Birdwatching in The Gambia and Senegal with Jack Sparrow from SparrowBirding.
I am Famara Njie alias ‘Jack Sparrow’ and I provide professional birding tours in The Gambia and Senegal (see Jack Sparrow).
Both day trips and customized round tours are provided. We also provide transport and comfortable lodgings for overnight stays.
Below some popular locations are mentions for excellent birding. All these destinations are conveniently located within a reasonable distance from the coastal hotels, requiring a travel time of approximately 30 to 60 minutes by car. They are ideal for a half-day or full-day excursion. You will be picked up at your hotel by Jack Sparrow at a time that suits your convenience.
At most of the destinations, there are photo hides and drinking spots managed by the Bird Watching Association. These areas provide excellent opportunities for capturing beautiful images, particularly of small birds such as Bishops, Flycatchers etc. Don’t forget to bring your rice bag or tripod for steady shots.
I may advise you to buy ‘Birds of Senegal and The Gambia’, it will help you to determine the birds more easily.
Popular Birding Destinations in The Gambia
Birds that can be observed in Kotu and Brufut include this African Darter, Giant Kingfisher, Oriole Warbler, Black Heron, Long-tailed Cormorant, Green Turaco.
Birds to be seen In Abuko and Lamin are e.g. this Lizard Buzzard, African Goshawk, Western Bluebill, Spoonbills, Dwarf Bittern.
Birds that can be observed in Marakissa include, for example this Pied Kingfisher, White-helmet Shrike, different kind of Woodpeckers, Yellow-breasted Apalis.
Tanji is situated on the southern part of the West Coast region, boasting a splendid fishing harbor and a bustling fish market that is widely renowned.
Noteworthy bird species in this area include the Caspian and Royal Tern, Audouin’s Gull, as well as the Kelp and Grey-headed Gull.
Birds to be observed in Gunjur and Kartong are e.g. this White-fronted Plover, Crested Lark, different Gulls and Terns, White-faced Whistling Duck, Osprey.
Birds in Farasutu Forest include, for example this Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Shikra, African Harrier Hawk, Yellow-billed Kite, Veraux’s Eagle Owl.
Birds to be seen in Tanji are e.g. this Black-winged Bishop, Waxbills, Honeyguides. Furthermore many Gulls and Terns
Birding Tours in The Gambia and Senegal
As The Gambia is an elongated country, we organize round trips to enhance bird-watching experiences. We offer customized birding trips where you spend the night in various locations, including Tendaba River camp, Morgan Kunda Lodge, Georgetown/Janjanbureh, Bansang River Lodge, Marakissa Camp.
Traveling from one location to another, you will traverse various habitats such as forests, savanna woodland, wetlands, rivers, and creeks. Depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to observe different bird species, such as the Bateleur, African Fish Eagle and Owls. But also Egrets, Egyptian Plover, Bee-eaters like Red- and White-throated Bee-eater and of course different Sunbirds, Weavers, Kingfishers .
Tendaba River Camp serves as a gathering point for bird enthusiasts, providing an opportunity for them to meet and share their sightings of lifer birds. Boat trips along the Gambia River and its creeks are essential activities, offering unique birding experiences. Additionally, a visit to the photo hide is highly recommended for capturing memorable moments.
In Georgetown/Janjanbureh, boat trips along the Gambia River are renowned for excellent birding opportunities. Additionally, these excursions offer the chance to encounter hippos and chimps, particularly on a two-day trip with an overnight stay.
Marakissa River camp and Marakissa Kingfisher camp are famous for the boat trips early in the morning or late afternoon. Maybe you get a glance of the White-backed Night Heron. In the surrounding woods you may observe the Pearl-spotted Owl and/or White Helmetshrike.
Bansang Riverside Lodge is a recommended overnight stay, offering a pleasant accommodation option. A boat trip on the Gambia River and its creeks from this location is highly rewarding for birding enthusiasts.
Fathala in Senegal is just a 30-minute car ride from the Banjul river crossing. This location offers the opportunity to witness various wild animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, Derby or giant antelopes, zebras, and rhinos.
Morgan Kunda Lodge is an eco-lodge. Along the North-bank road, you can observe numerous raptors, including the Bateleur. Moreover, the surrounding savanna presents opportunities to spot specific bird species unique to this habitat like Paradise Whydah and lots of other birds.
Birding in Senegal
The Gambia is bordered on three sides by Senegal, making it easy to incorporate some excellent birding locations in Senegal into your tour.
Favored locations are e.g. :
Casamance in the South,
Wassadou: (Shining Blue Kingfisher, Carmine bee-eater, Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Finfoot);
Nkolokoba National Park: (Saddle Billed Storks, Pied Wagtail, Goliath Heron).
However also wild animals can be seen e.g.:
Fathala Wild Reserve (Lions, Monkeys, Giraffes)