Eight-Day Coastal Gambia Birding and Photography Tour
A private eight-day birding or bird-photography journey through Kotu, Kartong, Gunjur, Farasutu, Bonto, Penyem, Darsilami, Siffoe, Abuko, Lamin, Tanji and Brufut with Lamin K Njie.
About this tour
Explore the varied birding habitats of coastal Gambia with Lamin K Njie, moving between rice fields, sewage ponds, creeks, wetlands, gallery forest, dry woodland, protected reserves and photo hides. The route combines established sites around Kotu with the south and east coasts, community bird areas and the forests and wetlands around Abuko, Lamin, Tanji and Brufut.
This private itinerary can be paced for birdwatching or photography. Airport or hotel pickup is available, groups normally contain two to ten guests, and either a full-board or half-board arrangement can be prepared. The current price and exact package are confirmed after inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to The Gambia.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Meet at the airport and transfer to the confirmed coastal hotel or lodge. If arrival time permits, begin with birding close to the accommodation.
Visit Kotu rice fields, sewage ponds, the cycle track and golf-course area, with an hour on the creek and lunch nearby. Kingfishers, African Jacana, woodpeckers, sunbirds, gonoleks and wetland birds are among the possibilities.
Travel south to Kartong Wetland, continue to the Allahein River area, then visit Gunjur Forest and its photography hide after lunch. The mix of wetland and forest can produce herons, storks, bee-eaters, waterfowl, raptors and forest birds.
Work dry woodland, gallery forest and photography hides around Farasutu and Bonto. Owls, night-herons, honeyguides, woodpeckers, goshawks, sandgrouse, rollers, nightjars and turacos are among the birds sought.
Visit the community bird sanctuary at Penyem, Darsilami Wetland near the Senegal border and Siffoe Wood. The day combines wetland and woodland birding for raptors, rollers, hornbills, cisticolas, whydahs and bee-eaters.
Bird the biodiverse forest of Abuko Nature Reserve in the morning, then continue to Lamin Lodge and Lamin Rice Fields after lunch for turacos, flycatchers, barbets, herons, bishops, kestrels and owlets.
Explore the beach, tidal lagoons, mangroves, scrub and woodland at Tanji before continuing to Brufut Wood. Coastal birds, raptors, nightjars, owls, woodpeckers and bushshrikes are among the likely focus groups.
If the flight schedule allows, make a final local birding stop before the airport transfer.
Locations & map
- Kotu and the coastal birding circuit - Coastal and inland Gambia Gambia (Warm tropical conditions; exact habitat and access vary across the route.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; exact timing is agreed for target birds, weather and current site conditions.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Specialist birding guide - English-language guiding by Lamin K Njie or a separately confirmed arrangement.
- Route-appropriate private transport - A 4x4 Pajero is normally used for smaller groups and a minibus or van for larger groups.
- Airport or hotel pickup - Final pickup point and time are confirmed after inquiry.
Not included
- Unconfirmed package components - Accommodation, meals, drinks, entrance fees and boat arrangements are included only when stated in the final written proposal.
Transport & stays
- Private 4x4, minibus or van Vehicle is selected for group size and route conditions. | Meet: Airport, hotel or lodge gate as confirmed. | Pickup: Airport or hotel pickup available.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
What is the current price?
Price is provided on request because the board plan, accommodation, transport and final route are tailored.
Can the itinerary focus on photography?
Yes. The program can be paced for bird photography, including suitable sites and hides when available.
Are full-board and half-board packages available?
Yes. Both can be arranged. Under the half-board option, coastal accommodation and evening meals are excluded; the final written proposal confirms every inclusion.