Yaya's Birding Tours

Kombo South, far south-western Gambia, near the Senegal border

Kartong Bird Observatory

Kartong Bird Observatory is West Africa's only permanent bird ringing/research station, sited on the edge of Kartong village beside a reed-fringed former sand-mine pool that holds water most of the year. Ringers here have logged an estimated 260-350 species (counts vary by source) and run an internationally recognised migration-monitoring programme alongside guided birding and boat trips on the Halahin River.

Birds flying over a freshwater pool and wetland meadow at Kartong

Habitats

reed-fringed freshwater lagoon/poolcoastal wetlandsavannah scrubsand dunestidal mud flatsforeshore/beachrice fieldsremnant high forestriver (Halahin Bolong)

Birds to look for

African FinfootOspreyHooded VulturePygmy GooseGolden-tailed WoodpeckerGreater Painted-SnipeWestern Reef HeronAfrican Fish EagleKentish PloverYellow-billed Stork

Tours that visit Kartong Bird Observatory

15-Day Birding, Wildlife & Cultural Tour of The Gambia

A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.

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15-Day Gambia & Eastern Senegal Birdwatching Adventure

A fully guided private birding tour combining the best of coastal and inland Gambia with the forests, wetlands and wildlife-rich landscapes of Eastern Senegal, including Niokolo-Koba National Park. Designed for serious birders seeking Gambian specialities, Sahelian species, woodland birds and waterbirds, at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.

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15-Day Gambia & Northern Senegal: The Saloum Delta Birdwatching Tour

A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.

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Visit Kartong Bird Observatory with Yaya

Tell Yaya when you're planning to travel and he'll help build a trip around this site.