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SENEGAMBIA BIRDING – EASY BIRDING BELGAMBIA I OUR EXCURSIONS

With the Easy Birding Package you will experience unique excursions – including a private bird guide, all arranged without worry.
Put together your perfect birding adventure below. Not sure which places you would like to visit?

Simply tell us your wishes and interests, and we will create the ideal route for you.

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• TANBI WETLANDS

Vast wetlands located just a few kilometers from the lodge, near the Atlantic Ocean.
This varied and bird-rich area offers excellent chances to observe rare and iconic species, including Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Abyssinian Roller, White-throated Bee-eater, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Sandgrouse and many more.

This location is perfect to visit both in the morning and in the afternoon, depending on the light conditions and your preference.

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• EVENING WALK MANDINARI WOODLANDS

Awaken your senses during a guided evening walk in the unique surroundings of our lodge, located between mangroves and open woodlands. As the sun sets, another world comes alive: listen to the mysterious calls of owls, search for bushbabies in the trees, and experience the magic of African nightlife up close. An intimate and unforgettable nature experience – right next to your accommodation.

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• LAMIN RICE FIELDS

Expansive rice fields and vegetable gardens just 5 km from the lodge.
Thanks to the presence of water, this area is particularly rich in birdlife. Here you may encounter various kingfisher species, African Jacana, Black Heron (famous for its “umbrella feeding” technique), Palmnut Vultures and many more.

We usually visit this location in the morning, when the soft morning light is ideal for observation and photography.
Optional: a short visit to Lamin Lodge, located by the mangroves, is a perfect add-on for those who want to experience even more.

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• FARASUTO FOREST + HIDE

A top location for birders, located 25 km from the lodge, inland.
In this reserve, more than 100 bird species have been recorded, and in the surrounding areas over 100 additional species. It is therefore an absolute must for birdwatchers and photographers. Here you may encounter the Green Turaco, Greyish Eagle Owl, and with some luck even different species of nightjars.

This excursion takes half a day: departure in the early morning and return around 1:00 pm.

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• BONTO FOREST + PIRANG

Pirang Shrimp Farm and Bonto Forest together form a paradise for bird lovers.

The extensive ponds of the shrimp farm attract waterbirds such as Black Storks, herons, waders, and occasionally an African Spoonbill. In the early morning or late afternoon you may also spot raptors hunting, such as the Black-winged Kite.

Nearby lies Bonto Forest – one of the last places in Gambia where you may see the Western Red Colobus monkey and special forest birds such as the White-spotted Flufftail, Ahanta Francolin, Green Turaco and Violet Turaco. This combination of open water, wetland and dense tropical forest makes Pirang and Bonto an absolute top destination for birders and nature photographers.

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• MANDINARI WOODLANDS

Together with a local guide you will explore on foot the direct surroundings of the lodge. You can choose between a quiet walk along the mangroves and through the woodlands, or a visit to the nearby village with its local market.

Along the route lie vegetable gardens that attract many birds, making this walk ideal for both observation and photography.
Close to the lodge you will also find two photo hides, perfectly positioned for quiet and unobtrusive birdwatching.

This excursion is always included in the Easy Birding Package when staying at Belgambia Lodge Mandinari

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• KOTU + BOAT TRIP

We leave early in the morning for Kotu, the place to be on the coast. The Kotu Bridge and surrounding rice fields are a true feast for birdwatchers. Here we also take a boat trip along the Kotu Stream through the mangroves. At near water level you can photograph ibises, Black Herons, little cormorants, kingfishers and numerous waterbirds. Half-day excursion.

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• KARTONG WETLANDS + BEACH

A unique birding area with freshwater pools, coastal dunes and sandy beaches, where more than 250 bird species have been recorded.
During this half-day excursion we first explore the wetlands, where the variety of habitats provides a large diversity of birds.

We finish at the Atlantic Ocean beach, where you can relax and enjoy the view — and, if you wish, a refreshing drink.

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• MARAKISSA + DASILAMEH

Discover the Marakissa region and Dasilameh wetlands at the Senegalese border – a paradise for bird lovers.
This region, located along the Halahin River, is known for its many freshwater pools and great variety of bird species.

There is also the possibility to explore the Halahin River by rowing boat — a calm and unique way to experience birds and nature from the water.

This excursion is always included in the Easy Birding Package when you stay overnight at Belgambia Lodge Marakissa

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• BRUFUT WOODS

Brufut Forest is a beautiful birding location. The area is managed by the West African Bird Study Association in cooperation with the Brufut community. The reserve consists of a small piece of dense coastal forest and open woodland. A great place for birding, it is especially well known for sightings of the Long-tailed Nightjar, which is regularly observed here.

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• ABUKO NATURE RESERVE

Abuko is a small, fenced forest reserve of 106 hectares, located along the main road on the south bank, just 3 km from the urban edge of Serekunda. The area features about 5 km of trails that lead you through dense tropical forest and along wetlands. In addition to numerous bird species, you may also encounter monkeys, squirrels, crocodiles, monitor lizards and other small mammals and reptiles.

An ideal location for those wanting to combine birdlife with broader wildlife observation, all at short distance from the coast.

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• TANJI BEACH + BIRD RESERVE

During this excursion you will discover the unique combination of sea, beach, lagoon and forest in the Tanji Beach & Bird Reserve, just half an hour’s drive from Banjul. As the colorful fishing boats bring in their catch and the market comes alive, the coast teems with gulls, terns and herons feeding on the leftovers.

Just offshore lies Pelican Island, where large flocks of pelicans, terns and cormorants rest and breed, a spectacular sight through binoculars or telescope. In the surrounding forests and lagoons you will encounter beautiful species such as the Beautiful Sunbird, Little Bee-eater and Senegal Parrot. This excursion offers a perfect mix between lively coastal scenes and tranquil nature, making it an unforgettable experience for both novice nature lovers and experienced birders.

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• GUNJUR QUARRY

Gunjur Quarry, a former sand pit now filled with rainwater, has transformed into a remarkable wetland paradise within walking distance of the beach. This ever-changing habitat attracts a wide variety of waterbirds and raptors.

Highlights include frequent sightings of Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, often seen in groups, and Ospreys, with as many as 30 to 40 individuals overwintering in this area each year.

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• GUNJUR FOREST + HIDE

Gunjur Forest, and in particular the photo hide located within it, is a favorite site for bird photography in Gambia. This hide offers exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph shy forest species up close.

Thanks to its strategic position by a drinking pool, numerous special birds can be seen here, including the Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher, Western Bluebill, Grey-headed Bristlebill, and African Pygmy Kingfisher.

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• JIBORO

Jiboro is a small border village in the south of Gambia, right by the Senegalese frontier. For birders it is a true hidden gem. Thanks to its location along the river, with fields and marshy areas, there is an enormous variety of habitats within short distance. This makes it an excellent site to spot many species in a single morning or day.

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• CULTURAL EXCURSIONS

Want something different from birdwatching for a while? We also offer a number of fascinating and varied cultural excursions – ideal for experiencing local life up close. Visit the Crocodile Pool in Bakau, a sacred site with dozens of crocodiles, or walk among curious green vervet monkeys in Bijilo Monkey Park.

In Tanji you can discover the lively fishing village and its colorful market, while a visit to a local school gives you a chance to meet children and their teachers. At the Senegambia Craft Market you will find handicrafts and wood carvings by local artisans.

The Serrekunda Market, the largest in the country, immerses you in a vibrant mix of scents, colors and sounds. Cape Point Fish Market offers an authentic glimpse into coastal fishing.

Prefer simply to enjoy the sun, sea and relaxation? A leisurely beach break is always an option.

These trips are flexible and can be easily added to your program, tailored to your pace and interests.

Would you like me to also create a condensed version with just the highlights (one sentence per excursion), for use in a brochure or quick overview page?

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SENEGAMBIA BIRDING - EASY BIRDING BELGAMBIA I OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

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• TENDABA & KIANG WEST BOAT TRIP – 3-DAY EXCURSION

Experience the magic of Central Gambia on an unforgettable three-day excursion to Tendaba. Departing from Mandinari or Marakissa, you travel about 125 km inland to explore the bird-rich Kwinella Woodlands and the open Bately Fields. You’ll stay in the authentic fishing village of Tendaba, beautifully situated on the wide River Gambia. Here, you board a boat for an atmospheric cruise through the vast wetlands—a paradise for birders.

Expect chances of special sightings such as African Darter, pelicans, Osprey, various herons and marsh birds, and even nightjars at dusk, alongside other wildlife like Nile monitor lizards and crocodiles. You spend two nights at the characterful Tendaba Camp, in an air-conditioned room set in nature with views of the river. The camp exudes simplicity, charm and warm Gambian hospitality, making it the ideal base for boat trips and unhurried birding sessions.

This three-day trip offers a perfect mix of immersive nature, varied habitats and unique bird species. For this excursion, you exchange two nights at Belgambia Lodge Mandinari and pay a supplement of €160 per person (min. 2 participants).

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• KAUR & KUNTAUR – CHIMPANZEES & HIPPOS – EGYPTIAN PLOVERS & RED-THROATED BEE-EATERS – 3-DAY EXCURSION​

Discover the birding and nature paradise of Central Gambia on a three-day excursion with two nights at Kairoh Garden, Kuntaur. The distance is about 270 km inland from Mandinari (roughly 4–5 hours by road). Along the way, changing landscapes and en-route sightings make the journey part of the experience.

Visit the Wassu Quarry, the hotspot for Red-throated Bee-eaters, which nest in colonies in the sand cliffs year-round. Continue to the Kaur Wetlands and Njau, where—until early January—the mythical Egyptian Plover is regularly seen, one of West Africa’s most sought-after species.

In Kuntaur you’ll stay at Kairoh Garden, right on the river. From here you’ll take an unforgettable boat trip on the River Gambia, with chances to see hippos in their natural habitat and chimpanzees around Baboon Island (part of River Gambia National Park). The area also offers a wide variety of waterbirds, herons, storks, pelicans and raptors; soft light along banks and sandbars creates relaxed observation and strong photographic opportunities.

This excursion blends spectacular species with an immersive nature experience in a landscape entirely different from the coast. For this add-on, you exchange two nights at Belgambia Lodge Mandinari and pay a supplement of €250 per person (min. 2 participants).

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BELGAMBIA EASY BIRDING — 8-DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY