Bird Photography Tour in Gambia and Senegal 18 Days Full Board.
Photograph colorful birds and exotic landscapes, African adventure in pictures.
Step into the world of vibrant birds and lush nature with our exclusive Bird Photography Tour in The Gambia and Senegal. This 18-day journey is specially designed for nature enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture unique bird species in their natural habitat. Explore the most iconic birding locations in West Africa, enjoy professional guidance, and experience the beauty of this diverse region.
Bird Photography Tour in Gambia and Senegal - 18 Days / 17 nights Full Board 1900 euros per pp.
- From 2 persons.
Tour 12.
Bird Photography Tour from Gambia to Senegal – From Wetlands to to dry savannahs
This unique bird photography tour takes you from the vibrant landscapes of Gambia into the rich natural beauty of Senegal, with a highlight visit to the iconic Kousmar Island. From Gambia, we travel north across the border towards the Senegalese city of Kaolack, located 106 km away. This lively city lies picturesquely on the banks of the Saloum River, where the water gradually gives way to the vast and diverse landscapes of the Saloum Delta. Along the way and in Kaolack itself, you'll have the chance to spot and photograph a wide range of bird species, including herons, waders, and fish eagles. From Kaolack, we’ll enjoy a boat trip through the breathtaking Saloum Delta, a true paradise for nature lovers. Here, where rivers meet and mangroves dominate the scenery, the soft morning and evening light creates perfect conditions for atmospheric photography. A definite highlight of the tour is a visit to Kousmar Island, one of West Africa’s most popular birding hotspots. Each evening, thousands of Swallow-tailed Kites gather here, a spectacular natural phenomenon that no photographer will want to miss. As the sun sets and the sky turns orange, the air fills with circling birds of prey , an unforgettable sight and a moment made for stunning images.
This journey offers a varied programme full of contrasts , from river landscapes to dry savannahs and is ideal for anyone seeking both photographic challenges and pure natural immersion.
Itinerary for this tour.
Day 1: Arrival in Banjul and Mandinari River Lodge
Upon arrival at Banjul Airport, we head to the charming Mandinari River Lodge. Together, we’ll explore the stunning surroundings of the Tanbi Wetlands and the lodge’s lush garden. Spot and photograph vibrant birds in this peaceful natural oasis – the perfect start to your journey.
Day 2: Mangroves and Birds of Prey
In the morning, we’ll embark on an excursion through the mangroves, rice fields, and wetlands of Mandinari. In the afternoon, we’ll visit hotspots rich in birds of prey, providing unique opportunities to capture stunning images of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Day 3: Journey to Tendaba Camp
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Tendaba Camp, located 140 km inland, with stops at various birding hotspots along the way, including the Farasutu Forest. Upon arrival at the camp around midday, we’ll visit one of Tendaba Camp’s bird hides.
Day 4: Boat Trip and Kwinella Bush Track
We’ll start the morning with a scenic boat trip through the mangroves along the Gambia River. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Kwinella bush track, where we’ll enjoy more opportunities to experience the local wildlife and nature.
Day 5: To Kakuba Garden Hotel
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Kakuba Garden Hotel, located 114 km away. During the journey, we’ll stop at birding hotspots, including breathtaking wetlands and expansive rice fields. After a delightful lunch and a refreshing break, we’ll explore the local surroundings.
Day 6: Kuntaur and Rice Fields
After breakfast, we’ll drive to our next lodge, situated on the north bank of the Gambia River in Kuntaur. Crossing the river on the local ferry in Georgetown, we’ll spot birds along the way. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a walk through the rice fields in Kuntaur.
Day 7: Red-throated Bee-eaters and Chimpanzees
In the morning, we’ll visit a stunning colony of red-throated bee-eaters to photograph their vibrant plumage and unique behavior. After lunch and a short break, we’ll take an exciting boat trip to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, where we may also have the chance to photograph hippos.
Day 8: Journey to Jajari
Today, we’ll travel along the north bank toward the village of Jajari, covering a distance of 110 km. Along the way, we’ll stop at several birding hotspots. After a delicious lunch at Morgan Kunda Lodge, we’ll explore the surrounding area.
Day 9: Border Crossing to Senegal
Today, we’ll head to the border with Senegal, crossing at Farafenni. After completing the necessary formalities, we’ll continue to Kaolack, 106 km further along, located on the banks of the Saloum River. Following lunch, we’ll venture to the river to photograph the diverse bird species.
Day 10: Kousmar Island
This morning, we’ll embark on another excursion along the river. After lunch and a short break, we’ll travel to Kousmar Island, a popular hotspot. Every evening, a colony of swallow-tailed kites gathers here. It promises to be an incredible experience to admire and photograph these impressive birds in their natural habitat.
Day 11: Toubacouta and Sine Saloum Delta
After breakfast, we’ll head to Toubacouta, a small village located in the stunning Sine Saloum Delta, just 70 km away. This area is a true paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. After lunch at Hotel Keur Saloum, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the enchanting surroundings.
Day 12: Boat Trip through the Saloum Delta
Today is a special day! After breakfast, we’ll take a boat trip through the magnificent Saloum Delta, where the rivers converge in a breathtaking landscape. We’ll travel close to the ocean, offering spectacular opportunities to photograph birds. An unforgettable experience awaits.
Day 13: Return to The Gambia
We’ll depart and head back to the Gambian border, where we’ll take the ferry from Barra to Banjul. The crossing itself is always a memorable adventure. Upon arriving in Banjul, we’ll continue to Stala Lodge in Kartong. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the beautiful Kartong wetlands.
Day 14: Kartong Bird Watching Observatory
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Kartong Bird Watching Observatory. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a serene boat trip on the Halahin River.
Day 15: Tanema Creek Lodge
After breakfast, we’ll depart for our next lodge, stopping at several birding hotspots in Gunjur along the way. After lunch in Tanji, near the bustling fish market, we’ll explore the stunning surroundings. We’ll spend the night at Tanema Creek Lodge.
Day 16: Brufut Forest and Tanji Bird Reserve
In the morning, we’ll visit the Brufut Forest, a prime hotspot for various bird species. After this excursion, we’ll return to Tanji to explore the bird reserve. We’ll end the day with a visit to the local fish market, a vibrant experience filled with colours and aromas.
Day 17: Kotu Bridge and Return to Mandinari River Lodge
After breakfast, we’ll head to Kotu Bridge for a delightful boat trip, offering the chance to photograph various herons and kingfishers. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before taking a leisurely drive back to Mandinari River Lodge.
Day 18: Lamin Rice Fields and Departure
Depending on flight times, we’ll plan a relaxed visit to the serene Lamin rice fields. This tranquil setting provides numerous opportunities to spot and photograph a variety of bird species. We may also visit a hotspot for birds of prey, offering a final chance to capture these majestic creatures in their element.
