This 8-day bird photography tour in The Gambia takes you across mangroves, wetlands and savannas, staying at carefully selected lodges in different regions to maximise variety in species, habitats and photographic opportunities.
Tour Highlights
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Tour Type: Entirely private, tailored to your pace
Board Basis: Full board
Guidance: Personally guided by Fatou Colley
From €850 p.p. (based on 2 people)
€1,050 for 1 person
Single room supplement: €70
(Flights not included)
During this tour, the focus is on optimal lighting conditions and carefully selected locations. By staying no longer than two nights at any single location, we visit each region at the best possible time. This ensures maximum variety in bird species, backgrounds, and photographic opportunities, without a rushed travel pace.
For photographers who prefer a fixed base with intensive hide photography, you can also choose my Mandinari River Lodge bird photography stay.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Tanbi Wetlands
Your birdwatching journey begins upon arrival at Banjul Airport. You will travel to the charming Mandinari River Lodge, set in a stunning natural setting. Here, we will explore the Tanbi Wetlands and the lush gardens of the lodge, where you can spot and photograph colorful birds in a serene natural oasis.
Day 2: Nature Walk and Bird of Prey Spotting
The morning starts with a walk through the mangroves, rice fields, and wetlands of Mandinari, a perfect location for bird enthusiasts. In the afternoon, we visit a hotspot rich in birds of prey, offering unique opportunities to capture impressive photographs of these majestic birds.
Day 3: Journey to Tendaba Camp and Bird Hides
After a delightful breakfast, we head inland to Tendaba Camp, located 142 km away. Along the way, we stop at several bird-rich hotspots, including the renowned Farasutu Forest. Upon arrival at Tendaba, we visit one of the bird hides in the area.
Day 4: Boat Trip and Kwinella Bush Track
We start the day with a scenic boat trip through the mangroves along the Gambia River. This journey offers fantastic opportunities to observe and photograph waterbirds in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, we explore the Kwinella bush track, enjoying the diverse landscape and local bird species.
Itinerary for this tour.
Day 5: To the Coast and Wetlands in Kartong
After breakfast, we head to the coast and the charming village of Kartong, located near the border with Senegal. We will stay overnight at Stala Lodge and take an evening trip to the nearby wetlands to discover even more bird species.
Day 6: Kartong Bird Watching Observatory and Halahin River
In the morning, we visit the famous Kartong Bird Watching Observatory, an absolute must-see for bird enthusiasts. In the afternoon, we embark on a boat trip on the Halahin River, providing unique opportunities to spot various bird species, herons, and crocodiles. The peaceful setting offers exceptional birdwatching and photography possibilities.
Day 7: Gunjur, Tanji Fish Market, and Tanema Creek Lodge
After breakfast, we drive to Gunjur and visit the vibrant fish market at Tanji. Here, you can experience the local culture while observing and photographing birds along the coastline. After lunch, we continue to Tanema Creek Lodge, where we end the day with a nature walk in the surrounding area.
Day 8: Final Excursion and Departure
On the final day, depending on your flight schedule, we visit Kotu Bridge and the surrounding natural areas. If time permits, we will make a stop at the rice fields of Lamin before transferring you to the airport for your return flight.
8-Day Bird Photography Tour in The Gambia – Mangroves, Wetlands and Savannas
The tour is structured around photogenic biotopes across The Gambia, with each location offering its own character and photographic challenge. From open savannas to water-rich wetlands and mangrove areas: every environment requires a different approach and yields unique images. Thanks to the flexible daily schedule and personal guidance, there is ample time to develop observations at a steady pace and get the best out of every photo session.