15-Day Gambia & Eastern Senegal Birdwatching Adventure

The adventure, day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrival in The Gambia

   Banjul International Airport • Kotu Creek • Kotu Ponds • Cycle Track • Fajara Golf Course

   Upon arrival at Banjul International Airport, you will be met by your professional birding guide and transferred to your coastal hotel. Depending on arrival time, we begin with gentle introductory birding around Kotu Creek, Kotu Ponds, the Cycle Track and Fajara Golf Course — productive coastal sites offering an excellent introduction to Gambian birdlife.

   KingfishersHeronsEgretsWadersRollersBee-eatersSunbirdsRaptors

   DinnerLemon Creek Hotel / Kombo Beach Hotel
2. 
   Day 2

   Brufut Woods & Tanji Bird Reserve

   Brufut Woods • Tanji Bird Reserve

   An early start takes us to Brufut Woods, one of the most productive woodland birding sites on the coast. We then continue to Tanji Bird Reserve and the surrounding coastal area, looking for woodland, savanna and coastal species.

   Violet-backed StarlingLong-tailed NightjarKlaas's CuckooFork-tailed DrongoViolet-backed StarlingSenegal ParrotGreen Hylia

   Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinnerLemon Creek Hotel / Kombo Beach Hotel
3. 
   Day 3

   Tujering Woods, Gunjur Forest, Kartong Sand Mine & Halahein River

   Tujering Woods • Gunjur Forest • Kartong Sand Mine • Halahein River

   We head south to Tujering Woods and Gunjur Forest, birding the woodland and surrounding habitats, then continue towards Kartong, visiting the old sand-mine area and surrounding wetlands before a boat trip on the Halahein River — an excellent opportunity for waterbirds, kingfishers, herons, egrets, waders and terns.

   Pied KingfisherAfrican Pygmy KingfisherAfrican Pygmy GooseWhite-faced Whistling DuckPurple SwamphenAfrican JacanaSacred IbisOspreyGoliath Heron

   Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinnerLemon Creek Hotel / Kombo Beach Hotel
4. Day 4

   Coastal Gambia to Bintang / AbCa's Creek

   Bonto Forest • Pirang Shrimp Farm • Mendy Kunda Photo Hide • AbCa's Creek

   After breakfast we leave the coast and travel towards AbCa's Creek or Bintang Bolong Lodge, with birding stops at Bonto Forest and Pirang Shrimp Farm along the way. In the afternoon we spend time at Mendy Kunda Photo Hide, photographing and watching birds before continuing to our lodge.

   Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinnerAbCa's Creek Lodge / Bintang Bolong Lodge
5. 
   Day 5

   Bintang & Kampanti Rice Fields, Tendaba

   Bintang Rice Fields • Kampanti Rice Fields • Tendaba • Tunku & Kissi Bolongs

   Early morning birding around the Bintang and Kampanti rice fields — productive agricultural wetlands for raptors, waders, storks, herons, bishops, weavers and larks — followed by lunch at Tendaba Camp. In the afternoon we take a boat trip along the Tunku and Kissi Bolongs, exploring the mangroves and waterways around Tendaba.

   African Fish EaglePalm-nut VultureBateleurMangrove SunbirdPink-backed PelicanAfrican DarterStriated HeronWaders and waterbirds

   Breakfast, lunch, dinnerTendaba Camp
6. 
   Day 6

   Tendaba, Kiang West National Park & Bateling Track

   Tendaba • Bateling Track • Kiang West National Park

   An early morning birding session around Tendaba is followed by exploration of the Bateling Track and Kiang West National Park, one of the best areas in southern Gambia for woodland and savanna birds. We return to Tendaba for lunch and further birding around the camp and surrounding wetlands.

   BateleurAbyssinian Ground HornbillChestnut-crowned Sparrow-WeaverBrown-rumped BuntingSenegal BatisYellow White-eyeYellow Penduline TitWhite-shouldered Black TitBrubruLong-crested EagleSpotted Thick-kneeTemminck's CourserBronze-winged CourserEuropean Bee-eaterNorthern Wheatear

   Breakfast, lunch, dinnerTendaba Camp
7. 
   Day 7

   Tendaba to Morgan Kunda

   Senegambia Bridge • Morgan Kunda

   After an early breakfast we head towards the north bank, crossing via the Senegambia Bridge, with birding stops along the route according to habitat and bird activity. We arrive in the Morgan Kunda area for an afternoon session concentrating on bustards, raptors and woodland species.

   Abyssinian Ground HornbillBlack-bellied BustardWhite-bellied BustardSavile's BustardLong-crested EagleLizard BuzzardBushshrikes

   Breakfast, lunch, dinnerMorgan Kunda Lodge
8. 
   Day 8

   Morgan Kunda to Kuntaur via Farafenni, Solomon Waterhole, Kaur & Wassu

   Farafenni Wetlands • Solomon Waterhole • Kaur Wetlands • Wassu Stone Circles • Kuntaur

   A full birding day continuing east, visiting Farafenni wetlands, Solomon Waterhole, Kaur Wetlands and Wassu, including the famous Wassu Stone Circles. After lunch at Kauren Lodge, we take a boat trip on the River Gambia around Kuntaur, looking for waterbirds and riverine species, before continuing to Bansang.

   Egyptian PloverAfrican Fish EagleAfrican Pygmy GooseAfrican JacanaBlack CrakeSquacco HeronYellow-billed StorkSacred IbisHamerkop

   Breakfast, lunch, dinnerRiverside Lodge, Bansang
9. 
   Day 9

   Janjanbureh, Kunkiling Forest & Janjanbureh Woods

   Kunkiling Forest • Janjanbureh Woods • River Gambia

   We explore Kunkiling Forest and the woodland around Janjanbureh, looking for species associated with the more mature inland forests. In the afternoon we take another River Gambia freshwater boat trip; late afternoon offers opportunities for sandgrouse and open-country birds, with an evening session that may produce nightjars. Mammals may include Green Vervet Monkeys, Red Colobus and Hippopotamus.

   African FinfootGrey-headed KingfisherBlue-breasted KingfisherRed-throated Bee-eaterStriated HeronBruce's Green PigeonBlack CoucalSenegal CoucalWhite-backed VultureHadada IbisFour-banded SandgrouseNightjars

   Breakfast, lunch, dinnerRiverside Lodge, Bansang
10. Day 10

    Bansang to Wassadou, Eastern Senegal

    Senegalese border crossing • Wassadou

    We leave early for the Senegalese border and continue towards Wassadou in Eastern Senegal, with roadside birding opportunities along the way. After crossing the border we continue towards Niokolo-Koba National Park. Depending on timing, we may take an evening boat trip around the camp, or arrange it for the following morning.

    Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinnerHotel Wassadou
11. 
    Day 11

    Wassadou & Niokolo-Koba National Park

    Wassadou • Niokolo-Koba National Park

    An early morning exploration around Wassadou and the surrounding Niokolo-Koba landscape offers a very different birding experience from coastal Gambia, with dry woodland, savanna and riverine habitats, plus opportunities for mammals and other wildlife.

    Abyssinian Ground HornbillWhite-crested HelmetshrikeGreen-headed SunbirdViolet-backed StarlingSenegal ParrotBustardsFrancolinsWoodpeckers

    Breakfast, lunch, dinnerHotel Wassadou
12. Day 12

    Wassadou to Simenti, Niokolo-Koba National Park

    Simenti • Niokolo-Koba National Park

    After early morning birding, we continue deeper into Niokolo-Koba National Park, travelling towards Simenti and exploring suitable habitats throughout the day. The park provides some of the most exciting wildlife encounters of the tour, including large mammals alongside a wide range of birds.

    Breakfast, lunch, dinnerHotel Simenti
13. Day 13

    Simenti to Kudang / Gambia

    Jahally Rice Fields • Kudang Wetlands • Vellingara

    After early morning birding around Simenti, we begin the journey west towards Gambia, birding along the route with particular attention to woodland and wetland habitats. After crossing back into Gambia, we visit the Jahally Rice Fields and Kudang Wetlands, both excellent for wetland and open-country species. Lunch is taken around Vellingara before continuing to our accommodation.

    Breakfast, lunch, dinnerKakuba Lodge
14. Day 14

    Kakuba to Coastal Gambia

    Dalaba Wetlands • Soma Swamps • Tendaba Camp

    We leave early and continue towards the coast, with birding stops at Dalaba Wetlands, Soma Swamps and other productive roadside wetlands and woodland habitats. We stop for lunch at Tendaba Camp before continuing back to the coastal region in the afternoon.

    Breakfast, lunch, dinnerLemon Creek Hotel / Kombo Beach Hotel
15. Day 15

    Farasutu Forest, Abuko Fields, Cape Creek & Departure

    Farasutu Forest • Abuko Fields • Cape Creek • Baobab Island

    Our final morning begins with birding at Farasutu Forest, followed by Abuko Fields and Cape Creek, depending on flight departure time, concentrating on species missed earlier in the tour. A farewell lunch is arranged at Baobab Island, subject to timing. Guests with later flights have the option to return to Kotu Creek, visit Kotu Ponds or the Cycle Track, relax at the beach or hotel pool, or visit a local market, before transferring to Banjul International Airport.

    Breakfast, lunchDay room until departure, where applicable

Where you'll stay

A mix of coastal hotels and riverside lodges and camps along the route, chosen for comfort and location rather than luxury.

Pricing

International flights are not included. For private groups, this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your pace, interests and accommodation preferences — see what's included or ask Yaya for a custom quote.