Here we share our suggestions of hotels perfectly suited to birdwatchers, highlighting some of their differences to help you select your perfect property.
The Gambia is well known as a fantastic destination for birdwatching. There are 600+ species of birds found here, and many bird enthusiasts, return year after year.
“The Gambia remains a top birding destination. Easily accessible, affordable and packed with a range of exciting species, it’s a great place to get an introduction to African birds or snap some super photographs. The guides are brilliant, the people are friendly, the hotels and food are good and the sun shines.” Chris Packham, BBC Presenter
For those looking for something a little different, there are even private upriver birdwatching itineraries, for the ultimate experience and many birdwatching opportunities just over the border in Senegal too.
Where to stay for birdwatching in The Gambia
If you are wondering which hotels are best suited to wildlife enthusiasts, in particular birdwatchers, we’ve gathered together a quick rundown on the hotels we’d recommend.
Mandina Lodges, Makasutu Forest
For wildlife with a touch of barefoot luxury try Mandina Lodges, about 60 minutes inland from the coastal resorts. Located in Makasutu Forest by a mangrove-lined tributary of the River Gambia, this is an idyllic spot where you can immerse yourself in nature with monkeys, baboons, reptiles and a myriad of birds, all regular visitors to the lodges.
You’ll be assigned your personal expert guide allowing you to explore the forest on foot or the mangroves by canoe, learning about the flora and fauna of the area as you go.
Visit our website to find out more about Mandina Lodges.
Bakotu Hotel, Kotu
This small, family-run hotel offers simple yet comfortable accommodation and is particularly popular with bird enthusiasts due to the tropical gardens and nearby nature walk beside Kotu Stream. In addition to this, there is also a birdwatching deck overlooking the stream –– a great spot from where to observe a wide variety of birdlife.
Visit our website to find out more about Bakotu Hotel.
In the heart of the Tanji Bird Reserve, this simple, small hotel by a deserted beach, is the perfect location for ornithologists.
You’ll be able to spot many species without leaving the hotel grounds, as you dine under a thatched cabana overlooking the beach. Local guides are available to hire to help you make the most of the surrounding reserve and boat excursions to Bijoul Island can also be arranged.
Visit our website to find out more about Tanji Bird Reserve.
Senegambia Hotel, Kololi
In contrast to Tanji Eco-Lodge (see below) and Bakotu Hotel, the Senegambia Hotel is the largest in the Gambia. It also offers a wider variety of facilities.
Located by the beach in the lively resort of Kololi, the Senegambia Hotel offers plenty of opportunities to find a secluded spot in the twenty acres of grounds for observing a wide variety of birds, as well as monitor lizards and monkeys. The hotel's resident ornithologist is on hand to provide tours within the grounds and it’s just a short taxi ride to a wide variety of bird habitats. Don't miss the daily vulture feeding displays in the gardens.
This hotel, unlike the others listed here, is also well-suited to anyone looking to enjoy the many different restaurants and bars in The Gambia’s liveliest resort, Kololi. It’s great for couples, groups and families alike and is the perfect choice if not all of your party are birdwatching enthusiasts.
Visit our website to find out more about Senegambia Hotel.
If one of the fantastic hotels above takes your fancy, one of sales team will be able to help you create the perfect birdwatching holiday for you...
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