Day 10: Kousmar Island

This morning, we take a new excursion along the river. After lunch and a short break, we travel to Kousmar Island, a popular hotspot. Here, a colony of swallow-tailed kites gathers every evening. It promises to be a wonderful experience to admire and photograph these impressive birds in their natural habitat.

Day 11: Toubacouta and Sine Saloum Delta

After breakfast, we depart for Toubacouta, a small village located in the beautiful Sine Saloum Delta, just 70 km away. This area is a true paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. After lunch at Hotel Keur Saloum, we explore the enchanting surroundings in the afternoon.

Day 12: Boat Trip through the Saloum Delta

Today is a special day! After breakfast, we go on a boat trip through the beautiful Saloum Delta, where the rivers converge and the nature is breathtaking. We sail all the way to the ocean, where we have the chance to capture spectacular images of birds. An unforgettable experience.

Day 13: Return to Gambia

After departure, we return to the Gambian border, where we take the ferry from Barra to Banjul. The crossing is always an experience in itself. Once in Banjul, we travel further to Stala Lodge in Kartong. In the afternoon, we take a beautiful excursion in the wetlands of Kartong.

Day 14: Kartong Bird Watching Observatory

After breakfast, we visit the Kartong Bird Watching Observatory. In the afternoon, we enjoy a boat trip on the Halahin River.

Day 15: Tanema Creek Lodge

After breakfast, we depart for the next lodge, visiting various bird hotspots in Gunjur along the way. After lunch in Tanji, near the bustling fish market, we stay overnight at Tanema Creek Lodge but first take an excursion in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 16: Brufut Forest and Tanji Bird Reserve

After breakfast, we take an excursion in the Brufut Forest, a true hotspot for various bird species. After this excursion, we drive back to Tanji, where we visit the bird reserve. We end the day with a visit to the local fish market, a vibrant experience full of colors and scents.

Day 17: Kotu Bridge and Return to Mandinari River Lodge

After breakfast, we depart for the Kotu Bridge for a beautiful boat trip where various types of herons and kingfishers can be photographed. This time, we enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we take a relaxing ride back to the Mandinari River Lodge.

Day 18: Lamin Rice Fields and Departure

Depending on the flight times, we plan a peaceful excursion in the beautiful rice fields of Lamin. This serene environment offers many opportunities to spot various bird species. We can also visit a hotspot for raptors, where you can photograph these majestic birds in their element.

18-Day Bird Photography Tour: The Gambia & Senegal – Saloum Delta

Tour Highlights

• Duration: 18 days / 17 nights

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

• Board Basis: Full board

• Guidance: Personally guided by Fatou Colley

• Price: From €1,900 per person (based on 2 people sharing)

• Single Room Supplement: €150

• (Flights not included)

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.

Day 1: Arrival in Banjul and Mandinari River Lodge

Upon arrival at Banjul Airport, we depart for the charming Mandinari River Lodge. Together, we explore the beautiful surroundings of the Tanbi Wetlands and the lush garden of the lodge. Spot and photograph colorful birds in this tranquil, natural oasis as the perfect start to your journey.

Day 2: Mangroves and Raptors

In the morning, we take an excursion through the mangroves, rice fields, and wetlands of Mandinari. In the afternoon, we visit hotspots rich in raptors. This offers unique opportunities to take impressive photos of these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Day 3: Travel to Tendaba Camp

After breakfast, we depart for Tendaba Camp, 140 km inland, with various stops at hotspots along the way, including the Farasutu Forest. Upon arrival at the camp in the afternoon, we visit one of Tendaba Camp's bird hides.

Day 4: Boat Trip and Kwinella Bushtrack

In the morning, we start with a beautiful boat trip through the mangroves along the Gambia River. In the afternoon, we take a trip to the Kwinella bushtrack, where we can further enjoy the nature and local fauna.

Day 5: To Kakuba Garden Hotel

After breakfast, we depart for the Kakuba Garden Hotel, located 114 km away. During the journey, we stop at bird hotspots, including breathtaking wetlands and expansive rice fields. After a delicious lunch and a refreshing break, we take an excursion in the surrounding area.

Day 6: Kuntaur and Rice Fields

After breakfast, we drive to the next lodge located on the north bank of the Gambia River in Kuntaur. We cross the river using the local ferry in Georgetown. Along the way, we spot birds and take an evening walk through the rice fields in Kuntaur.

Day 7: Red-throated Bee-eater and Chimpanzees

In the morning, we head to a beautiful colony of Red-throated Bee-eater, where we can photograph their colorful feathers and unique behavior. After lunch and a short break, we take an exciting boat trip to the chimpanzee rehabilitation project. During this trip, there is also a chance to photograph hippos.

Day 8: Travel to Jajari

Today, we travel along the north bank towards the village of Jajari, a distance of 110 kilometers. Along the way, we stop at various bird hotspots. After a delicious lunch at the Morgan Kunda Lodge, we take an excursion in the surrounding area.

Day 9: Border Crossing into Senegal

Today, we depart for the border with Senegal and cross it in Farafeni. After completing the necessary formalities, we drive further to Kaolack, 106 km away, located on the banks of the Saloum River. After lunch, we take an excursion to the river to photograph the diverse bird species.

Itinerary for this tour.

This 18-day bird photography tour through The Gambia and Senegal is designed for travellers who consciously choose a slower pace and more time at each location. The itinerary combines bird-rich areas in The Gambia with an extended stay in the unique Saloum Delta, one of West Africa’s most versatile natural regions.

By spending more time on the ground, we create space for focused bird observation, thoughtful photography, and a true immersion in every habitat. From wetlands and mangroves to savannas and river landscapes: this journey offers a perfect balance of variety, depth, and relaxation. It is ideal for photographers and bird enthusiasts who prioritise quality and experience over speed

Why this photo tour is unique:
More time at each location for focused and well-considered photography
Wide variety of habitats across Gambia and Senegal
Extra moments for bird observation and diverse photographic opportunities
Ideal for photographers who prefer to travel and work at a relaxed pace