The Gambia is a true birders paradise with more than 560 recorded species of birds. I am updated on the latest sightings in the country and know the best locations to find rare and interesting bird in The Gambia and Senegal. Together we will make a plan for you to get the most out of your visit. I offer to pick you up in a comfortable vehicle wherever you are staying in The Gambia and take you on your next birding adventure.
Below are my suggestions for areas to visit and tour prices.
Abuko Nature Reserve is a well-established savanna woodland and good for seeing Giant Kingfisher, Green and Violet Turacos, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Western Bluebill, and several different types of heron. Spending a few hours in this reserve also gives you the chance to find 3 different types of monkey, baboons, bushbuck and more. Just outside the reserve is an area of rice fields and vegetable gardens, where you can see Lizard Buzzard, Shikra, African Spoonbill, Pearl-spotted Owlet, African Harrier Hawk, Jacana, sunbirds and many different wading birds.
Brufut village lies close to the urban area of Serrekunda. The woodlands are very good place for sighting Verreaux Eagle Owl as well as White-faced Scops Owl, Long-tailed Nightjar, African and Red-bellied Paradise Flycatchers, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, and more. The woodland reserve at Brufut can be visited together with Tanji Bird Reserve, which is great for seeing ospreys and other seabirds, such as West African Crested and Caspian Terns.
Tujering and Kartong can be visited on the same morning. These are coastal regions and very attractive to lots of scrubland species, such as Vieillot's Barbet, Striped Kingfisher, Gabar Goshawk, Dark Chanting Goshawk and many Cisticolas and other African warblers. At Kartong you can find specialities like Senegal Batis, Black Heron, Palm-nut Vulture, Allen’s Gallinule, White-fronted Plover. In Kartong, you can also enjoy a boat trip on the Allahein river to see species including Goliath Heron, Purple Heron and African Fish Eagle.
Marakissa is a lovely, peaceful village not far from the border between The Gambia and Senegal. It is a place with lots of different birds with several interesting species including African Fish Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Honeyguides and many others. We can spend the whole day birding south of Marakissa, but also if there is time we can visit the neighbouring village of Darsalami. This is the last village before the border and a good place to find Long-crested Eagle and more.
Pirang lies a bit further inland and the network of wetlands and disused ponds are a brilliant place to find Black-crowned Crane, Greater Flamingo, White-throated Bee-eaters. In the nearby forests we can spot African Wood Owl, Verreaux Eagle Owl and Green Hylia. The woodland and surrounding farmland areas are great places to find several kinds of swallows, eagles and Northern Wheatear. Pirang is just a few minutes’ drive from Faraba Banta, where we can find Bateleur Eagles, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills and European Bee-eaters.
Including all transport, entrance tickets and my guiding services.
Half-day (4 hours)
1 person – £40
2 people – £50
Long Half-day (6 hours)
1 person – £50
2 people – £60
Full day (9 hours)
1 person – £70
2 people – £90
Tendaba 2 days, 1 night
1 person – £250
2 people – £290
Tendaba 3 days, 2 nights
1 person – £350
2 people – £390
Tendaba/Janjanbureh 4/5 days, 3/4 nights
1 person – £490
2 people – £580
Tendaba/Morgan Kunda/Janjanbureh 5/6 days, 4/5 nights
1 person – £610
2 people – £700
Prices will be calculated for larger groups on enquiry. I will supply breakfast or lunch to have in the field.
Please contact me to discuss your trip, make a booking or ask any questions.