Bird Photography Tour in Senegal - Departure from Dakar Airport
Bird Photography Tour in Senegal
15 days / 14 nights – full board
€2,550 per person, based on a minimum of two participants
✅ This tour is also available as an 18-day or 21-day itinerary
Bird Photography Route in Senegal
Join an unforgettable 15-day bird photography tour through Senegal, a country of strong contrasts and exceptional birdlife. This journey is designed for bird photographers who want to explore a wide range of habitats and focus on both well-known and special West African bird species.
The tour starts along the Atlantic coast in Popenguine, a quiet coastal village where woodland paths meet the ocean. This relaxed beginning offers excellent photographic opportunities and allows you to settle into the rhythm of the journey.
From Popenguine, we travel north to the historic town of Saint-Louis and continue to the world-famous Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. This vast wetland area is home to thousands of pelicans, flamingos, herons and many other waterbirds, making it one of the most impressive bird photography locations in West Africa.
Following the Senegal River, we explore quieter regions such as Richard Toll and Gambi Sarr, where rare species including the Golden Nightjar and Horus Swift can be found. These less-visited areas offer rewarding birding and excellent photographic conditions.
The journey then continues south towards Kaolack and further into the wild heart of Niokolo-Koba National Park. Here, forest, savannah and river habitats come together, providing opportunities to photograph special species such as the African Finfoot and a wide variety of colourful kingfishers.
In the atmospheric Sine-Saloum Delta, you stay at Keur Saloum Lodge, surrounded by mangroves and winding waterways. Boat trips through the delta reveal fish eagles, bee-eaters, herons and many other species, often in beautiful early-morning or late-afternoon light.
The tour ends back in Popenguine, where Atlantic sunsets and the nearby nature reserve provide a calm and fitting conclusion to this rich and varied bird photography journey through Senegal.
Day 1 – Arrival Dakar – Popenguine
Arrival at Dakar International Airport. Meet and transfer to Villa Serere in Popenguine, a peaceful coastal retreat with beautiful ocean views.
Overnight at Villa Serere.
Day 2 – Forest Walk and Beach at Popenguine
Morning forest walk and bird photography along the beach at Popenguine, with opportunities to capture both woodland and coastal bird species.
Second overnight at Villa Serere.
Day 3 – Journey to Saint-Louis
Drive north along the Atlantic coast to the historic town of Saint-Louis, known for its colonial charm and proximity to the Senegal River delta.
Evening at leisure.
Day 4 – Djoudj National Park
Full day of bird photography in Djoudj National Park, one of Africa’s most important wetlands. Expect impressive gatherings of pelicans, flamingos, herons, and countless migratory species.
Day 5 – Boat Trip and Nature Walk
Morning boat trip through the waterways of Djoudj to photograph pelicans, herons, and kingfishers.
Afternoon nature walk exploring the savanna and reedbeds surrounding the park.
Overnight in Saint-Louis.
Day 6 – To Richard Toll
Drive to Richard Toll, a quiet town along the Senegal River.
Overnight at Hotel Gîte d’Étape, with an optional evening birding session along the riverbanks.
Day 7 – Gamagi Sarr Specialties
Early morning excursion to Gamagi Sarr, targeting the rare Golden Nightjar and Horus Swift – two of the most sought-after species in northern Senegal.
Return to Richard Toll for overnight.
Day 8 – Long Drive to Kaolack
Full-day drive south to Kaolack, with only a few short birding or rest stops along the way.
Evening arrival and overnight in Kaolack.
The itinerary for this tour.
Day 9 – Drive to Wassadou Camp
Journey eastwards to Wassadou Camp, beautifully located on the banks of the Gambia River.
A great location for bee-eaters, kingfishers, and hippos.
Overnight at Wassadou Camp.
Day 10 – Niokolo-Koba National Park
Morning safari in Niokolo-Koba National Park, searching for birds, monkeys, and antelopes.
Afternoon boat trip on the Gambia River for close encounters with African Finfoot and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Overnight at Wassadou Camp.
Day 11 – Return to Kaolack
Drive back to Kaolack, focusing on the elegant Swallow-tailed Kites, often seen in large flocks.
Overnight in Kaolack.
Day 12 – To Keur Saloum Lodge
From Kaolack, drive to Keur Saloum Lodge in the heart of the Sine-Saloum Delta.
Afternoon boat trip through mangroves and creeks, searching for herons, ospreys, and bee-eaters.
Overnight at Keur Saloum Lodge.
Day 13 – Explore the Sine-Saloum Delta
Full day exploring the Keur Saloum area — a mix of mangroves, open savanna, and forest habitats.
Optional second boat trip or forest walk.
Second overnight at Keur Saloum Lodge.
Day 14 – Return to Popenguine
Drive back to Popenguine, conveniently close to Dakar Airport.
Afternoon at leisure or optional birding along the cliffs and beach.
Overnight at Villa Serere.
Day 15 – Departure
Morning forest walk in the Popenguine Nature Reserve for the final bird sightings.
Afternoon free time depending on your flight schedule.
Transfer to Dakar International Airport for departure.