Birdwatching sites in The Gambia

Location & Access: South bank of the River Gambia, ~250 km upriver via the eastbound highway with productive stops at bridges, waterholes, and rice paddies.

Why visit: Classic upriver base mixing raptors, mangrove specialists, and savanna birds with boat access to Kisi and Tunku/Tuku Creeks.

Suggested itinerary: Day 1 upriver drive for raptors, afternoon forest-edge walk for Brubru, cisticolas, and starlings. Day 2 dawn creek boat for White-backed Night Heron, Mouse-brown Sunbird, Martial Eagle, and Goliath Heron plus Batelling bush track scans.

Tips: Start early for raptors, carry sun protection and water, and hire local boatmen for creeks; scopes help at airfield wetlands.

Location & Access: Central River Region; drive north via Soma–Farafenni with stops at waterholes, rice fields, Kaur wetland, and Wassu.

Why visit: River-island birding for African Finfoot plus inland wetlands with Egyptian Plover and Carmine Bee-eater colonies.

Suggested itinerary: Day 1 scans at Farafenni and Kaur, sunset at Wassu, overnight on the island. Day 2 dawn boat loop for Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, Adamawa Turtle Dove, then Bansang quarry for Red-throated Bee-eaters.

Tips: Arrange boats locally, carry cash for community fees, bring long lenses, and note dry-season water levels.

Location & Access: South of Abuko village near the Kombo resorts; easy paved approach for half-day sessions.

Why visit: Compact gallery forest and savanna with 270+ species, reliable sightings near hides and along Lamin Stream.

Suggested itinerary: Early walk to the central pool and forest trails for turacos, greenbuls, and sunbirds; midday break; late-afternoon return for a soft-light surge.

Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, carry insect repellent, move quietly, and pair with nearby coastal sites.

Location & Access: Coastal reserve ~6 km from main resort belt; includes lagoon, mangrove, scrub, beach, and offshore islets.

Why visit: Superb mix of waders, gulls, terns, and scrub/mangrove birds in a compact circuit.

Suggested itinerary: Low-tide morning for mudflats, mid-morning mangrove and scrub walk for kingfishers/rollers, late-afternoon roost movement for photography.

Tips: Check tide tables, bring a scope for tern flocks, and tap local guides for cryptic mangrove species.

Location & Access: Within the Kombo resort belt with boardwalks and paths along mangroves and rice fields.

Why visit: High-reward location minutes from hotels featuring kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, and sunbirds.

Suggested itinerary: Pre-breakfast stroll along the creek and bridge, optional canoe into side channels, golden-hour return for silhouettes.

Tips: Bring mosquito repellent, focus on cooler mornings, and monitor exposed perches for pied, malachite, and blue-breasted kingfishers.

Location & Access: Southern tip near Kartong town with reedbeds, freshwater pools, and coastal scrub.

Why visit: One of the most productive wetlands with ringing studies plus migrants and local specialties.

Suggested itinerary: Dawn at reed pools, midday village pause, afternoon for heron/egret roost flights and overhead raptors.

Tips: Pack scope/long lens, combine with south-coast beach time, and respect ringing areas under warden guidance.

Location & Access: North-bank mangrove and creek complex opposite Kiang West, accessed via entry points or boat.

Why visit: Expansive estuary hosting herons, waders, kingfishers, and mangrove specialists.

Suggested itinerary: Dawn boat along bolongs, quiet midday, late-afternoon shoreline or boat for returning flocks.

Tips: Use experienced boatmen, bring repellent, and note tidal heights for feeding/roosting shifts.

Location & Access: Lower River Division (south bank) with savanna, dry woodland, mangroves, and tidal flats.

Why visit: Remote, diverse habitats with 300+ species, strong raptor presence, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill chances.

Suggested itinerary: Morning drives/walks in savanna for raptors and ground birds; afternoons at bolongs for waterbirds and mangrove species.

Tips: Facilities are basic—carry water/snacks and leverage knowledgeable guides for raptor identification.

Location & Access: Coastal woodland just outside main resorts, easy to combine with beach stays.

Why visit: Forest patch with woodpeckers, sunbirds, and forest-edge specialists.

Suggested itinerary: Early or late walks to pools and shaded tracks; focus on calls and flowering trees.

Tips: Move quietly, wear closed shoes, and consider local guides for roosting hotspots.

Location & Access: Eastbound drive from Kombo followed by a relaxed boat ride into Marakisa Rivercamp, then a short hop inland to Penyem Forest.

Why visit: Perfect mix for laid-back and keen birders alike—African Scops Owl roosts, close looks at Giant and Woodland Kingfishers, African Darters, and regular raptors along the river.

Suggested itinerary: Morning cruise to work the riverbanks, lunch at the camp’s bar/restaurant, then drive to Penyem Forest for Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike, bee-eaters, and other forest gems.

Tips: Bring binoculars plus light layers for the boat, keep cameras ready for perched specials, and allow time to unwind with refreshments before the forest session.

Location & Access: Accessible coastal forest near Kombo.

Why visit: Turacos, hornbills, and other forest specialists with fewer visitors than the headline reserves.

Suggested itinerary: Slow forest walk tuned to calls and movement; late afternoon ups vocal activity.

Tips: Use repellent, wear long sleeves, and partner with local guides for shy understorey birds.

Location & Access: Mangroves and tidal channels wrapping Banjul and Kanifing.

Why visit: Prime mangrove/wader area for herons, egrets, waders, ospreys, and fish eagles close to the capital.

Suggested itinerary: Align visits with low tide for mudflat feeding; explore channels by small boat or levee walks.

Tips: Bring a scope for distant flocks, monitor tide charts, and pack sun protection.

Location & Access: Community forest east of Brikama featuring dense gallery sections.

Why visit: Understorey and crepuscular species with nightjar prospects.

Suggested itinerary: Early morning circuit with optional dusk return for owls and nightjars.

Tips: Bring a torch for dusk, move quietly, and favor binoculars with solid low-light performance.

Location & Access: Former aquaculture ponds inland from the coast with levees and open water.

Why visit: Ducks, waders, terns, and herons on exposed pond margins.

Suggested itinerary: Walk levees at first light, scan open water/muddy edges, and revisit late afternoon for returning flocks.

Tips: Highly exposed — pack hat, sunscreen, and scope for distant birds.

Location & Access: Small gallery forest ~8 km east of Brikama.

Why visit: Species-rich pocket featuring coastal-forest specialties.

Suggested itinerary: Gentle morning loop, midday rest, optional dusk return for evening activity.

Tips: Limit disturbance, hire community guides, and carry insect repellent.

Location & Access: North bank of Lamin Creek (30 minutes from Banjul) via the Lamin–Brufut road; lodge on stilts over mangroves.

Why visit: Easily reached mangrove hotspot for kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, and sunbirds; ideal warm-up site.

Suggested itinerary: Morning deck scans for Reef Heron and kingfishers, late-morning boat for Giant Kingfisher and Mangrove Sunbird, afternoon walk toward Lamin village for parrots and rollers.

Tips: Best on a rising tide; bring insect repellent and scope; boatmen and guides available on site.