Tour Highlights

• Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

• Tour type: Fully private, tailored to your own pace

• Board basis: Full board

• Guidance: Certified Bird Guide

• Locations: Multiple bird-rich habitats across The Gambia

• Accommodation: Maximum of two nights per lodge for optimal variety

• Price indication: from €900 p.p. (based on two people sharing)

• Solo traveller: €1,250

• Single room supplement: €80

• (Flights not included)

Gambia: 10-Day Bird Photography Tour Across Diverse Habitats

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.

Itinerary for this tour.

This 10-day bird photography tour in The Gambia is designed for travellers who wish to take their time and thoroughly explore various bird-rich regions. The extended itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace at each location, offering ample opportunity for observation, photography, and capturing the perfect shot by making the most of the light and local conditions

The emphasis is on quality over quantity: sufficient time at each location, well-considered transfers, and personal guidance throughout the entire journey. This formula is ideal for both bird photographers and birdwatchers alike.

During this private tour, we visit a carefully curated selection of mangroves, wetlands, savannas, and riverine habitats. We never stay more than two nights in the same location, ensuring each region is visited at the optimum time. This provides a rich variety of species, backdrops, and photographic opportunities, all while maintaining a relaxed and unhurried pace.

Why This Photography Tour Is Unique
Exploration of multiple bird-rich habitats across Gambia.
Never more than two nights in the same lodge, ensuring the perfect balance between comfort and variation.
Diverse landscapes offering excellent photographic opportunities.
Ample time for birdwatching and photography at each location.
Ideal for photographers and birders seeking a versatile and well-balanced round tour.