7 Day Classic Nature Adventure Birding - Gambia
Discover the rich birdlife of The Gambia on a week-long journey through wetlands, savannahs, mangroves, forests, and rivers. Guided by expert local bird guides, the tour explores iconic sites such as Kotu Creek, the River Gambia, and Kiang West National Park, offering excellent views of both resident and migratory species.
About this tour
This seven-day birdwatching tour through The Gambia offers an in-depth exploration of one of West Africa’s finest birding hotspots. Designed for both dedicated birders and nature lovers, the journey combines outstanding species diversity with the country’s striking natural scenery. Throughout the tour, you are accompanied by highly skilled and passionate local guides whose deep knowledge of the land and its wildlife greatly enriches the experience.
The tour starts along the Gambian coastline, where an impressive range of habitats can be explored within a short distance. Open savannahs support birds of prey and ground-dwelling species, while calm coastal lagoons bordered by mangroves provide refuge for waterbirds. These landscapes gradually give way to lush gallery forests and riverine environments, interspersed with rice fields and agricultural land—each habitat contributing its own distinctive birdlife.
A key highlight of the itinerary is the renowned Kotu Creek, celebrated among birdwatchers for its exceptional biodiversity. Both resident and migratory species are commonly encountered here. Waders such as Common Greenshank and Common Redshank forage along the water’s edge, while vibrant Malachite and Blue-breasted Kingfishers bring flashes of color to the scene. Pied Kingfishers are frequently seen hovering above the creek, joined by the imposing Giant Kingfisher. Pelicans glide quietly across the water, and the melodious Oriole Warbler adds a soundtrack to the surroundings. The charismatic White-crowned Robin-Chat is also regularly observed, moving actively through the undergrowth.
The tour starts along the Gambian coastline, where an impressive range of habitats can be explored within a short distance. Open savannahs support birds of prey and ground-dwelling species, while calm coastal lagoons bordered by mangroves provide refuge for waterbirds. These landscapes gradually give way to lush gallery forests and riverine environments, interspersed with rice fields and agricultural land—each habitat contributing its own distinctive birdlife.
A key highlight of the itinerary is the renowned Kotu Creek, celebrated among birdwatchers for its exceptional biodiversity. Both resident and migratory species are commonly encountered here. Waders such as Common Greenshank and Common Redshank forage along the water’s edge, while vibrant Malachite and Blue-breasted Kingfishers bring flashes of color to the scene. Pied Kingfishers are frequently seen hovering above the creek, joined by the imposing Giant Kingfisher. Pelicans glide quietly across the water, and the melodious Oriole Warbler adds a soundtrack to the surroundings. The charismatic White-crowned Robin-Chat is also regularly observed, moving actively through the undergrowth.
Birds you can spot
African fish eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
target
Haliaeetus vocifer
target
Ahanta francolin
Pternistis ahantensis
target
Pternistis ahantensis
target
Fine-spotted Woodpecker
Veniliornis dignus
target
Veniliornis dignus
target
Goliath Heron
Ardea goliath
target
Ardea goliath
target
Green-winged Pytilia
Pytilia phoenicoptera
target
Pytilia phoenicoptera
target
Guinea Turaco
Tauraco persa
target
Tauraco persa
target
Malachite Kingfisher
Corythornis cristatus
target
Corythornis cristatus
target
Northern White-faced Owl
Ptilopsis leucotis
target
Ptilopsis leucotis
target
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
target
Pandion haliaetus
target
Palm-nut vulture
Gypohierax angolensis
target
Gypohierax angolensis
target
Pied Kingfisher
Ceryle rudis
target
Ceryle rudis
target
Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
target
Thalasseus maximus
target
Western Reef Heron
Egretta gularis
target
Egretta gularis
target
Yellow-billed Kite
Milvus aegyptius
target
Milvus aegyptius
target
Yellow-throated Woodpecker
Atimastillas flavicollis
target
Atimastillas flavicollis
target
Itinerary ▼
Day 1
Arrival & Coastal Birding
Upon arrival at Banjul International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, we begin our birding adventure with an afternoon walk at Kotu Bridge, a hotspot for waders and waterbirds. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
Hotel check-in
Afternoon at Kotu Bridge
Welcome dinner
Key Species: Pied Kingfisher, Grey-headed Gull, Western Reef Heron
Hotel check-in
Afternoon at Kotu Bridge
Welcome dinner
Key Species: Pied Kingfisher, Grey-headed Gull, Western Reef Heron
Target birds (Day 1):
Day 2
Abuko Nature Reserve
Abuko Nature Reserve and Tambi wetlands for half a day, then later after the lunch break, we explore Kotu Creek proper for half a day, which will include a boat trip inside the Creek. Walking along the bank of the Creek and rice fields, including the golf course and the cycle track.
Bush and stream habitats
Gallery forest walk
Bush and stream habitats
Key Species:
Green Turaco, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, White-faced Scops Owl
Bush and stream habitats
Gallery forest walk
Bush and stream habitats
Key Species:
Green Turaco, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, White-faced Scops Owl
Target birds (Day 2):
Day 3
Kiang West National Park
Kiang West National Park. Staying at Tendaba Camp in up countryside.
Baobab photography
Savannah and woodland birding
Boat trip in the Creek Baobolong wetlands.
Target Birds:
Pied Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture, Yellow-billed Kite
Baobab photography
Savannah and woodland birding
Boat trip in the Creek Baobolong wetlands.
Target Birds:
Pied Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture, Yellow-billed Kite
Target birds (Day 3):
Day 4
River Gambia & Mangroves
Day 4 River Gambia & Mangroves. Still at the Lodge Tendaba Camp.
Boat trip on River Gambia
Mangrove exploration T
Traditional lunch
Key Species:
African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Malachite Kingfisher.
Boat trip on River Gambia
Mangrove exploration T
Traditional lunch
Key Species:
African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Malachite Kingfisher.
Target birds (Day 4):
Day 5
Kauren Riverside
Kauren Riverside Lodge on the hilltop overlooking the Farmlands River, Gambia, and the rice fields further afield towards Georgetown.
Morning birding session.
Exploring UNESCO heritage sites.
Walking through the beaten tracks of the North Bank.
Key Species:
Royal Tern, Western Osprey, Green-winged Pytilia
Morning birding session.
Exploring UNESCO heritage sites.
Walking through the beaten tracks of the North Bank.
Key Species:
Royal Tern, Western Osprey, Green-winged Pytilia
Target birds (Day 5):
Day 6
Pirang Forest & Final Birding
A night stay at Abcas Creek Lodge, the area and Killy forest, we will do birding at one of the local bird reserves, plus rice fields and the surrounding area of the Lodge.
Forest reserve exploration
Last chance for missed species
Farewell dinner
Key Species:
Ahanta Francolin, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Fire-bellied Woodpecker
Forest reserve exploration
Last chance for missed species
Farewell dinner
Key Species:
Ahanta Francolin, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Fire-bellied Woodpecker
Target birds (Day 6):
Day 7
Departure
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed morning of birding before your transfer to the airport. A final opportunity to check off last species completes our week-long journey through The Gambia.
Morning birding if time permits
Airport transfer
Key Species:
Final species checks
Morning birding if time permits
Airport transfer
Key Species:
Final species checks
Locations & map
Open in MapsAvailability & pricing
Package
Amount
Terms
1 to 10 pax
€550 / person
Single traveler supplement: 900.00 EUR
1 to 3 pax
€700 / person
Single traveler supplement: 900.00 EUR
Included
- Expert guide Karanta Camara
- Airport transfers
- All transportation
- 6 nights accommodation
- All meals and beverages
- Park entrance fees
- Boat trip expenses
- Binoculars and field guides