15-Day Gambia Birding and Photography Tour with Lamin Camara
A private 15-day Gambia birding journey extending from the coast to Tendaba, Kudang, Kuntaur, Wassu, Jajari, Marakissa and Kartong.
About this tour
Use fifteen days to extend beyond the coastal circuit and follow Lamin Camara’s Gambia programme up-river. The route reaches Kudang, Kuntaur, Wassu Quarry and Jajari before returning through Tendaba, Marakissa, Kartong, Tanji, Kotu and Lamin rice fields.
Trip style: a private itinerary for birders and photographers seeking more inland coverage. Route features include red-throated bee-eater colonies, river habitats, rice fields, wetlands, mangroves, bird hides and lodge-garden birding.
Pricing status: the 2026-2027 rate for this programme starts at EUR 1350 per person for two travellers. Current availability and final terms are confirmed after inquiry.
Compare this inland-focused programme with other Gambia birdwatching tours.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to The Gambia.
Birds you can spot
Bucorvus abyssinicus
target
Haliaeetus vocifer
target
Actophilornis africanus
target
Ispidina picta
target
Ardea goliath
target
Corythornis cristatus
target
Ptilopsis leucotis
target
Pandion haliaetus
target
Dryoscopus senegalensis
target
Merops bulocki
target
Merops malimbicus
target
Batis senegalensis
target
Euplectes macroura
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and time around Mandinari
Your arrival at Banjul airport is followed by the transfer to Mandinari River Lodge. Any time available after arrival can be spent exploring the Tanbi Wetlands nearby or the garden and bird hide at the lodge.
Overnight: Mandinari River Lodge.
Day 2
Walking Mandinari's wetland habitats
Start with a morning walk through the local rice fields, mangroves and wetlands. In the afternoon, head on foot toward the petrol station area to search for raptors before returning to the same lodge.
Overnight: Mandinari River Lodge.
Day 3
From Farasutu Forest to Tendaba's hides
Depart after breakfast on the 142 km journey to Tendaba Camp, stopping to explore Farasutu Forest en route. Plan to arrive around lunchtime. Once settled in your room, visit one of two bird hides in the camp's surroundings.
Overnight: Tendaba Camp.
Day 4
River Gambia mangroves and a bushtrack walk
Have breakfast at 7:30 AM, then board a boat for the mangroves along the north bank of the River Gambia. Later comes lunch and a rest period for the guide. The day's land-based outing follows Kwinella bushtrack.
Overnight: Tendaba Camp.
Day 5
Roadside birding to Kudang
The next stage covers 114 km to Kudang after breakfast. Bird along the road, stopping at wetlands and rice fields before lunch at Kakuba Garden Hotel. An evening walk explores the surrounding area.
Overnight: Kakuba Garden Hotel.
Day 6
Georgetown ferry and Kuntaur rice fields
An early breakfast precedes the 73 km journey to Kuntaur on the River Gambia's north bank. Cross by local ferry at Georgetown and bird along the road. Walk through Kuntaur's rice fields in the evening before staying at Kairoh Garden.
Overnight: Kairoh Garden.
Day 7
Wassu bee-eaters and a river excursion
Visit Wassu quarry in the morning to look for the Red-throated Bee-eater colony. After lunch and time to rest, take a boat excursion to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project.
Overnight: Kairoh Garden.
Day 8
Along the north bank to Jajari
Leave after breakfast for Jajari village, a 115 km drive along the north bank with birding stops on the way. Lunch is at Morgan Kunda Lodge, followed by downtime in its garden. Explore the lodge surroundings on an evening walk.
Overnight: Morgan Kunda Lodge.
Day 9
Senegambia Bridge and Tendaba's second hide
The 70 km stage to Tendaba Camp crosses Senegambia Bridge, bringing you back to the south bank. In the afternoon, visit the second bird hide before another night at camp.
Overnight: Tendaba Camp.
Day 10
Killy hide and the road to Marakissa
The route continues from Tendaba to Marakissa over 131 km. Stop at Killy's bird hide during the drive, then take an afternoon walk near Marakissa River Camp.
Overnight: Marakissa River Camp.
Day 11
Wetland walk and a relaxed garden afternoon
Walk through Marakissa's wetlands in the morning. Stay around the lodge garden for the remainder of the day, with time to relax and watch the small pools that attract birds to drink.
Overnight: Marakissa River Camp.
Day 12
Kartong village and evening wetlands
Following breakfast, travel the 36 km back toward the coast. Stala Lodge in Kartong is the next base, in the southwest of The Gambia beside the Senegal border area. Walk in Kartong's wetlands in the evening.
Overnight: Stala Lodge.
Day 13
Kartong's observatory, beach and river
Spend the morning on foot at Kartong Bird Watching Observatory and the beach. A post-lunch boat trip explores the Halahin River, followed by a second night at the same lodge.
Overnight: Stala Lodge.
Day 14
Coastal stops on the way to Tanema Creek
Begin the 38 km transfer after breakfast, stopping at Gunjur and Tanji's fish market. Lunch in Tanji comes before settling into Tanema Creek Lodge for the final night. Take a short walk around the lodge later in the day.
Overnight: Tanema Creek Lodge.
Day 15
A flight-dependent final birding stop
Morning birding may take place at Kotu or the Lamin rice fields, depending on your departure time. Finish with the drive to the airport.
Locations & map
- Mandinari River Lodge - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Farasutu Forest - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Tendaba Camp - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Kudang - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Kuntaur rice fields - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Wassu quarry - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Jajari village - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Marakissa wetlands - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Kartong wetlands - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Gunjur and Tanji coast - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
- Kotu and Lamin ricefields - Gambia (Birding stop on the published route.)
2 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: 2026-2027 rates; dates and availability on request.
Included
- English-speaking bird guide - Birding and bird photography guidance
- Airport pickup and return - Included on published multi-day programmes
- Full-board lodge accommodation - Included on published multi-day programmes
- Boat trips and reserve entrances - Boat trips, nature parks and bird hides are included where part of the itinerary
- Bottled daytime water - Included during daytime field activities
Not included
- International flights - Not included
- Travel insurance - Guests arrange suitable travel and medical insurance
- Lodge drinks, tips and personal expenses - Not included
Transport & stays
- Private road transport Road transfers link Banjul, lodges, wetlands, forests, river crossings and birding stops. | Meet: Banjul airport or agreed pickup point | Pickup: Airport and coastal pickup by agreement
- Boat Boat trips are included on published river and mangrove days where listed. | Meet: Route-specific lodge or river landing | Pickup: Included within the final itinerary
Accommodations
- Mandinari River Lodge Lodge or camp accommodation
- Tendaba Camp Lodge or camp accommodation
- Kakuba Garden Hotel Lodge or camp accommodation
- Kairoh Garden Lodge or camp accommodation
- Morgan Kunda Lodge Lodge or camp accommodation
- Marakissa River Camp Lodge or camp accommodation
- Stala Lodge Lodge or camp accommodation
- Tanema Creek Lodge Lodge or camp accommodation
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can the published route be changed?
Yes. You can request changes to the birding stops and lodges. Agree the final itinerary before booking.
Is this suitable for photographers?
Yes. The tours are designed for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers, with time in wetlands, forests, hides, mangroves and river habitats.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The route is planned around strong birding habitats and published target lists, but all sightings are wild and depend on season and field conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.