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.
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.
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.
SENEGAMBIA BIRDING – MORE THAN A TRAVEL COMPANY – A MISSION WITH IMPACT
Senegambia Birding was founded in 2018 with one clear belief: tourism should do more than create beautiful memories.
It should also create opportunities for the people who call The Gambia home. Through our tours, we provide employment, training and future prospects for local guides, drivers and staff. In 2026, our team already consists of 35 people — a milestone we are proud of, because every job here truly makes a difference.
But our mission goes far beyond tourism. Through the Belgambia Foundation and our cooperation with the Morgan Clark Foundation, we invest directly in the communities where we live and work. We support, among other things, education, school fees, educational materials, food assistance, healthcare, local employment, nature conservation and social projects. We also support children and families who need additional assistance and continue to develop initiatives that provide them with greater stability, opportunities and prospects for the future. Through Belgambia Lodge Jarjari, the former Morgan Kunda Lodge, we also work together with the Morgan Clark Foundation to strengthen existing local projects on the North Bank.
When you travel with Senegambia Birding, you discover The Gambia in an authentic and personal way. At the same time, every booking contributes to employment, education, care and sustainable local development. With us, you are therefore not simply booking a holiday. You are helping to build a better future.
More information about our projects and foundations:
Belgambia Foundation:
https://www.senegambiabirding.com/nl/belgambiafoundation
Morgan Clark Foundation:
www.morganclarkfoundation.org
BELGAMBIA LODGES — EXCLUSIVELY FOR BIRDERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS & NATURE LOVERS
Welcome to Belgambia Lodges, three special locations in The Gambia where nature, comfort, birding experiences and local involvement come together.
Belgambia Lodge Mandinari is peacefully located on the edge of the Tanbi Wetlands, surrounded by tropical greenery, mangroves, rice fields and an impressive diversity of birdlife. The lodge has 5 double rooms and 3 single rooms, each with a private bathroom, rain shower, terrace and comfortable beds. In the garden you will find feeding stations, drinking spots and specially designed photography hides, ideal for quiet observation and close-range photography.
On the Halahin River lies Belgambia Lodge Marakissa, a simple and authentic lodge set in a completely different landscape. Here you can discover wetlands, woodlands, river habitats and a different mix of species compared with Mandinari. Its location by the water, the tranquillity and the direct access to excellent birding areas make Marakissa a very special place for nature lovers, birders and photographers.
On the North Bank you will find our third base: Belgambia Lodge Jarjari, the former Morgan Kunda Lodge. Surrounded by baobabs, open landscapes and the Bao Bolong wetlands, Jarjari offers yet another completely different nature experience, with excellent opportunities for savannah birds, raptors, bee-eaters, bustards and ground hornbills.
Belgambia Lodge Jarjari is being developed in cooperation with Phil Morgan and the Morgan Clark Foundation. This partnership goes far beyond tourism alone. Part of the revenue and activities contributes to local employment, education, healthcare, food support and community projects.
Together, Mandinari, Marakissa and Jarjari form three unique bases for those who truly want to experience The Gambia. From mangroves and rice fields to rivers, wetlands, woodlands and savannah. Sleep in the heart of nature, wake up to birds and discover a new landscape every day.
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.
TOP GUIDES WITH LOCAL EXPERTISE
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. Today, our team includes 14 experienced top guides, supported by a growing number of trainee guides who are learning directly from our most experienced team members.
Trained to understand the unique needs of both hobby and professional photographers, our guides know exactly how to position you for the perfect shot, when to wait for that magical moment, and how to minimise 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 remains actively involved in Senegambia Birding, is a passionate photographer both professionally and as a lifelong hobbyist. His expertise has helped shape the way our tours are designed, ensuring that every excursion offers not only remarkable sightings, but also exceptional photographic opportunities.
By combining the knowledge of our 14 experienced guides with the enthusiasm and training of the next generation, we continue to strengthen local expertise, create new opportunities, and invest in the future of professional guiding in The Gambia.
A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO THE GAMBIA – THE SMILING COAST OF AFRICA
Easily accessible from Europe, 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.
The Gambia is especially popular with photographers, as many of its colourful birds are less shy than in Europe and often allow remarkably close approaches.
Thanks to the seasonal transition from rainy to dry conditions between October and June, every month offers different light, colours and backgrounds – from vibrant greens in October and November to warm oranges and yellows during the dry months.
And it’s not just birds. You’ll also encounter mammals, reptiles, insects and the stunning Gambian landscapes – from coastal mangroves and wetlands to open woodland and inland savannah.
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, Margaret, Michel, Mohammed, Antoni, Naffie, Mariama, Cabla, Pabi, Idrissa, Van Sonko, Mikel Sanyang, Sanna Bachelly, Mustapha Badje, Buba Kambi, Saidou Colley (Papa), Madi Faye, Kaddy Canteh, Lamin Jatta, Andrew Mendy, Modou Sanneh, Musa Demba, Abdoulai, Ahmed, Abdou, Alieu, Muhammed, Muttar 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
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.
