The Gambia is one of the best countries within a six-hour flight for a nature and bird trip. Various organizations offer the possibility to make a group trip with the focus on spotting birds in The Gambia. If you prefer not to participate in a group trip, it is best to reserve a budget vacation yourself and set off on your own with the camera and binoculars.
The Gambia is a top destination for a bird trip. This is mainly due to the fact that numerous biotopes are located together in a small area. There are grass and tree savannas, swamps and mangrove areas near the coast and inland forests. There are many mud flats due to the large tidal range. Because of all this diversity, no fewer than 660 bird species have been counted in Gambia. During a bird trip you can recognize the different types of birds with the help of a bird guide. In the surroundings of the capital, Banjul, a few distinctive West African bird species are immediately noticeable: the blue-bellied roller, white-crowned robin chat ... In the nature reserve Abuko you can see beautiful birds such as kingfishers, fly catchers and tourakos to photograph.
Near the coast, Tanji is an important area for bird watchers: waders, queen terns and gray-headed gulls show themselves there. The town is also known for its fish market. At the beach there are two types of kites in large numbers. When the mangroves fill with water, they are covered with salicornia. You can see the special never-ending and snake neck birds. Brufut Woodland and Pirang Ponds are also important areas in the area. You can stay cheap in the Badala Park at Kotu / Serrekunda. This hotel has a garden with many birds and with its central location ideal starting point for a bird trip in The Gambia.
In the interior of The Gambia, you can really be surprised about the large numbers of birds. While you sail with a boat on the Gambia river and through the mangroves of the interior you see a huge number of birds. The Gambia is one of the most fish-rich rivers in the world and that is of course also the reason for the many birds that occur there. Some species only occur on the north or south bank of the river. There are special birds living near Georgetown, such as the crocodile keeper, a beautiful stilt walker. An interesting place is Tendaba, 150 km inland on the banks of the Gambia river. Here you will find beautiful mangrove areas. The birds of prey stand out on the way there. View our tips for a beautiful bird trip to Gambia. In addition to birds, there are also many other interesting animals, such as special insects, monkeys, crabs and lots of game. On the general Gambia page you will find information about nature in this western African country. View the information about nature and tips for a holiday in The Gambia. http://www.gambia-birdingexperience.com/