Tour Highlights
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Tour Type: Fully private, tailored to your own pace
Board Basis: Full board
Guidance: Personally guided by Fatou Colley
Price: From €900 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
Solo Traveller: €1,250
Single Room Supplement: €80
(Flights not included)
Over the course of this 10-day journey, we explore diverse regions of The Gambia, with each lodge situated in a distinct habitat. From wetlands and riverbanks to open savannas and pockets of woodland: every environment requires a different photographic approach and yields unique images.
While some bird species may be found in multiple locations, the changing surroundings offer fresh compositions, backdrops, and lighting conditions at every turn. By staying no more than two nights in any one place, the journey remains both dynamic and relaxed, ensuring maximum variety for birdwatchers and photographers alike
Gambia: 10 Days of Bird Photography – Exploring Alternative Biotopes
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Tanbi Wetlands
Upon arrival at Banjul Airport, you will be transferred to the atmospheric Mandinari River Lodge. Your adventure begins with an exploration of the stunning surroundings of the Tanbi Wetlands and the lodge's lush gardens. Spot and photograph colorful birds in this tranquil natural oasis—a perfect start to your journey and photography adventure.
Day 2: Mangrove Walk and Bird of Prey Spotting
Start your day with an invigorating walk through the mangroves, rice fields, and wetlands of Mandinari. In the afternoon, we visit a bird of prey hotspot, offering you the chance to photograph majestic birds in their natural habitat. This provides fantastic opportunities for capturing impressive action shots.
Day 3: Journey to Tendaba Camp and Bird Hides
After breakfast, we head inland to Tendaba Camp, a journey of 142 km. Along the way, we make several stops at bird-rich hotspots, including the Farasutu Forest, where you can photograph a variety of bird species. Upon arrival at the camp around midday, we visit one of the two bird hides, perfect for capturing birds in their natural environment.
Day 4: Boat Trip and Kwinella Bush Track
The morning begins with an enchanting boat trip through the mangroves along the Gambia River, ideal for photographing waterbirds. In the afternoon, we venture to the Kwinella Bush Track, where we can further enjoy the natural beauty and local wildlife, with excellent opportunities for bird photography.
Day 5: Journey to Marakissa and Bird Hide in Killy
After breakfast, we embark on a journey to Marakissa, 131 km away. A highlight of the day is a visit to the bird hide in Killy, where you can photograph a variety of bird species. After lunch and a short break, we take an excursion around the camp area, an ideal setting for capturing birds and other wildlife.
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 midday, 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.
This 10-day bird photography tour is designed for travellers who wish to experience The Gambia beyond the traditional routes. By consciously choosing alternative habitats and lodges, we have created a diverse journey filled with ever-changing landscapes, lighting conditions, and bird species.
The tour is conducted entirely on a private basis, following a relaxed yet well-considered itinerary. By moving between locations at a steady pace, without ever feeling rushed you will experience a wide variety of bird-rich environments and photographic opportunities, each offering a fresh perspective.