Birding in The Gambia: Private Tours, Local Guides & Lodges
“Real journeys. Real people. Real impact"
SENEGAMBIA BIRDING
INDIVIDUAL ROUND TOUR I BEST OF THE GAMBIA 15 DAYS
A colourful birding trip from mangroves to savannah. Discover Gambia at its most beautiful.
A colourful birding journey from mangroves to savannah. Discover the real Gambia – pure, rich in birdlife and unforgettable.
An individual round tour through the Gambia, tailored for nature lovers and photographers. Departure from our own Belgambia lodge in Mandinari, in the heart of the Tanbi wetlands. Discover new top locations during our exclusive tours, from the coast to deep inland. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Experience Gambia at your own pace during a flexible, individual journey. We take you to the most beautiful birding areas, lively markets and traditional villages. Spot and photograph colourful bird species, discover local cultures and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. Whether you want to observe, photograph or both – we adapt the program to your wishes. For us, the experience comes first: everything is possible, nothing is required.
Our itinerary is always adjusted to the current bird observations, local conditions and routes, and your personal preferences.
You travel with a licensed English-speaking bird guide, specifically trained to assist photographers in the field.
The only thing you need to do: pack your bag, book your tickets, and we will take care of a carefree and unforgettable travel experience.
BEST OF THE GAMBIA - 15 DAYS
Choose your own departure date.
Double room / per person
Full-board / English speaking guide
BRIEF DAILY PROGRAM GAMBIA 15 DAYS
COMFORT LEVEL: NORMAL TO GOOD CONDITION LEVEL: NORMAL
This 15-day round tour takes you from the mangroves along the coast to the savannah landscapes further inland. All lodges and camps included in the program are located close to key birding and photography sites, allowing us to make optimal use of our time in the field.
The Gambia and Senegal are home to a remarkable diversity of birdlife, including 9 species of kingfishers, 5 species of rollers, 8 species of bee-eaters and 10 species of sunbirds. In total, up to 690 species have been recorded in this small region.
During this journey, our goal is to help you spot or photograph as many species as possible, depending on your personal interest. The tour starts just 20 kilometres from the airport, in a quiet village near the mangroves of the Tanbi Wetlands. Your stay begins at our private Belgambia Lodge.
Upon arrival at the Belgambia Lodge, you will be welcomed by the owner, who will give a short introduction to your trip. The surrounding tropical gardens and mangrove areas offer excellent birding and photography opportunities to fill your first few days.
Afterwards, the journey continues inland to discover the authentic Gambia. Here, you will encounter new landscapes and different bird species. An experienced and well-trained guide and driver will accompany you throughout, ensuring a safe, smooth and rewarding travel experience.
We do not follow a fixed program. Depending on the month of your visit, we adapt the itinerary to current bird movements and local conditions. Your preferences guide our approach. Customer satisfaction is our priority. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
01
BANJUL AIRPORT I MANDINARI I BELGAMBIA LODGE
Touch down at Banjul International Airport and slide into our private transfer—just 12 km to Belgambia Lodge in the emerald heart of the Tanbi Wetlands. Check in with a cool welcome drink, breathe in the mangroves, and unpack at leisure. Then step outside: birds, soft light, expert guides, and photo hides await. Your adventure starts immediately, from the first moment.
02
TANBI WETLANDS I PHOTOHIDE I BELGAMBIA LODGE
After breakfast, immerse yourself in Tanbi Wetlands and Mandinari rice fields: Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, Senegal Thick-knee, African Jacana, Black Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Bee-eater, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, and Osprey. Settle into the SGB photo hide for intimate, eye-level portraits and action bursts. Return to Belgambia Lodge for sundowners, a fresh local dinner, soft evening light, and a peaceful overnight stay.
03
KOTU BRIDGE I BOATTRIP I FAJARA I BELGAMBIA LODGE
Morning at Kotu Bridge and Fajara Nature Trail: Pied, Malachite & Giant Kingfishers, Western Reef Heron, Senegal Thick-knee, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Little Bee-eater, Beautiful Sunbird. Drift Kotu Creek for Osprey and Whimbrel. Enjoy lunch, then work the Kotu rice fields for African Jacana, Black Crake, Squacco Heron and Wood Sandpiper. Return to Belgambia Lodge for sundowners and a peaceful evening; overnight.
04
KIANG WEST I KASSAGNE I TENDABA CAMP
Travel 150 km upriver to Tendaba in Kiang West, pausing at prime savanna and wetland stops—Abyssinian Roller, Grasshopper Buzzard, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Red-billed Quelea. After check-in, glide by boat through the mangroves of Kiang West National Park in search of African Finfoot and dazzling kingfishers. Enjoy a sunset riverside dinner; overnight at Tendaba Camp (VIP air-conditioned room).
05
KWINELLA I BOATTRIP I TENDABA CAMP
At sunrise, bird Kwinella’s woodlands for Bateleur, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Striped-Kingfishers, Bearded Barbet—and with luck, Temminck’s Courser. Then drift the Tendaba creeks and settle into the photo hide for African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Goliath and Squacco Herons, Malachite and Blue-breasted Kingfishers. Unwind with river views, a fresh local dinner, and overnight in Tendaba Camp’s VIP air-conditioned room.
06
SOMA I JAJARI I MORGEN KUNDA LODGE
Travel 70 km inland via Soma to Jajari, pausing at prime savanna and wetland stops—Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Savile’s and Black-bellied Bustards, Abyssinian Roller, Bearded Barbet, Senegal Parrot, Bruce’s Green Pigeon and Grasshopper Buzzard. Continue to the Baobolong floodplains for African Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Lapwing and Whiskered Tern. Arrive late afternoon and settle into the comfort of Morgan Kunda Lodge for a fresh local dinner and a peaceful night.
07
FARAFENNI I NJAU I WASSU I KAIROH GARDEN
Begin at Njau Pool in golden light, targeting Egyptian Plover, Spur-winged & African Wattled Lapwings, Kittlitz’s Plover, Collared Pratincole, plus Wood/Marsh Sandpiper and Little Stint. Continue 60 km to Kuntaur with a stop at Wassu sand quarry for the dazzling Red-throated Bee-eater colony—also watch for Northern Anteater-Chat, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark and Grasshopper Buzzard. Arrive mid-afternoon at Kairoh Garden; scan the jetty for Swamp Flycatcher, Oriole Warbler and Giant Kingfisher.
Peaceful overnight on the river.
08
WASSU I BOATTRIP I KAIROH GARDEN KUNTAUR
Begin at Wassu Quarry in golden light as sand cliffs glow with Red-throated Bee-eaters, plus Northern Anteater-Chat, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, and Grasshopper Buzzard. Cruise the Gambia River National Park to observe chimpanzees on the Baboon Islands and hippos, with African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Giant Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher and if we are lucky the African finfoot.
Return to Kairoh Garden for a tranquil riverside dinner and overnight.
09
GEORGETOWN I JAHALLY I KUDANG I KAKUBA GARDEN
Cross the Gambia River by local ferry. Continue 72 km toward Kudang, pausing at the Jahally rice fields for African Jacana, Black Crake, Greater Painted-snipe, Collared Pratincole & Purple Herons, Glossy Ibis, Wood & Marsh Sandpipers, and Yellow-crowned & Northern Red Bishops. Arrive mid-afternoon; unwind with garden birds, a fresh local dinner, and a peaceful overnight at Kakuba Garden Hotel.
10
JAHALLY • KANILAI • SINDOLA HOTEL
Begin at the Jahally rice fields in soft morning light—Greater Painted-snipe, African Jacana, Black Crake, Collared Pratincole, Squacco & Purple Herons, Glossy Ibis, plus Yellow-crowned and Northern Red Bishops. Continue via Soma toward Kanilai, pausing in savanna/woodland for Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Savile’s and Black-bellied Bustards, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Bearded Barbet and Senegal Parrot. Arrive at the luxurious Sindola Hotel, enjoy a fresh local dinner, and overnight in an air-conditioned room.
11
MARAKISSA / BELGAMBIA LODGE MARAKISSA
Discover the beauty of the Marakissa wetlands and surrounding rice fields in the fresh morning light. Later, enjoy relaxed birding and photography on the grounds of Belgambia Lodge Marakissa, a hotspot for colorful and rare species. Target highlights include Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, White-backed Night Heron, and the melodious Grey-headed Bristlebill.
12
MARAKISSA I DASILEMEH I BELGAMBIA LODGE MARAKISSA
Discover the bird-rich Marakissa and Darsilameh wetlands, a mosaic of rice fields, forest edges and riverine habitats. Enjoy a peaceful boat trip along the Halahin river, offering unique views of kingfishers and herons. Spend the rest of the day birdwatching and photographing on the scenic grounds of Belgambia Lodge Marakissa.
13
KARTONG WETLANDS I KARTONG BEACH I BELGAMBIA MANDINARI
Travel 26 km south to Kartong, where the lush Kartong Wetlands offer an abundance of birdlife in a tranquil natural setting. Continue to the serene Kartong Beach, perfect for relaxing after a rewarding morning of birding and photography. After this inspiring and intensive day, return comfortably to Belgambia Lodge Mandinari, your peaceful base at the Tanbi wetlands.
14
LAMIN I ABUKO I BELGAMBIA LODGE MANDINARI
Discover the essential Lamin rice fields, where shimmering pools and lush vegetable gardens attract a wide variety of birds. Continue to Abuko Nature Reserve, Gambia’s oldest protected area, rich in forest species and primates. End the day exploring the scenic Mandinari wetlands. Target highlights include African Jacana, Blue-bellied Roller, Malachite Kingfisher, Western Bluebill, and Purple Glossy Starling. Overnight at Belgambia Lodge.
15
MANDINARI I BANJUL AIRPORT
On your final day, enjoy a relaxed morning at Belgambia Lodge Mandinari, with time to sit in the photo hide or explore the surrounding woodlands. It’s the perfect chance to capture a last highlight or simply reflect on the journey. In the afternoon, transfer to Banjul Airport, where this unforgettable adventure comes to an end.
Book now – no deposit required
Bird spotting and photography are our top priorities during each tour, but Gambia offers so much more than birds alone.
Our round tours also focus on mammals, reptiles, insects, and the stunning natural landscapes that make Gambia truly unique.
Along the way, you'll experience the warmth of Gambian culture, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and take time to relax and unwind.
A perfect balance of adventure, nature, and comfort – just as it should be.
