Whether you're quite the twitcher, or simply love to experience a little bit of local wildlife, then come and see what The Gambia has to offer.
Chris Packham, BBC presenter of Springwatch and Autumnwatch, ecologist, environmentalist, and wildlife photographer extraordinaire has been to The Gambia multiple times, including leading several guided bird tours for The Gambia Experience over the years. No one knows The Gambia's rich bird life quite like Chris Packham, except for perhaps Malick Suso who is Chris' 'go to' bird guide when he's in The Gambia and who has an almost preternatural understanding of the birds and their habitats. Now Megan McCubbin will follow in Chris' footsteps working with Malick who she's known from a young age. Together they’re quite a team, and provide hands-on expertise for their guests; after just a few hours in their presence, you can palpably feel your own knowledge levels rising. Discover a birdwatching holiday to The Gambia here.
Above: Chris and Malick birdwatching with guests on a tributary of the River Gambia
Anyone, from the avid twitcher to those with just a passing interest in birds, will be amazed at the vast array that can be discovered on a holiday to The Gambia – a stroll around your hotel garden with a pair of binoculars will be enough to satisfy many tourists. Even those of you who would not admit to any fascination for birds will not be able to resist the temptation of watching a hornbill perched on a tree above your head, or a Goliath Heron wading across the shoreline. Daily vulture feeding at Senegambia Hotel is also something to consider witnessing, even if you are not staying there.
Above: Vultures gathering in the ground of Senegambia Hotel just before their daily feeding time.
But don’t take our word for it, here’s what Chris has to say about The Gambia and its extraordinary birdlife:
"The Gambia is an ornithological nirvana, with 170 species regularly seen in three leisurely days birding on the coast alone, and 400 more waiting to be discovered further afield. Exotic species such as rollers, kingfishers and bee-eaters are spangled spectacles whilst the dynamic array of raptors are truly impressive. Many others are simply tamer and more easily approached than in the UK so keen photographers always return home with a few ‘trophies’!" Chris Packham.
If you’ll allow us to get technical for a moment: The Gambia sits right at the centre of something called a transition zone, which means for a relatively small country it supports a huge variety of habitats, including forest-savannah environments and drier woodland ones, marine systems and, of course, the life-giving River Gambia with its estuary mudflats and the intricate mangrove tributaries of the interior. In short, with all these habitats in a relatively small area, The Gambia is one heck of a place for birdlife! Here are a few suggested areas to explore.
Abuko Nature Reserve
Abuko is a mix of forest and open savannah and as such already boasts a real diversity of bird types, not to mention some fabulous trees and plants. But its real star is the natural pool that sits at the centre of things and around which flock all manner of species. You’re likely to see Hammerkops, various bee-eaters, African Darters, hornbills, Night Herons, Hoopoes, barbets, jacanas, a variety of kingfishers…
Above: Little Bee-Eaters.
Kotu stream
The River Gambia is a fertile, life-giving source of joy to the people of The Gambia and its tributaries are no different. There is a mythical challenge associated with the bridge over the stream at Kotu, a challenge to anyone who can see 100 species in a single day. It’s been rumoured to have been done at least once, but the mere fact that it’s even a possibility is quite staggering. Expect this area to be busy with bird enthusiasts early in the morning as the birds gather in the relative coolness and tranquillity at this time of day.
Above: Bakotu Hotel’s birdwatching decking overlooking Kotu Creek
A Day on the River
People aside, the pulsing heart of The Gambia is its mighty river. It is the river which provides food and sustenance, the river that provides the fertile lands that ensure Gambians will never grow hungry, and it’s the river – labyrinthine and endlessly divergent – which makes The Gambia many times the size it appears on maps. There is no better way to explore than from the deck of a boat, binoculars in hand as the sun charts its lazy path across the sky. Expect to see herons, Osprey, kingfishers, spoonbills and pelicans – and enjoy the Gambian sunshine at the same time whilst lazily wending your way upstream.
Above: An Osprey skimming the water by the mangrove swamps
Makasutu Forest
A visit to this unspoilt area – off the beaten track and yet within easy reach of resort areas – will provide you with the opportunity to experience both land and water bird species, taking advantage of the expert knowledge of their local guides. It has a special atmosphere of its own and Chris Packham describes it as ‘a little piece of paradise’. The forest hosts a wealth of other wildlife, such as monkeys, monitor lizards and baboons which you may be lucky enough to encounter. Visit this fabulous area by booking a stay a Mandina Lodges, a wonderfully unique accommodation choice in the heart of Gambia's nature.
Above: A young baboon in Makasutu Forest
Tanji Shore
We can think of no better way to spend the cool of the early morning than picking your way through the coastal forest at Tanji and emerging into the hazy light of the shore, watching fishermen cast nets and different species of tern diving for their breakfast. Over the years the open grassland between the forest and the beach has become the favourite haunt of the Golden-tailed Woodpecker – a real rarity and an absolute treat for the eye. You might also be lucky enough to spot a Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. The late afternoon is also a spectacle as the fishing boats return to shore and huge numbers of sea birds circle overhead as fish are offloaded on the beach.
Kartong Wetlands
Kartong Bird Observatory is a non-profit organisation established in 2010 by a group of British bird ringers to study the migration of birds between Europe and West Africa. It is located overlooking a former sand mine with areas that fill with water during the rainy season and create one of the prime birding areas along the coast of The Gambia. Over 365 species of bird have been recorded at Kartong. The wetlands form the centre of the recording area but other adjacent habitats include, sand dunes, foreshore, tidal mudflats, mangroves, Savannah scrub, rice fields cultivations and a remnant of high forest.
Above: The Kartong wetlands
How and When?
If you do fancy spending some time whilst on holiday in search of species to tick off on your wish list, several of the areas described can be visited on our organised celebrity tours, whilst others can be experienced as part of a day excursion. Alternatively, why not hire the services of Malick Suso or a local bird guide to maximise your chances of spotting that elusive species – birding tours ranging from half a day to 5-night private upriver trips can be pre-booked, alternatively, your representative would be happy to arrange this for you. However, if you choose to explore this amazing country, a pair of binoculars is a must.
For further information on our Tanji Birding, Kayaks and Canoes, and Lazy Day Cruise excursions please visit our Excursions and Experiences page.