What you should (or may want to) know about Senegambia Birding

SENEGAMBIA BIRDING © 2018 is a registered trademark of BELGAMBIA TOURS & GUESTHOUSE LTD.

Book local. Book legal. And above all: book with heart.

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We are a licensed tour operator, officially registered with the Gambian Chamber of Commerce, and hold all necessary permits and insurance for our lodge in Mandinari. Our lodge is registered with the Gambian Tourism Board (GTB) and operate under VAT registration number SRN1920065720. While our lodge and the surrounding property were already registered locally, they are now officially recognized in our name by the relevant government authorities. This formal registration was required because part of our property is located within the protected Tanbi Wetlands National Park.

Safety is also our top priority when it comes to transport. All our vehicles are insured and thoroughly checked before every tour, ensuring you can travel in comfort and with peace of mind.

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Senegambia Birding and Belgambia Tours are locally managed in The Gambia, with a strong focus on fair work, honest service and respectful tourism.

We work with local guides, drivers and staff, and we believe in fair payment, clear organisation and long-term cooperation. Our guests are supported by our official office team before, during and after their trip. For your safety, correct planning and quality control, all bookings, payments, changes, extensions and future travel requests must go through our official company channels only. This helps us protect our guests, our team and the quality of every journey we organise.

We do not support exploitation, dishonesty or private arrangements outside the company structure. Our goal is simple: respectful tourism that benefits local people and gives our guests a safe, well-organised and genuine experience.

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Senegambia Birding – more than a travel company – a mission with impact

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Senegambia Birding was founded in 2018 from a deep love for nature — but also from a dream to create real opportunities in The Gambia.

What started as a small idea has grown into a local team of passionate bird guides, drivers and staff who work with pride, knowledge and heart. Through training, trust and years of experience, we have built more than a tour company. We have built a story of people, nature and hope.

Our guides know the birds, the landscapes and the hidden beauty of Gambia like no one else. But what makes them truly special is their care for our guests. They guide with patience, warmth and genuine enthusiasm. When you travel with Senegambia Birding, you book directly with the source. No intermediaries. Just local expertise, honest organisation and a team that wants to give you the best possible experience.

We may say it humbly, but we say it with pride: our guides are the heart of everything we do. Gambia is waiting for you.

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Looking Ahead to 2026 – Building a Brighter Future Together​

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At Senegambia Birding, we believe travel connects people—with nature and with each other.

Thanks to our guests’ trust, we’ve grown in recent seasons—and we use that growth to give back.

Our goal for 2026 is clear: build an orphanage and a primary school in The Gambia—safe places where vulnerable children can live, learn, and dream. These projects create opportunities for kids and sustainable jobs for local families. Every trip with us supports nature conservation, education, care, and employment. This isn’t for show—it’s real impact, rooted in Gambian realities. The road isn’t always easy, but each challenge helps us grow. With every step, we move closer to what we stand for—and that’s why so many guests return. Real change begins when we think beyond ourselves. - Thank you for being part of that journey.

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We’re seeking sponsors and partners to help us build. Contact contact@senegambiabirding.com.
Every contribution—big or small—brings us closer to our goal.

 

Our own Lodge at the Tanbi wetlands. Belgambia Lodge Mandinari 
 

For years, guests asked if we’d ever open our own lodge. Now we have: Belgambia Lodge—a small, private hideaway in Mandinari, on the edge of the Tanbi Wetlands. You stay in the heart of nature, surrounded by birds and tropical greenery. The garden has feeding and drinking spots plus a private photo hide for all guests. We offer five comfortable double rooms (queen-size bed, private bathroom with rain shower, terrace) and a cosy bar with garden view. Our kitchen serves fresh local dishes with European and Gambian touches. We’re licensed to serve alcohol: cold beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Our lodge borders the Tanbi Wetland Complex (6,000 ha, protected)—an exceptionally rich ecosystem. You may encounter Western Red Colobus monkeys and, with luck, bush babies, genets, marsh mongooses, and African clawless otters. The area also hosts West African crocodiles plus various snakes and lizards—and it’s a true birding paradise with 350+ recorded species.

 

Strong Women, Strong Organisation
 

Women are at the heart of our success. At the helm is our General Manager and owner, Kaddy Sarr – a dynamic and inspiring leader whose vision, hospitality, and attention to detail set the high standards for everything we do. Together with talented colleagues such as Hawa, Fatou, Margret, Fatoumata, and Sonna, she ensures flawless organization, exceptional guest care, and a warm welcome that will remain a cherished memory long after your visit.

Their dedication is more than just work – it is a statement that women in The Gambia, regardless of tradition or expectation, can and should play a key role in entrepreneurship, hospitality, and development. And you can feel that strength in every detail of your stay.

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Top Guides with Local Expertise

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Our guides are among the very best in The Gambia – not only for their deep knowledge of birds, nature, and local culture, but also for their ability to work seamlessly with photographers. Trained to understand the unique needs of both hobby and professional photographers, they know exactly how to position you for the perfect shot, when to wait for that magical moment, and how to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Whether you’re here to capture the vibrant colours of a kingfisher in flight, to tick rare species off your bird list, or simply to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, our guides will take you to the best locations at exactly the right time of day. They ensure you won’t miss a single highlight – from the smallest detail to the grandest spectacle.

This dedication to photography runs deep in our organisation. Our founder, who is actively involved in Senegambia Birding, is a passionate photographer both by profession and as a lifelong hobbyist. His expertise has shaped the way our tours are designed, ensuring that every excursion offers not just remarkable sightings, but also exceptional photographic opportunities.

A short introduction to The Gambia – The Smiling Coast of Africa

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Just six hours from Belgium or the Netherlands, The Gambia is undoubtedly one of Africa’s top birding destinations.

In this small West African country, over 600 bird species have been recorded. Neighbouring Senegal adds even more variety with 672 species observed. During a two-week tour, we typically spot between 220 and 320 species, depending on the season.

Gambia is especially popular with photographers, as many of the colourful birds are less shy than in Europe and allow close approaches.
Thanks to the seasonal transition from rainy to dry (October to June), every month offers different light and backgrounds – from vibrant greens in October and November to warm oranges and yellows in the dry months. And it’s not just birds. You’ll also encounter mammals, reptiles, insects, and the stunning Gambian landscapes – from coastal mangroves to inland savannahs.

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Our fantastic team looks forward to welcoming you soon in beautiful and colourful Gambia.

With great enthusiasm, we’re ready to give you an unforgettable experience:
Jim, Marcus, Ousman, Lamine, Abdoulie, Musa, Hawa, Sonna, Abou, Fatou, Madi, Margret, Michel,

Mohammed, Cabla, Pabi, Idrissa and of course, our manager Kaddy Sarr.

See you soon in The Gambia – The Smiling Coast of Africa!

​Book Now or Request a Free Quote

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Certificate of Business RegistrationBelgambia Tours & Guesthouse Ltd (Senegambia Birding) is officially registered as a licensed tour operator and hospitality provider in The Gambia. Our business operates under the regulations of the Gambian Tourism Board and is committed to offering safe, legal, and high-quality travel services. Travel with peace of mind by choosing a certified and registered tour operator in The Gambia.

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