Birding in The Gambia: Private Tours, Local Guides & Lodges
“Real journeys. Real people. Real impact"
SENEGAMBIA BIRDING ™
PRIVATE ROUND TOUR GAMBIA + KOUSMAR SENEGAL - 15 DAYS
Discover West Africa at its finest – with the swallow-tailed kites in Senegal as the highlight
Embark on a unique and unforgettable private journey through Gambia and a slice of Senegal, exploring both the vibrant coastline and the serene interior. This individual tour puts colourful birds in the spotlight, while also immersing you in the region’s rich nature, culture, and warm hospitality.
You’ll be accompanied by a certified English-speaking bird guide, specially trained to assist photographers in capturing the perfect shot.
A true highlight of the tour is the border crossing into Senegal, where you’ll spend two nights in Kaolack. From there, we visit the remarkable Île de Kousmar, in search of the spectacular Swallow-tailed Kites, which gather here each year in large numbers.
This program is flexible and always tailored to logistics, local conditions, accommodation availability, and the most recent bird sightings. Let us know in advance if your focus is photography, observation, or a mix of both — we’ll fully customise the experience to suit your pace and preferences.
Everything is possible, nothing is required – you decide how intense or relaxed your adventure will be.
Book without deposit – a simple proof of your flight booking is all it takes to confirm your spot.
Plan now, pay later – book with peace of mind. Don’t wait too long – secure your place in this unforgettable West African experience!
PRIVATE ROUND TOUR GAMBIA + SENEGAL
Full-board / English speaking guide
Choose your own departure date.
Double room / per person
15-DAY TOUR ITINERARY I GAMBIA & KOUSMAR ISLAND, SENEGAL
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Comfort level: Standard to Good | Physical level: Moderate fitness required
Did you know that Gambia and Senegal are home to no less than 9 species of kingfishers, 5 species of rollers, 8 species of bee-eaters, and 10 species of sunbirds? In this relatively small region, over 690 bird species have been recorded – a true paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike.
On this journey, we do everything we can to help you spot as many species as possible — or to capture them beautifully on camera, depending on your personal preference. The tour starts just 20 km from the airport, in a quiet village on the edge of the Tanbi Wetlands. You’ll be welcomed in Dutch at Belgambia Lodge, our own cozy guesthouse with a tropical garden and a dedicated photo hide. In the immediate surroundings alone, you’ll already find a rich variety of species to observe or photograph during the first few days. From there, we head inland to discover authentic Gambia, where the landscape — and the birdlife — changes noticeably. A major highlight of this tour is the border crossing into Senegal, where we travel to Kousmar Island in search of the rare and spectacular Swallow-tailed Kites – a breathtaking experience for any nature lover. Throughout the entire journey, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced and professionally trained bird guide and driver, so you can enjoy every excursion in complete comfort and safety.
Whether you’re here to photograph, observe, or simply immerse yourself in nature, we ensure every detail is carefully arranged.
Want to learn more about this tour? Don't hesitate to contact us — we're happy to help!
● ―― ● Day 1
BANJUL / BELGAMBIA LODGE MANDINARI
Arrival at Banjul Airport, followed by a 12 km transfer to Mandinari, on the edge of the Tanbi Wetlands. This is where your adventure in Gambia begins. Overnight stay at Belgambia Lodge, surrounded by peace, nature, and tropical birds.
● ―― ● Day 4
KIANG WEST / TENDABA CAMP
Today you travel 150 km to Tendaba, located in the southern part of Kiang West, with several birding stops along the way. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip through the mangroves of Kiang West National Park. Overnight stay at Tendaba Camp, in an air-conditioned room.
● ―― ● Day 7
FARAFENNI / SENEGAL / RELAIS DE KAOLACK
Today you cross the Senegalese border and travel towards Kaolack. Along the way, you'll stop at the bird-rich Forêt de Koutal. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the surroundings of Kaolack. Overnight stay at Relais de Kaolack.
● ―― ● Day 10
WASSU / KAIROH GARDEN
Today you visit the Wassu Quarry, known for its Red-throated Bee-eaters, followed by a boat trip on the river in search of chimpanzees and hippos. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the rice fields of Kuntaur.
● ―― ● Day 13
MARAKISSA / KINGFISHER LODGE
Today you explore the bird-rich Penjem Forest and the surroundings of Dasilameh. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing canoe trip on the Halahin River. Overnight stay at Kingfisher Lodge, surrounded by peace and nature
● ―― ● Day 2
TANBI WETLANDS / BELGAMBIA LODGE
After breakfast, you set out to explore the Tanbi Wetlands and the Mandinari rice fields — perfect for birdwatching or photography. You’ll also spend time in the on-site SGB photo hide. Overnight stay at Belgambia Lodge, surrounded by nature.
● ―― ● Day 5
KWINELLA / TENDABA CAMP
Today is dedicated to birdwatching and photography in the bird-rich Kwinella woodlands. You'll also spend time in the photo hide at Tendaba, an ideal spot for quiet observation. Overnight stay at Tendaba Camp, in an air-conditioned room.
● ―― ● Day 8
KAOLACK / KOUSMAR / RELAIS DE KAOLACK
Today you’ll visit the Forêt de Kousmar and Île de Kousmar — a unique hotspot where you’ll search for the impressive Swallow-tailed Kites, a true highlight for every bird enthusiast. Overnight stay at Relais de Kaolack.
● ―― ● Day 11
KASSAGNE / BINTANG BOLONG
Today you travel towards Kassagne and explore the bird-rich Bintang Wetlands. You’ll spend the night at Bintang Bolong Lodge, beautifully located by the water and surrounded by nature — an ideal place to unwind after a day full impressions.
● ―― ● Day 14
FARASUTO / BELGAMBIA LODGE
Today you visit the bird-rich Farasuto Forest and photograph from the well-known Mr. Bah bird hide. In the afternoon, you return to Mandinari for an overnight stay at Belgambia Lodge.
● ―― ● Day 3
KOTU / BELGAMBIA LODGE
Today you’ll visit Kotu Bridge and take a guided walk along the Fajara Nature Trail. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Kotu Creek followed by a local lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Kotu rice fields. Overnight stay at Belgambia Lodge.
● ―― ● Day 6
JAJARI I MORGEN KUNDA LODGE
Today you travel 70 km towards the expansive Baobolong Wetlands, with a stopover in the village of Jajari. You’ll spend the night at Morgan Kunda Lodge, set in a quiet natural environment — ideal for birdwatchers and photographers.
● ―― ● Day 9
KAUR / KUNTAUR / KAIROH GARDEN
Today you cross the border back into Gambia and visit the bird-rich Kaur Wetlands and the Njau Pool. In the afternoon, you arrive in Janjanbureh for an overnight stay at Kairoh Garden.
● ―― ● Day 12
MARAKISSA / KINGFISHER LODGE
Today you visit the Marakissa wetlands and rice fields, followed by an exploration of the Dasilameh wetlands — both rich in birdlife. Overnight stay at Kingfisher Lodge, a charming retreat nestled in nature.
● ―― ● Day 15
MANDINARI - BANJUL
After a final peaceful morning, you return to Banjul Airport. This marks the end of an unforgettable journey filled with nature, birds, and unique encounters. Wishing you a pleasant flight home — and hopefully, see you again soon!
