Birding in The Gambia: Private Tours, Local Guides & Lodges
“Real journeys. Real people. Real impact"
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PRACTICAL INFO & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – BE WELL PREPARED FOR YOUR JOURNEY WITH SENEGAMBIA BIRDING
On this page, you'll find an overview of frequently asked questions and practical information about our tours.
Planning to book with us? Then be sure to take a moment to read through the information below. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect and you’ll be well prepared for your journey to colourful The Gambia. Our tips and practical guidelines will help make your trip not only worry-free, but also even more enjoyable and unforgettable. Book with confidence, travel with joy – and be inspired by the unique experience Senegambia Birding has to offer.
What’s included in your trip
Our birding tours are designed to be carefree and complete. Every itinerary includes:
airport pick-up and drop-off
private driver, transport and fuel
English-speaking bird guide throughout the tour
all overnight accommodations
daily meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
bottled drinking water during excursions
all excursions and boat trips as described in your program
Not included
The following items are not included in the tour price:
international flights to and from Gambia
travel and cancellation insurance (mandatory – please arrange this yourself)
medical expenses, including vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis
drinks at lodges and camps*
tips and personal expenses
Additional notes
soft drinks at the lodges typically cost between GMD100 and GMD150 per softdrink
average expense for drinks during a two-week tour is approximately €180 per person
recommended tip budget: around €20 per person for two weeks
accommodations in Gambia are generally simple but clean, and offer all basic comforts
For more information about the lodges included in your itinerary, feel free to contact us.
HOW TO BOOK
As the market leader in birding trips, we receive many requests. We verify availability manually — just as fast as instant online booking, with the added benefit of tailored advice and accurate scheduling across our lodges and guides.
STEP-BY-STEP
Send your preferred dates, party size, and interests via the form, WhatsApp +220 710 8169, or contact@senegambiabirding.com.
We check our calendar and immediately place a courtesy hold on your spots.
You’ll receive a clear confirmation with all details and, if you wish, a tailored proposal.
WHY THIS WORKS
Personal and precise: guide, hides, and pace matched to your goals.
Transparent: one point of contact, clear agreements.
As fast as online booking — with extra peace of mind.
READY TO BOOK?
Share your arrival date and preferences; we’ll handle the rest and confirm promptly.
To secure your booking, please send us a screenshot of your booked flight ticket. This replaces the need for a deposit and ensures that your reservation is valid and confirmed.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions or specific requests, feel free to contact us in English, Dutch, French or German.
Email: contact@senegambiabirding.com Phone / WhatsApp: +220 394 7156
Senegambia Birding © is a registered trademark of Belgambia Tours & Guesthouse Ltd.
Company registration number: SRN1920065720 Location: Mandinari, The Gambia
PAYMENT OPTIONS
1) Cash on arrival (recommended)
Pay safely at check-in.
No additional fees.
Immediate receipt provided.
2) Credit card on arrival
International credit cards accepted.
Surcharge: 3% processing fee (passed on).
Please ensure your card’s international/limit settings allow the transaction.
Processed via a secure terminal; your bank may require verification.
3) Western Union Request our details. We will send you the recipient’s full name and the amount to be paid. Make the transfer via a Western Union office, the app, or the website. Send us the proof of payment by email/WhatsApp:
MTCN (10-digit code)
Sender’s full name
Amount and currency
City/country of sending
Photo or PDF of the receipt
Once the payment is released, we will confirm your booking. Western Union transfer fees are borne by the sender. The exchange rate is set by Western Union. We will credit the net amount received to your file.
Why cash on arrival is preferred
Limited payment infrastructure in The Gambia. Bank transfers, QR codes and mobile payment apps are not always reliable or fast.
High international fees. Cross-border transfers often incur extra banking and foreign-exchange charges.
Certainty on arrival. Cash avoids delays, failed transactions and unnecessary bank costs — your trip starts smoothly.
Clarity & trust
You receive written confirmation and a receipt for every payment.
Your reservation is held until the agreed payment date; it’s final once funds are received.
Questions? We’re happy to help via WhatsApp +220 710 8169 or contact@senegambiabirding.com.
LEGAL & COMPANY DETAILS Senegambia Birding is a registered trademark of Belgambia Tours & Guesthouse Ltd. We are a licensed tour operator and guesthouse, officially affiliated with the Gambian Tourism Board (GTB).
Company Registration: SRN1920065720. Head office: Mandinari, on the edge of Tanbi Wetlands National Park — also home to our ecolodge, BELGAMBIA LODGE.
CONTACT Email: contact@senegambiabirding.com WhatsApp (English): +220 394 7156 WhatsApp chat (English, Dutch, Deutsch): +220 710 8169
MANAGEMENT Kaddy Sarr, Managing Director – Belgambia Tours & Guesthouse Ltd.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Empathy first. We know cancellations are never intentional and we respect any reason.
Free up to 24 hours before arrival. You may cancel or reschedule at no cost.
Within 24 hours / no-show. We make a kind request for a voluntary €50 contribution to partly cover prepared costs (guide scheduling, logistics, supplies). This is not compulsory — your circumstances come first.
Early departure. Same arrangement as a cancellation within 24 hours (voluntary €50).
Fast & clear. Cancel or reschedule via WhatsApp or email; you’ll receive written confirmation.
Transparent & secure. We handle your data with care and do not store card details beyond the payment process.
Liability and Insurance
Senegambia Birding (Belgambia Tours & Guesthouse Ltd.), based in Mandinari, The Gambia, cannot be held liable for any damage, injury, theft, or accidents occurring during the trip, regardless of the cause or parties involved. This applies to situations caused either by the participant or by third parties.
All participants are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance before departure. This should cover, at a minimum, medical expenses, accidents, theft, and cancellations.
Please contact your insurance provider in advance to ensure your policy offers adequate coverage for your trip to The Gambia or Senegal.
Do I Need a Passport to Visit Gambia and Senegal? Travel Documents – Passport Requirements for Gambia and Senegal
A valid passport is required upon entry into Gambia or Senegal. Please note the following conditions:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival.
The document must contain at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp.
A passport – also known as an international passport – is an official, globally recognized travel document in booklet form (usually red in color). A national identity card is not sufficient.
Please make sure to check this well in advance of your departure.
Do I need a visa when travelling from the UK to The Gambia or Senegal?
Yes, UK citizens do require a visa for entry into Senegal, but not for The Gambia for stays of up to 28 days.
✈️ The Gambia:
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 28 days.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival.
You may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel.
✈️ Senegal:
A visa is required for UK citizens.
However, if you’re entering Senegal via a land border from The Gambia, entry is often permitted without a formal visa for short tourist stays (but this can vary).
We recommend checking with the Senegalese Embassy or consulate before your trip for the most up-to-date regulations.
💡 Tip: We are happy to assist you with the latest entry requirements during your booking process.
Flights are not included in our tours.
The following airlines operate direct or regular flights to Banjul International Airport (BJL), especially during the tourism season (October to April):
Direct flights (seasonal):
🇬🇧 UK – TUI Airways (London, Manchester)
🇧🇪 Belgium – Brussels Airlines, TUI fly (Brussels)
🇳🇱 Netherlands – TUI fly, Corendon (Amsterdam)
🇩🇪 Germany – TUI fly, Corendon (Frankfurt, Düsseldorf)
🇫🇷 France – Transair (Paris Orly – limited)
One-stop flights:
TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon & Dakar)
Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca)
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
Air France (via Dakar)
How Long Is the Flight from London to The Gambia?
The average direct flight from London to Banjul International Airport in The Gambia takes approximately 6 hours.
Most direct flights depart from London Gatwick (LGW) or London Heathrow (LHR).
Airlines such as TUI Airways and Brussels Airlines offer regular connections (some with a short stopover in Brussels).
💡 Tip: Direct flights are typically available during the winter months (October to April), which is Gambia’s main tourist season.
Paying in Gambia and Senegal
You can pay us in euros or British pounds, but we recommend exchanging part of your currency into local money: the Dalasi (GMD) in Gambia and the CFA in Senegal.
Exchange rates may vary. Always check the current exchange rate online shortly before your departure.
Upon arrival, we’ll gladly assist you in exchanging your euros or Pounds safely and at a fair rate. This way, you avoid poor rates at exchange offices or on the street.
Yes, The Gambia is generally safe and welcoming to tourists. We work with experienced local guides who know the region well. As with any destination, use common sense and follow your guide’s advice.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets for Gambia?
Yes, it is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic a few weeks before your departure. Some vaccinations may be required or recommended for The Gambia, such as:
Hepatitis A
Yellow Fever
Meningitis
Polio
Tetanus and/or Diphtheria
Taking antimalarial medication is also strongly advised.
Hygiene standards in The Gambia are different from those in Europe.
We recommend bringing a well-equipped travel first aid kit, including medication for diarrhea.
Please note: tap water is not safe to drink. Always use sealed bottled water, and avoid ice cubes or drinks made with unfiltered water.
In The Gambia, the official language is English. It is used in schools, government, and tourism, so communication with locals — especially your guide, hotel staff, and drivers — is usually easy for English speakers.
However, you will also hear many local languages, including:
Wolof (widely spoken in urban areas)
Mandinka (the most widely spoken local language)
Fula (Pulaar)
Jola, Serer, and others depending on the region
Your guide will often speak multiple languages and can help translate during interactions with local communities.
In Senegal, the official language is French. However, many people also speak:
Wolof (the dominant spoken language)
Pulaar, Serer, Mandinka, and other ethnic languages
If you are visiting Senegalese regions near the Gambian border (like Kousmar or Niokolo-Koba), you will often find English and local languages spoken as well — especially among people working in tourism.
The most popular time to travel to The Gambia is from mid. October to April — the dry season. This period perfectly coincides with the annual bird migration, making it the ideal time for birdwatching.
However, each month has its own charm. On this page, you’ll find a brief month-by-month overview of what to expect. 👉 Click here to explore the seasons >>
On request, we will do our very best to accommodate your dietary needs. Availability of certain ingredients in The Gambia can be limited, but we will always try to provide suitable meals whenever possible.
What clothing and accessories should I bring?
Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral or earth tones — these help you stay cool and avoid disturbing wildlife, as bright colours can make birds more cautious.
Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against both the strong sun and insect bites.
A wide-brimmed hat or cap, UV-protection sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to shield yourself from the midday sun.
Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots for excursions on varied terrain; sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at the lodge.
Insect repellent (preferably with DEET or an effective natural alternative) to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also buy repellent at our lodge.
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during trips — we provide safe drinking water for refills.
Small daypack or backpack to carry your camera, binoculars, snacks, and personal items while on excursions.
Optional but useful: light rain jacket (in the green season), cooling towel for hot days, and compact first-aid kit for personal use.
The most recommended field guide is:
Birds of Senegal and The Gambia (2nd Edition) by Nik Borrow & Ron Demey
This compact and up-to-date guide covers nearly 700 species and includes over 150 high-quality colour plates with detailed distribution maps. It is widely considered the definitive bird guide for this region.
Why this guide?
Tailored specifically to The Gambia and Senegal
Lightweight and easy to carry (~610g)
Clear layout and accurate illustrations
Trusted by birders and tour guides worldwide
Other options: The older guide by Clive Barlow and Tim Wacher is still useful, but less comprehensive. For wider regional interest, “Birds of Western Africa” is a good alternative, although heavier and less focused.
If you plan to join one of our birding tours, we also have a few copies available for use during your trip.
🌤️ Seasonal Weather Overview – The Gambia
October 15 – November 30 (End of rainy season / early dry season)
Occasional late-season showers or short thunderstorms in early October, but conditions quickly dry out.
Daily highs around 30 °C, nighttime lows around 24 °C.
Humidity levels gradually decrease; sunsets often clear and golden.
December – February (Coolest and driest months)
Ideal travel conditions: sunny, clear skies, and comfortable warmth.
Temperatures: 25–28 °C during the day, nights can dip to 20 °C.
Nights feel especially pleasant, particularly along the coast or in the lodge garden.
March – mid-June (Hot, dry, plenty of sunshine)
Expect consistently warm to hot weather, with highs between 32–35 °C by June.
Nighttime temperatures stay around 24–26 °C.
Rainfall is virtually absent, and humidity begins to rise gradually toward the end of the period.
Sahara dust (locally known as the "haboob") may occasionally affect visibility from March to mid-June.
On a photography trip, a camera is naturally essential. But birdwatchers and nature lovers without a focus on photography are just as welcome. In that case, a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope is enough to fully enjoy the experience.
For those who do want to take photos, we recommend a camera with a lens between 300 mm and 600 mm. The tour leader on our group trips personally uses a 500 mm with a 1.4× extender. A zoom lens such as a 60–600 mm or 150–600 mm is particularly useful due to its flexibility.
Also be sure to bring a compact camera to capture landscapes and atmosphere shots.
During boat trips, we often shoot handheld, so make sure your camera has a comfortable grip. On land, a monopod is highly recommended. A tripod can also be used, but it’s less practical to carry everywhere.
Do you have more questions? Contact us via contact@senegambiabirding.com
Telephone / Whatsapp: +220 394 7156