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

SENEGAMBIA BIRDING © 2019 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 fully insured, including fire insurance, electrical system coverage, and liability insurance.

In addition, we are certified by 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 – more than a travel company – a mission with impact

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Senegambia Birding was founded in 2018 with a mission that goes beyond offering tours.
In a country where opportunities can be limited, we set out to contribute to a better future. By creating training, employment, and perspective for a new generation of bird guides — and for the local community — we’re building lasting, positive change together.

Through focused mentorship, our guides have developed outstanding knowledge, a professional attitude, and contagious enthusiasm. The result? A skilled, motivated team that will do everything to give you an unforgettable travel experience. What began as a dream and a deep love for nature has grown into something much bigger. That passion is what we share with you — every day, every excursion, every encounter.

Let our team take you on an unforgettable journey through colourful Gambia, the Smiling Coast of Africa, just a six-hour flight from the Benelux.
Our nature tours are led by experienced Gambian guides and are open to photographers, birders, and nature lovers of all levels — no matter your experience or equipment. When you choose Senegambia Birding, you choose top-quality service, local expertise, and years of experience.
You book directly with the source — no intermediaries — which means a personal approach and fair, transparent collaboration.

Our guides? We’ll say it humbly... but honestly: you won’t find better. We look forward to welcoming you and giving you a travel experience you’ll never forget. 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 that travel connects people not only with nature, but also with each other. Thanks to the trust of our guests, we have grown significantly in recent seasons – and we use that growth to give back. Our goal for 2026 is clear: to build an orphanage and a primary school in The Gambia – safe places where vulnerable children can live, learn, and dream of a better future. These projects will not only create opportunities for children, but also provide sustainable jobs for local families. Every trip with us supports nature conservation, education, care, and employment – and we are proud of that. We do this for people, not for show. For children dreaming of a brighter future. For families who deserve a fair income. For nature that must be protected before it is too late. This is not a loose promise, but real impact – work done with both feet firmly planted in Gambian reality. The road is not always easy, but with every challenge we grow. With every step we move closer to what we stand for – and perhaps that is why so many guests return time and again.

Real change begins when you dare to think beyond yourself. Thank you for being part of that journey.

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We are still looking for sponsors and partners who want to help us build. Feel free to contact us at contact@senegambiabirding.com.
Every contribution – big or small – brings us one step closer to our goal.

 

Our own Lodge at the Tanbi wetlands. Belgambia Lodge Mandinari 
 

For years, guests would ask: “Will you ever open your own lodge?”
Today, we’re proud to say: yes, we did. Welcome to Belgambia Lodge, our small-scale, private accommodation in the peaceful village of Mandinari, on the edge of the vast Tanbi Wetlands. Here, you stay in the heart of nature – surrounded by peace, birds, and tropical greenery.

The lodge features a lush garden with feeding and drinking spots for birds, and a private photography hide located on the property. Nestled among cashew trees with a backdrop of mangroves, it offers an idyllic setting for peaceful bird observation and photography. All our guests are welcome to use it. The lodge offers five comfortable double rooms, each with a queen-size bed, private bathroom with rain shower, a terrace, and access to a cosy bar with garden view. Our kitchen serves fresh local dishes daily, complemented by a tasteful blend of European and Gambian specialties – all prepared with care. We hold an official alcohol license, and offer cold beer, wine, and soft drinks.

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Stay in a unique location, surrounded by nature Our lodge borders the Tanbi Wetland Complex, a protected nature reserve of no less than 6,000 hectares. This ecosystem is exceptionally rich in biodiversity and home to several monkey species, including troops of Western Red Colobus.

Other rare mammals found here include bush babies, genets, marsh mongooses, and the African clawless otter. The area also supports West African crocodiles, various snake and lizard species. It’s a true paradise – more than 360 bird species have been recorded in the Tanbi Wetlands.

 

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, Omar, 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.