Bird Photography Tour Gambia Extended Route
Bird Photography Tour in Gambia
10 days / 9 nights – full board
€900 per person (based on 2 persons)
€1,250 for 1 person
On this tour, we visit different habitats and lodges than those included in Tour 6. We never stay more than two nights in the same lodge, allowing us to maximize the number of bird species to photograph and observe.
Each of these 10-day bird photography tours in Gambia is a photographic journey in its own right. Although both routes feature many of the same bird species, each habitat has its own characteristic species and atmosphere. The variety of lodges and environments continually offers new photographic angles and perspectives.
From mangroves and wetland areas to savanna zones and river banks, each location provides a distinct setting for bird photography. As the locations change, so do the bird species, reflecting the diversity of habitats visited. This makes these tours an ideal way to maximise bird sightings and photographic opportunities during a 10-day journey through Gambia.
View the full itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Tanbi Wetlands
Your birding tour begins upon arrival at Banjul Airport. You will travel to the charming Mandinari River Lodge, set in beautiful surroundings. There we will explore the Tanbi Wetlands and the lush garden of the lodge, where you can spot and photograph colorful birds in a serene, natural oasis, or if you prefer you can immediately visit the specially designed bird photography hide.
Day 2: Walk and Bird of Prey Spotting
The morning starts with a walk through the mangroves, rice fields and wetlands of Mandinari, a perfect place for bird lovers. In the afternoon we will visit a hotspot rich in birds of prey, where you will have unique opportunities to take impressive photos of these majestic birds. Or do you wish to stay in the photo hide and skip a walk? The choice is yours.
Day 3: Travel to Tendaba Camp and Birdwatching
After a delicious breakfast we depart inland to Tendaba Camp, 142 km away. Along the way we stop at various bird-rich hotspots, including the famous Farasutu forest. After arriving in Tendaba we visit one of the birdwatching hides in the area.
Day 4: Boat trip and Kwinella Bushtrack
We start the day with a beautiful boat trip through the mangroves along the Gambia River. This trip offers fantastic opportunities to observe and photograph water birds in their natural habitat. In the afternoon we explore the Kwinella bushtrack, where we enjoy the varied landscape and the local bird species.
Day 5: Drive to Baobab Island with road birding
In the early morning light we depart for the enchanting Baobab Island. This island bears its name with pride, because the majestic Baobab trees dominate the landscape and are visible from afar as impressive guardians. Along the way we will stop at various hotspots, where we will have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful birds and enjoy road birding, a unique experience where every bend in the road can bring new surprises.
Day 6: Marakissa Wetlands and Bird Paradise
The morning is dedicated to an excursion to the Marakissa Wetlands, where we will explore the rich flora and fauna of the area. By afternoon, we return to the camp, renowned for its breathtaking garden specifically designed for birds. This is a true paradise for bird photographers, offering abundant opportunities for stunning shots.
Day 7: Kartong and Wetlands Exploration
After breakfast, we head to the coastal village of Kartong, where we will stay overnight at Stala Lodge. Located near the border with Senegal, Kartong offers a peaceful setting. In the evening, we take a trip to the Kartong Wetlands, where you can spot and photograph birds against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Day 8: Kartong Bird Watching Observatory and Halahin River
The morning begins with a visit to the renowned Kartong Bird Watching Observatory, where you can photograph a variety of bird species in a beautiful natural landscape. In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Halahin River, offering opportunities to capture waterbirds and heron-like species in their natural habitat.
Day 9: Gunjur, Tanji Fish Market, and Tanema Creek Lodge
After breakfast, we travel to Gunjur and visit the famous Tanji Fish Market. This is not only a chance to experience local culture but also to photograph birds frequenting the area around the market. Following lunch, we proceed to Tanema Creek Lodge, where we conclude the day with a final nature walk in the lodge's surroundings.
Day 10: Kotu Bridge and Lamin Rice Fields
Depending on your flight schedule, we visit Kotu Bridge and the surrounding natural areas, offering one last chance to capture beautiful bird photographs. If time permits, we make a final stop at the Lamin Rice Fields, ideal for concluding your bird photography journey before transferring you to the airport for your return flight.
