern Anteater Chat and many other unique species are expected to see.
Bansang Quarry
Bansang quarry is located at southeast of Georgetown, there exists a well-established colony of Red Throated Bee-eaters. This area, known for its quarry with a small rain-fed pool, serves as a habitat for a variety of bird species. Among these are the Whistling Ducks, Mottle Spine Tail, Rufous Chested Swallow, Hammerkop, Cinnamon Breasted Bunting as well as breeding populations of Exclamatory Paradise and Pin Tail Whydahs, and the Grey Headed Kingfisher. In addition, the Northern Red Bishop finds its home here. The nearby hills and the surrounding agricultural lands provide an excellent environment for raptors, including the White Backed Vulture, Tawny Eagle, Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture, and Booted Eagle, among many others.
Northern Senegal
The Djoudj National Park
Djoudji is in north of Senegal were we are going to explore as far as Richard toll to Podoro for more Sahel species. This sanctuary is a haven for a diverse range of wetland habitats, attracting numerous migrating birds, many of whom have just completed their arduous journey across the Sahara. Home to nearly 400 species of birds, the sanctuary is especially renowned for its visible populations of pelicans and flamingos. Birds that are expected to be seen in Djoudj include Glossy Ibis, Lesser Flamingos, Greater Flamingos, African And European Spoon Billed, Egyptian Goose, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Allen’s Gallenule, Black Crowned Crane, Arabian Bustard and many more migratory birds do have stop here.
OUR West South African Birdwatching Safari Tour
With around one third of the world’s bird species, Africa is a prime birdwatching destination. And, with incredible wildlife thrown in, it makes for an unbeatable birdwatching safari destination. Our small-group birdwatching trips and tours cater for all kinds of birder, from the beginner to the more serious ‘lister’.
Birding Trips and Safaris for 2023 and 2024
We have an exciting range of birdwatching tours lined up for 2023 and 2024. From the Fynbos of the Cape to the Kakamega rain-forest in Kenya, our birding safaris offer something for all birders. If none of these fit the bill, contact us to discuss a custom birding safari.
Our Essential Birding Safari Trip
As a nature-based tour operator, we’re committed to delivering first-class small-group birding and wildlife safari trips and tours. We differentiate ourselves with our specialized nature tours which remain authentic and ‘real’ – perfect for the discerning nature enthusiast. Our tours are well-paced, though you may lose track of time when immersed in the African bush!
Our Kenyan Birdwatching & Wildlife Tour
A Kenya Safari is one of the classic African holiday experiences, the country has a bird list of over 1000 species! This 16-day itinerary is designed to showcase some of the country’s top birding and wildlife areas It’s designed to be a well-rounded and immensely enjoyable safari experience. And we have limited it to 5 participants, making for an exclusive and personal tour.
Our Birdwatching Safari tour
This birdwatching safari is the first of our two-part ‘mega-tour’. Our South Africa birdwatching safari covers most of the birding hot-spots of the western side of South Africa. These spots have been chosen on the basis of their special birds and geographic location to create a concise route designed to maximise the chances for the endemics
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