14 Day Comprehensive Nature Adventure Birding- Gambia-Senegal

Experience an unforgettable 14-day birdwatching adventure in The Gambia and Senegal, exploring some of West Africa’s richest and most diverse birding habitats. From coastal wetlands and mangroves to woodlands, savannas, and river systems, this tour offers exceptional opportunities to observe a wide variety of resident and migratory bird species. Guided by experienced local bird experts, this journey perfectly combines wildlife, culture, and comfortable accommodation—ideal for both passionate bir

Gambia Show on map
14 days
Group 1-10 people
Difficulty: moderate
From: €2,000
Group tour
Pace: Easy-Moderate

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About this tour

Join us on an immersive 14-day birdwatching expedition through The Gambia and Senegal, two of West Africa’s most rewarding and accessible birding destinations. This carefully designed tour takes you through an impressive range of habitats, each offering unique birdlife and outstanding photographic opportunities.

The journey begins in The Gambia, where birding sites such as coastal lagoons, mangroves, forest reserves, and freshwater wetlands provide ideal conditions for spotting a remarkable diversity of species. Locations like Kotu Creek, Brufut Woods, Kartong Wetlands, and riverine environments allow for close encounters with colorful kingfishers, bee-eaters, raptors, waders, and many iconic African birds.

As the tour continues into Senegal, you will explore additional ecosystems that further enrich the bird list, including savanna landscapes, woodland areas, and protected reserves. Throughout the trip, expert bird guides with extensive regional knowledge will assist with identification, behavior insights, and locating key species, ensuring a rewarding experience for birders of all skill levels.

Beyond birdwatching, this tour offers a deeper connection to local culture, landscapes, and wildlife. Comfortable lodges, well-paced itineraries, and carefully selected birding locations make this expedition both enjoyable and educational. Whether you are a seasoned birder seeking new species or a nature lover eager to explore Africa’s biodiversity, this 14-day tour delivers an exceptional and well-rounded birdwatching experience.

Birds you can spot

Abyssinian collared dove
Streptopelia hypopyrrha
target

Abyssinian ground hornbill
Bucorvus abyssinicus
target

Abyssinian Roller
Coracias abyssinicus
target

African Finfoot
Podica senegalensis
target

African fish eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
target

African Grey Woodpecker
Chloropicus pyrrhogaster
target

African Hawk-Eagle
Aquila spilogaster
target

African Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinerascens
target

Bateleur
Terathopius ecaudatus
target

Black Heron
Egretta ardesiaca
target

Black-headed Gonolek
Laniarius barbarus
target

Black-headed Honeyeater
Hypergerus atriceps
target

Blue-bellied Roller
Coracias cyanogaster
target

Blue-breasted Kingfisher
Halcyon malimbica
target

Broad-billed Roller
Eurystomus glaucurus
target

Bronze-winged Courser
Rhinoptilus chalcopterus
target

Brown Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinereus
target

Cardinal Woodpecker
Dendropicos fuscescens
target

Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
target

Common Redshank
Tringa totanus
target

Giant Kingfisher
Megaceryle maxima
target

Golden-spotted woodpecker
Campethera punctuligera
target

Grasshopper Buzzard
Butastur rufipennis
target

Gray-hooded Gull
Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
target

Great White Pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus
target

Green-winged Pytilia
Pytilia melba
target

Guinea Turaco
Tauraco persa
target

Japanese Bunting
Emberiza affinis
target

Long-crested Eagle
Lophaetus occipitalis
target

Malachite Kingfisher
Corythornis cristatus
target

Marabou Stork
Leptoptilos crumenifer
target

Martial Eagle
Polemaetus bellicosus
target

Northern Anteater-Chat
Myrmecocichla aethiops
target

Oriole Warbler
Lobotos oriolinus
target

Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
target

Pearl-spotted Owlet
Glaucidium perlatum
target

Pied Kingfisher
Ceryle rudis
target

Red-necked Falcon
Falco chicquera
target

Red-throated Bee-eater
Merops bulocki
target

Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
target

Speckle-fronted Weaver
Sporopipes frontalis
target

Spotted Dikkop
Burhinus capensis
target

Temminck's Courser
Cursorius temminckii
target

Violet Turaco
Tauraco violaceus
target

Violet-backed Starling
Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
target

Wahlberg's Eagle
Hieraaetus wahlbergi
target

Western Reef Heron
Egretta gularis
target

White Helmetshrike
Prionops plumatus
target

White-browed sparrow-weaver
Plocepasser superciliosus
target

White-crowned Robin-Chat
Cossypha albicapillus
target

White-eared Bulbul
Pycnonotus leucotis
target

White-winged Seedeater
Crithagra leucopygia
target

Woodland Kingfisher
Halcyon senegalensis
target

Yellow penduline tit
Anthoscopus parvulus
target

Yellow-billed Kite
Milvus aegyptius
target

Yellow-throated Woodpecker
Atimastillas flavicollis
target

Organizer

Karanta Camara

Professional Birding Guide

Itinerary ▼

Day 1

Arrival & First Encounters with Coastal Birds

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Lemon Creek Hotel on the coast. Along the way, we will begin birding familiarization, observing common coastal and woodland species to get your first taste of The Gambia’s rich avifauna. Depending on your arrival time, we will also explore the hotel’s immediate surroundings, including its gardens, which are home to species such as Blue-breasted Kingfishers, Pygmy Kingfishers, Woodland Kingfishers, Broad-billed Rollers, Pearl-spotted Owlets, and various Bee-eaters.

Hotel check-in
Afternoon at Kotu Bridge
Welcome dinner
Key Species:
A striking wader found along tidal flats and coastal waters, easily identified by its dark morph.

Target birds (Day 1):

Cardinal Woodpecker
Dendropicos fuscescens
target

Grasshopper Buzzard
Butastur rufipennis
target

Gray-hooded Gull
Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
target

Green-winged Pytilia
Pytilia melba
target

Japanese Bunting
Emberiza affinis
target

Northern Anteater-Chat
Myrmecocichla aethiops
target

Pearl-spotted Owlet
Glaucidium perlatum
target

Pied Kingfisher
Ceryle rudis
target

Western Reef Heron
Egretta gularis
target

White-eared Bulbul
Pycnonotus leucotis
target

Day 2

Brufut Woods & Tanji Lagoons

We begin the day with an early 7:00 am departure after breakfast, driving just 10 km (under 25 minutes) to Brufut Woods, a community-managed forest and one of the region’s birding gems. Here we’ll explore the woodland trails, moving quietly through the most productive areas in search of both forest and edge-dwelling species. By mid-morning, we’ll gather at a woodland hide and refreshment bar, where a specially designed drinking pool attracts some of the area’s most exotic birds, offering excellent opportunities for close viewing and photography. Species frequently seen here include Green and Violet Turacos, Grey-headed Bristlebills, Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Leaflove, and Yellow White-eye. Other highlights of the forest may include Long-tailed Nightjar, Klaas’s and Diederik Cuckoo, Shikra, Red-necked Falcon, Black-shouldered Kite, and White-faced Scops Owl. At 12:30 pm we continue just 5 km (15 minutes) to Tanji Eco Lodge for a leisurely lunch break beside another birding pool, where species such as Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike, African Silverbill, Western Bluebill, and Yellow-crowned Gonolek are regular visitors.

Key Species:
Lizard Buzzard,Black-shouldered Kite,Greater Painted Snipe

Target birds (Day 2):

Black Heron
Egretta ardesiaca
target

Black-headed Honeyeater
Hypergerus atriceps
target

Blue-breasted Kingfisher
Halcyon malimbica
target

Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
target

Common Redshank
Tringa totanus
target

Giant Kingfisher
Megaceryle maxima
target

Golden-spotted woodpecker
Campethera punctuligera
target

Great White Pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus
target

Guinea Turaco
Tauraco persa
target

Malachite Kingfisher
Corythornis cristatus
target

White-crowned Robin-Chat
Cossypha albicapillus
target

Woodland Kingfisher
Halcyon senegalensis
target

Day 3

Abuko Nature Reserve, Tambi Wetland & Kotu Birding Circuit

We start the day early at 7:00 am with a 25-minute (20 km) drive from the hotel to Abuko Nature Reserve, one of the oldest and most iconic birding sites in the region. This reserve protects a lush stretch of gallery forest, semi-wooded scrub, and dense undergrowth interlaced with streams, creating a haven for both resident and migratory species. Expected highlights include Black Crake, Western Bluebill, Common Wattle-eye, African Goshawk, Violet and Green Turacos, Palm-nut Vulture, Giant Kingfisher, Oriole Warbler, Black-necked Weaver, Little Greenbul, among many others. By mid-morning, we’ll move just across the road to the Tambi Wetlands, an important rice field and market garden habitat tended by local women. This area is excellent for elusive and skulking species such as Dwarf Bittern, Little Bittern, African Crake, Black Crake, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Lizard Buzzard, and Squacco Heron. At 1:00 pm, we’ll return to the coast for lunch at one of the best beachfront restaurants in Kotu. After lunch, the rest of the day will be spent birding around the Kotu Circuit, a compact yet highly productive area that includes the famous Kotu Bridge, rice fields, nature trail, golf course, ponds, and mangroves.

Key Species:
Pied Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture, Yellow-billed Kite

Target birds (Day 3):

Abyssinian ground hornbill
Bucorvus abyssinicus
target

African Hawk-Eagle
Aquila spilogaster
target

Bronze-winged Courser
Rhinoptilus chalcopterus
target

Brown Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinereus
target

Long-crested Eagle
Lophaetus occipitalis
target

Martial Eagle
Polemaetus bellicosus
target

Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
target

Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
target

Wahlberg's Eagle
Hieraaetus wahlbergi
target

Day 4

Journey Up River to Morgan Kunda Lodge

We depart early at 7:00 am from the hotel for a full day journey upriver towards Morgan Kunda Lodge on the north bank, where we will stay overnight. The drive covers approximately 170 km and takes about 7 hours, allowing for multiple birding stops along diverse habitats on the way. Our first stop will be at Mandinaba Woods, followed by Farasutu Forest, both excellent sites for forest and woodland specialists. Continuing onward, we’ll make a series of key birding stops including Kampanti rice fields, Bullock Woods, Kanlagi wetlands and woods, Kwinala Bateling tracks, Nema Woods, and eventually the stretch around Soma and Yelli Tenda–Farafenyi crossing into the north bank.

Key Species:
African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Malachite Kingfisher.

Target birds (Day 4):

Abyssinian Roller
Coracias abyssinicus
target

African Grey Woodpecker
Chloropicus pyrrhogaster
target

Bateleur
Terathopius ecaudatus
target

Speckle-fronted Weaver
Sporopipes frontalis
target

Spotted Dikkop
Burhinus capensis
target

Temminck's Courser
Cursorius temminckii
target

White Helmetshrike
Prionops plumatus
target

White-browed sparrow-weaver
Plocepasser superciliosus
target

White-winged Seedeater
Crithagra leucopygia
target

Yellow penduline tit
Anthoscopus parvulus
target

Yellow-throated Woodpecker
Atimastillas flavicollis
target

Day 5

Swallow-Tailed Kite Island & Cross-Border Birding Adventure

After an early breakfast, we will depart Morgan Kunda Lodge at 7:00 am and head toward the Senegal border. The visa process here is usually quick, and once completed we will continue our journey, covering 140 km (approx. 3 hours) into Senegal. Along the way, we will enjoy en-route birding, arriving at Kaolack and onwards to Kousmar Island by around 10:30 am. This island is famous for hosting one of the most spectacular birding spectacles in the region—the Swallow-tailed Kites roosting in their thousands. Witnessing these elegant raptors in such numbers is truly unforgettable. After spending time at the roost, we will explore the surrounding semi-desert and grassland habitats, which are home to a variety of special species. Expected highlights include: Sudan Golden Sparrow Chestnut-bellied Starling Bronze-winged Courser Lesser Kestrel Plus, a supporting cast of semi-arid grassland and savannah species.

Key Species:
Royal Tern, Western Osprey, Green-winged Pytilia

Target birds (Day 5):

Abyssinian collared dove
Streptopelia hypopyrrha
target

African Finfoot
Podica senegalensis
target

African fish eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
target

African Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinerascens
target

Marabou Stork
Leptoptilos crumenifer
target

Red-throated Bee-eater
Merops bulocki
target

Day 6

Exploring Jimmansar Katchang Woods & Cross-Border Habitats

Exploring Jimmansar Katchang Woods & Cross-Border Habitats On our second day at Morgan Kunda Lodge, we will set off after breakfast at 7:30 am for a full day of birding across diverse habitats. Our first destination is Jimmansar Katchang Woods, just a 15-minute drive (15 km) from the lodge. This vast area comprises savannah woodland, farmland bordered by rice fields, wetlands, and rocky hills dotted with mature trees. Its strategic location along the Baobolong Wetland Reserve makes it an excellent site for migratory species passing through from Northeast Senegal, as well as a host of local specialties. Birds we can expect here include: Migrants & Passerines: Common Nightingale, Willow Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Quail Finch Bustards & Courser: Savile's, Black-bellied, and White-bellied Bustards, Temminck's Courser Specialty Species: Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, White-fronted Black Chat, Flappet Lark, Speckle-fronted Weaver Raptors: African Hawk-Eagle, Bateleur, Beaudouin's Snake-Eagle Others: Brown-rumped Bunting, Senegal Batis, and many more.

Key Species:
Royal Tern, Western Osprey, Green-winged Pytilia

Day 7

Birding Journey to Georgetown (Janjanbureh Island)

Still on the northern part of the country, we will depart Morgan Kunda Lodge at 7:30 am after breakfast and begin our journey towards Georgetown (Janjanbureh Island). The drive covers about 170 km, taking 6–7 hours with frequent birding stops at key sites along the way. Notable birding locations include: Kaur Wetland Wassu Sand Pits Kuntaur Rice Fields Various waterholes and freshwater ponds dotted along the river corridor These habitats are rich in diversity, offering excellent opportunities to encounter some of the region’s most sought-after species. Expected highlights include: Red-throated Bee-eaters (at their breeding colonies) Northern Carmine Bee-eaters Black Coucal Marabou Stork Black-crowned Crane Pin-tailed Whydah Sahel & Exclamatory Paradise Whydahs Cut-throat Finch Egyptian Plover – a true highlight and specialty of this stretch Rüppell's Griffon Vulture White-backed Vulture Lappet-faced Vulture

Key Species:
Final species checks

Day 8

Crossing into Southern Senegal (Wassadu Camp)

After an early breakfast, we set off on a long journey of approximately 350 km, heading east through Basse and beyond the Gambian border to reach Wassadu Camp in southern Senegal. This will be a full-day trip of 7–8 hours, including birding stops along the way. At the Wellingara border point, we will complete a quick visa process before continuing into Senegal. From there, the road passes through grasslands, savannah woodlands, scrubland, farmlands, gallery forests with tall trees, and hilly rocky landscapes, creating a rich variety of habitats to explore. We will make frequent birding stops at key sites, with a picnic lunch en route, as we search for specialty species of this region. Expected highlights include: Little Green Bee-eater Dark Chanting Goshawk Bateleur White-headed Vulture Little Buttonquail White-throated Francolin White-shouldered Black Tit Great Sparrowhawk Ovambo Sparrowhawk And many more… By late evening, we will arrive at Wassadu Camp, our base for the next couple of nights. The camp is highly sought-after due to its strategic location overlooking the river, so advance booking is essential. After check-in, we will relax and enjoy the atmosphere before dinner and rest.

Key Species:
Final species checks

Day 9

River Gambia Boat Trip & Safari at Niokolo-Koba Park

Our second day at Wassadu Camp begins with an early breakfast, followed by a three-hour boat trip on the River Gambia. The river’s lush banks and overhanging trees are home to a dazzling variety of species, providing excellent opportunities to spot African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Shining-blue Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, and even the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl. Along the way, we will also encounter colonies of Red-throated Bee-eaters at their nesting holes. After a midday lunch break at the camp, we will set out on an afternoon safari in Niokolo-Koba National Park, the largest and wildest reserve in the region. The park boasts a remarkable range of habitats, from rainforest and gallery forest to thick savannah woodland, with towering riverbank trees offering shelter to both rare birds and iconic mammals. Birding and wildlife highlights may include: White-throated Francolin Fairy-blue Flycatcher Saddle-billed Stork White-headed and Egyptian Plovers Hadada Ibis Leopards, Lions, Warthogs, and Antelopes By late evening, we will return to Wassadu Camp for dinner and our second overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with both birding treasures and wildlife encounters.

Key Species:
Final species checks

Day 10

Return Journey from Wassadu to The Gambia

After an early breakfast at Wassadu Camp, we will begin our return journey, retracing the route back to The Gambia. Crossing the border at Wellingara, we will complete a quick passport process before re-entering the country. Our overnight stop will now be at Island Hotel in Georgetown instead of Maggie’s Lodge. The drive will take most of the day, but as always, we will make several birding stops at key sites along the route. A picnic lunch under the shade of a large tree will provide a refreshing break during the journey. Birds we hope to encounter along the way include: Ahanta Francolin Gabar Goshawk African Goshawk Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark African Hobby Splendid Glossy Starling …and more regional specialties The landscapes we pass through will mirror those experienced on the journey out: savannah woodland, scattered farmlands, grasslands, and gallery forest patches. Each stop provides yet another chance to add valuable species to our growing checklist.

Key Species:
Final species checks

Target birds (Day 10):

Black-headed Gonolek
Laniarius barbarus
target

Red-necked Falcon
Falco chicquera
target

Violet Turaco
Tauraco violaceus
target

Day 11

Journey from Georgetown to the Coast via Key Birding Sites.

Overnight at Abcas Creek Lodge After breakfast at Island Hotel, Georgetown, we will set off along the south bank toward the coast, birding and photographing along a diverse range of habitats. The route features vast woodlands with large trees, farmlands, wetlands, rice fields, hills, valleys, and waterholes, providing excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of species in their natural habitats. Key stops along the way include: Kudang Rice Fields and Wetlands Dalabaa Waterholes Kiang West Interior Kampanti Rice Fields And several additional notable sites en route A picnic lunch under the shade of a large tree will give everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the surrounding birdlife.

Key Species:
Adamawa Turtle Dove – a forest specialist often seen foraging quietly in the undergrowth.

Day 12

Penyem Woods, Seffoe Wetlands & Coastal Birding

After an early breakfast at the lodge, we will begin our day at 7:00 am with an excursion to the Darslame and Seffoe Wetlands, just a 10-minute drive away. These wetlands provide excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of waterbirds and wetland species in their natural habitat. We will return to the lodge for lunch, where guests can enjoy birdwatching at the water jars and feeding stations on site. This is a great opportunity to photograph and observe species such as: Violet Turaco Yellow-throated Leaflove Lesser, Spotted, and Greater Honeyguides Malachite, Blue-breasted, and Giant Kingfishers Palm-nut Vulture African Harrier-Hawk In the afternoon, we will continue to Penyem Woods, located 10 km from the lodge. This area is a mix of semi-savannah woodlands, gallery forests, farmlands, and rice fields, offering a rich diversity of habitats. Species we may encounter here include: White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike African Scops Owl African Golden Oriole Shining-blue Kingfisher Grey-headed Kingfisher Lizard Buzzard White-crested Helmet Shrike White-throated Bee-eater Plus many other local and resident species By late afternoon, we will return to the coast for an overnight stay at the Lemon Creek Hotel, marking the conclusion of our 12-day birding adventure. This final evening provides time to reflect on the incredible variety of birds, habitats, and landscapes experienced throughout the journey.

Key Species:
Adamawa Turtle Dove – Forest specialist, often seen foraging quietly in the undergrowth.

Day 13

Farasutu Forest & Community Birding Experience

After breakfast, we will set out for a day trip to Farasutu Forest, located about 30 km from the lodge, with lunch at Sitajoyeh Lodge on the island. This community-managed forest offers a rich blend of woodland, gallery forest, farmlands, and riverine stretches along its edges, making it an excellent hotspot for both resident and migratory birds. Bird species we are likely to encounter in this area include: African Wood Owl Greyish Eagle Owl Grey-headed Bristlebill Vieillot's Barbet Yellow-bellied Hyliota Black Wood Hoopoe Stripe Kingfisher Bruce’s Green Pigeon Yellow Penduline Tit Cardinal Woodpecker Brown-backed Woodpecker Fine-spotted Woodpecker Buff-spotted Woodpecker Plus many more In the afternoon, we will visit a local photography hide, where guests will enjoy close-up views of some of the forest’s most colorful and charismatic species, such as: Green-headed Sunbird Purple Glossy Starling Splendid Glossy Starling Klaas’ Cuckoo Black-faced Firefinch Brown-necked Parrot And many others We will return to the coast in the evening for our final overnight stay at the Lemon Creek Hotel, reflecting on a rewarding day of birding and photography in one of the region’s most diverse habitats.

Key Species:
Adamawa Turtle Dove – Forest specialist, often seen foraging quietly in the undergrowth.

Day 14

Final Birding & Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, guests will have a few hours for final birding around the lodge grounds, time permitting. If the schedule does not allow, we will depart directly for the airport, which is less than a 20-minute drive away. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable journey, leaving you with lasting memories of remarkable birding experiences and an extensive list of species observed across The Gambia and surrounding regions. This adventure is sure to inspire future visits to explore even more of the region’s rich and diverse habitats. Accommodation Note: Some lodges used during the tour offer basic facilities, as they are the most suitable options in remote areas. Nevertheless, service is excellent, and the locations provide optimal access to prime birding sites.

Key Species:
Adamawa Turtle Dove – Forest specialist, often seen foraging quietly in the undergrowth.

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Availability & pricing

Package Amount Terms

1 to 10 pax €2,000 / person Single traveler supplement: 3,000.00 EUR

1 to 3 pax €2,500 / person Single traveler supplement: 3,000.00 EUR

Included

Expert guide Karanta Camara
Airport transfers
All transportation
All meals and beverages
Park entrance fees
Boat trip expenses
Binoculars and field guides

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