Birding in The Gambia with SparrowBirding

How birding in The Gambia?

There are several ways to go bird watching in The Gambia:

Join a specialized birding tour. This can be a great option, as these tours are well-organized. However, you are tied to a group, which means you cannot determine your own schedule or pace. This can sometimes be challenging, especially if your partner has other preferences.

Book a hotel-based trip. You can book a stay at one of the hotels along the “Sunshine Coast,” such as in Kotu, and arrange various excursions from there. SparrowBirding offers excellent services for this, allowing you to decide which days (or multiple days with overnight stays) you’d like to go on an excursion and which days you’d prefer to relax. I can advise you on the best birding locations for a particular season. We call this relaxed birding, as it combines well with a beach holiday.

Tailored birding holiday. SparrowBirding can organize a fully tailored birding holiday for you. Share your preferences, and together we can plan a round trip, including selecting hotels and lodges. You book your flight to Gambia yourself (including hotel accommodation for the day of arrival and the night before departure). And I will take care of the rest, such as transportation, lodging, dinners, and more.
Note: For these services, payment in advance is necessary to secure your booking. This ensures that all arrangements, such as accommodations, transportation, (and special excursions), are confirmed and ready for your trip. Payment details and instructions will be provided during the planning process.
See our options for bird watching tours

Birding where in The Gambia?

The first question is not so difficult to answer, because everywhere in The Gambia birding with SparrowBirding-Gambia is lovely, and many birds you may find in all regions, but some birds depend on a special habitat. Jack Sparrow knows exactly where to find them.

The Gambia is divided in five regions:

1) West coast (WC); Here you will find gulls and terns (Tanji beach) and many other birds in places like Brufut, Lamin Ricefields etc. In the hot season this region is a little bit cooler;
2) North Bank (NB), sub divided in West and East:
3) Lower Region (LR), where Tendaba is the hot spot for birders and where you will find many birds.
4) Central Region (CR): In dry Savanna Woodland you will find many raptors (Bateleur, Buzards), Bee-eaters like Red-throated and Carmine, but also Plovers, Spotted Thick-knee etc;
5) Upper River (UR). Birds to be seen in this region are African Finfoot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Carmine Bee-eater etc.

Birding when in the Gambia?

This is more difficult to answer although all seasons have their advantages. You can roughly distinguish three periods:

October – November – December
Birding at this time of the year, which is the early start of the season in the Gambia, is very good because there is the possibility to see most of the migrant birds like Waders,  Egyptian Plover etc.
Furthermore birds can be seen in their beautiful breeding plumage like Northern Red Bishop, Yellow-crowned  Bishop, and various Plovers. Furthermore inter African migrants like African Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Leviallant’s and Didric Cuckoo etc. 
Temperatures during  the day varies from 33° –38°Celcius. ​

January – February – March|
This is a another good period for birding. It is becoming drier and the birds migrate to the pools from where you can take nice photos. Furthermore the vegetation had dried and change to yellow, so the birds will be more visible. Birds to be seen are: Ground Hornbill, Bustards, Whydah and Coursers, some changing to non-breeding plumage.
Temperatures during the day varies between 30° and 35°C.​

April  – September
As the hot season starts, birding is recommended in the morning and late afternoon, preferably at the West coast region where it is a little bit cooler than in the inland regions.
Early in the season there are good possibilities to see the dry-season visitors such as Violet-backed Starling and Chestnut-bellied Starling.
Later in the season from July onward you will find birds which are associated with rain like African Cuckoo,  Diederik Cuckoo and lots more for instance Egyptian Plover. The majority of birds like Bishops and Weavers are in full breeding plumage.
Temperatures during the day: between 33° and 40°C , but cooler in the morning.

Bird Watching and Photographing Tours in The Gambia and Senegal

SparrowBirding offers bird watching and wildlife photography tours across The Gambia and Senegal, visiting a variety of high-quality birding sites tailored to your preferences — including the species you’d like to see and the habitats you’d like to explore.

The tours are divided into three main categories:
– Single-day tours around Kotu
– Day trips to birding sites within easy reach of Kotu
– Longer excursions that cover a wider range of locations to spot regional specialties

While all tours can be fully customized, I also offer a selection of popular itineraries of varying lengths. These are displayed below to help you choose from different routes and options.

1. COASTAL TOUR OF GAMBIA (3 Nights/ 4 days birding)
Overview. We will visit a variety of birding sites within close reach of Kotu. Taking in all the coastal species. These tour can either be undertaken via day trips from your hotel in Kotu or staying over at our destinations.

Day 1: Kotu Creek.
Begin with an immersive introduction to the rich birdlife around the renowned Kotu Creek.Target species include Pied Kingfisher, Senegal Thick-knee, Giant Kingfisher, Sacred Ibis, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher. Optional afternoon stroll around Fajara Golf Course, Nature Trail and Casino Cycle Track for Oriole Warbler and Yellow-crowned Gonolek.
Day 2: Bonto and Farasutu Woodland Birding.
Morning departure to Bonto and Farasutu woodlands. Expect African Paradise Flycatcher, Long-tailed Nightjar, Greyish Eagle Owl, and Yellow-throated Leaflove. Return to Kotu or stay overnight for an early start the next day.
Day 3: Tujereng and Gunjur Forest.
Travel to Tujereng and Gunjur Forest, home to woodland and savannah species. Birds to watch for include Black-crowned Tchagra, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Green Turaco, and Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat. End the day at a photo hide, perfect for close-up shots of shy species like Western Bluebill, Honeyguides and Bar-breasted Firefinch.
Day 4: Kartong Observatory, Brufut, and Tanji.
Morning birding at Kartong Bird Observatory, Gambia’s only bird observatory, known for waders and wetland species. Gradual return to Kotu, stopping at Brufut Woods (great for White-faced Scops Owl, Yellow Penduline Tit) and Tanji Reserve (ideal for Gulls, Terns, and Ospreys).

Tour Highlights:. A curated coastal birding route, covering woodlands, wetlands, and coastal lagoons.
Species highlights: Giant Kingfisher, Oriole Warbler, Long-tailed Nightjar, Yellow Penduline Tit, and more.
Flexible itinerary: day trips from Kotu or overnight stays.

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2. WEST GAMBIA TOUR (4 nights/ 5 days birding Adventure)
Overview: This tour offers an immersive West Gambia birding experience, combining popular coastal hotspots with two nights inland. Enjoy diverse habitats ranging from coastal lagoons and woodlands to the mangrove swamps of Tendaba and the open bush of Morgan Kunda, maximizing opportunities to spot a wide range of bird species.

Day 1: Coastal Birding Circuit.
Early morning birding at Kotu Creek, a prime spot for Pied Kingfisher, Senegal Thick-knee, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher. Travel the coast, stopping at Tanji Bird Reserve (great for Gulls, Terns, and Ospreys), Brufut Woods (ideal for White-faced Scops Owl and Yellow Penduline Tit), and Kartong Bird Observatory, home to an array of wetland species.
Day 2: Bonto & Farasutu Woodland Birding.
Travel to Bonto Forest and Farasutu Forest for a day of woodland birding. Key species: Greyish Eagle Owl, Green Crombec, Oriole Warbler, and Western Bluebill. Opportunity for night birding to spot Long-tailed Nightjar and African Wood Owl.
Day 3: Tendaba & Mangrove Boat Trip.
Travel to Tendaba, stopping at roadside birding sites to look for Dark-chanting Goshawk, Rufous-crowned Roller, and Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark. Take an evening boat trip through Tendaba’s mangrove swamps, with chances to spot (Pel’s Fishing Owl), Goliath Heron, and African Finfoot.
Day 4: Morgan Kunda’s open bush habitats.
Travel to Morgan Kunda, exploring its open bush and grasslands. Target species: Savile’s Bustard, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Brown-rumped Bunting, and Northern Anteater Chat. Optional afternoon walk for additional inland specialties.
Day 5: Morgan Kunda & Return to Kotu.
More morning birding around Morgan Kunda, searching for any missed inland specialties. Travel back to Kotu, stopping at select roadside birding sites along the way to maximize species sightings.

Tour Highlights: A balanced mix of coastal, woodland, wetland, and open bush habitats. Special target species include African Finfoot, (Pel’s Fishing Owl), Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Savile’s Bustard, and Long-tailed Nightjar.

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3. COMPLETE TOUR OF GAMBIA (6 Nights / 7 Days Birding Adventure)
Overview. Experience the full spectrum of Gambia’s diverse birding habitats — from coastal lagoons and mangroves to inland swamps, open bushland, and riverine forests. This tour is designed to maximize sightings of Gambia’s most sought-after bird species.

Day 1. Coastal Birding.
Early morning birding at Kotu Creek, a hotspot for waders, kingfishers, and herons. Travel along the coast with stops at Tanji Bird Reserve (home to gulls, terns, and ospreys), Brufut Woods (great for owls and sunbirds), and Kartong Bird Observatory for overnight stay.
Day 2: Kartong Bird Observatory.
Full day dedicated to birding around Kartong and its surrounding wetlands, perfect for rare species like African Pygmy Goose and Black Crake.
Day 3. Journey to Tendaba.
Leaving Kartong for Marakissa River Camp for an overnight stay at Tendaba, with stops at Bonto Forest (known for bee-eaters and woodpeckers) and Farasutu Forest (ideal for nightjars and owls). Arrive at Tendaba Camp for an evening boat trip — a chance to spot Goliath Heron, (Pel’s Fishing Owl), and African Finfoot.
Day 4: Tendaba to Georgetown.
Morning exploration of Tendaba’s swamps and mangroves, seeking out specialities like White-backed Night Heron. Travel inland to Georgetown along the scenic riverside route.
Day 5: Georgetown Creek Exploration.
Search for the elusive African Finfoot around the creeks near Georgetown. Keep an eye out for Shining Blue Kingfisher and Hadada Ibis.
Day 6: Georgetown to Morgan Kunda.
Head towards Morgan Kunda, stopping en route at open grasslands to search for Savile’s Bustard, Black-headed Lapwing, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.
Day 7: Morgan Kunda & Return.
Morning birding in Morgan Kunda’s bush and grassland habitats, targeting species like Brown-necked Parrot and Rufous-crowned Roller. Return journey to Kotu for a relaxing afternoon or optional final birding walk.

Tour Highlights – Scenic Boat Trips. Varied Habitats, from coastal lagoons to inland swamps and riverine forests, maximizing bird sightings for diverse species. Stay in eco-lodges and riverside camps for an authentic nature adventure. Special target species include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Savile’s Bustard, and Long-tailed Nightjar. African Finfoot, and Goliath Heron on river and creek explorations.

4. GAMBIA AND CENTRAL SENEGAL TOUR (9 Nights / 10 Days Birding Adventure)
Overview. This thrilling tour combines a comprehensive exploration of Gambia’s prime birding sites with five days venturing into eastern and central Senegal, targeting species that can’t be found within Gambia alone. Expect a rich diversity of habitats, from coastal wetlands and riverine forests to savannahs and national parks.

Day 1: Kotu Creek & Marakissa River Camp.
Early morning birding at Kotu Creek, a reliable spot for Kingfishers and Waders. Visit Lamin Rice Fields for Painted Snipe, Western Bluebill, and other wetland species. Travel to Marakissa River Camp for an evening boat trip, aiming for sightings of African Finfoot and White-backed Night Heron.
Day 2: Kartong & Bonto Woodlands.
Morning birding at Kartong Bird Observatory, with a chance for Caspian Tern, Malachite Kingfisher, and Black Crake. Return to Marakissa for lunch and some relaxed local birding. Travel to Bonto and Farasutu woodlands, where specialties include Long-tailed Nightjar and Greyish Eagle Owl.
Day 3: Bonto, Farasutu & Journey to Tendaba.
More birding in the woodlands for Western Bluebill, Green Crombec, and White-spotted Flufftail. Travel to Tendaba Camp, stopping at roadside birding sites en route for Dark-chanting Goshawk, Rufous-crowned Roller, and Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark.
Day 4: Tendaba to Georgetown.
Morning exploration of Tendaba’s swamps and mangroves. Travel inland to Georgetown, with chances to spot Egyptian Plover along the riverbanks.
Day 5: Georgetown to Wassadu.
Early morning search for the elusive African Finfoot around Georgetown’s creeks. Afternoon journey to Wassadu, keeping an eye out for Abyssinian Roller and Northern Carmine Bee-eater along the way.
Day 6: Full Day in Wassadu.
Spend the day birding around Wassadu, targeting Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Four-banded Sandgrouse, and other savannah specialists.
Day 7: Niokolo-Koba National Park.
Early morning departure for Niokolo-Koba National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to spend the day birding. Possible highlights include Saddle-billed Stork and Beaudouin’s Snake-Eagle. Return to Wassadu for an evening boat trip, hoping for Pel’s Fishing Owl and Giant Kingfisher.
Day 8: Wassadu to Kaolack.
Journey to Kaolack, stopping at key birding sites along the route to maximize sightings. Keep an eye out for Chestnut-bellied Starling, Yellow Penduline Tit, and Little Green Bee-eater.
Day 9: Kaolack Birding & Scissor-tailed Kite Roost.
Full day birding around Kaolack, with diverse wetland and dry savannah species. Evening visit to witness the spectacular Scissor-tailed Kite roost — an unforgettable sight!
Day 10: Return to Kotu via Tendaba.
Travel back to Kotu, stopping at more birding sites around Tendaba for any missed species. Final chance to target key birds before concluding the tour.

Tour Highlights: Evening boat trips for unique riverine species. A blend of Gambia’s coastal, wetland, and inland birding with Senegal’s diverse savannah and national park habitats. Target species include African Finfoot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Beaudouin’s Snake-Eagle, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Savile’s Bustard, and Scissor-tailed Kite.

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