Following last year's popular trip, once again you can join TV presenter and keen birdwatcher Chris Packham for three days of birdwatching and photography in The Gambia with the option of spending an additional three days with him at Mandina Lodges in Makasutu Forest.
An Introduction From Chris Packham
I’ve kind of lost count of how many times I’ve been to The Gambia, but I know it’s more than 15 – and I still think of it as one of the best birding destinations anywhere in the world. Maybe it’s the place that all good birders go to when they lay down their binoculars and complete their life-lists! We ran two tours in 2012 and 2013, as they were so successful, we’re going to repeat that for February 2014.
When I’m asked why I love The Gambia so much – as a country and as a birding destination – I always say it’s a mix of things: the lovely people and so many good friends, the excellent hotels and food, the feeling of safety when I’m out and about and of course the accessibility and abundance of incredible birdlife, which never ceases to amaze me. I am also excited to hear that visits to the chimp sanctuary upriver will once again be available this winter, where the wildlife and birding opportunities during my visit in 2008 so impressed me.
There’s something to be said for the extraordinary knowledge of the local bird guides as well, especially my good friend Malick Suso, and I love the feeling of never truly knowing what I might see when out in the field. Bring on 2013 – come and join us! 
Chris Packham
Also see our guest blog post from Chris on The Gambia Blog a diary of day one and day two of the 2010 tour, also on the blog.
Download a PDF checklist of all the bird species in The Gambia (569 species!)
