Why The Gambia should be your next birdwatching holiday destination
Year-round sunshine and miles of secluded coastline make The Gambia an obvious choice for a relaxing beach holiday, but it’s the rich and varied birdlife that make it one of the best destinations for birdwatching.
There are over 600 species of birds to be found in The Gambia. From waterfowl and wading birds to raptors and song birds, it’s possible to see a huge variety of species across many different landscapes.
Expect to wander through upland savannah, tropical jungle, inland swamps and mangrove forests, all providing habitats for a multitude of birds and other animals. And chances are, you’ll be joined by likeminded birders and led by an experienced guide who can help you spot rare species.
Keep reading to find out more about birding in The Gambia, including some of the reasons why this country is a favourite among birdwatching enthusiasts.
Reasons to go birdwatching in The Gambia
Prepare to discover extensive wildlife watching opportunities in this biodiverse destination.
Species diversity
Gambia sits right at the centre of a transition zone. This means it supports a huge variety of habitats for a small country.
This includes forest-savannah environments, tropical jungles and the life-giving River Gambia, with its estuary mudflats and mangrove tributaries. All these habitats support an abundance of different bird species.
Experienced guides
Most birdwatching tours are led by highly experienced guides, like Malick Suso. Malick is an award-winning local guide with over 20 years of experience and he is an expert in spotting and identifying the wide variety of colourful bird species in the area. Knowing the terrain intimately, Malick can help you spot rare birds and tick some remarkable species off your list.
Experience The Gambia’s fascinating birdlife by booking a specialist package with The Gambia Experience.
Overall travel experience
The Gambia is an English speaking country, making it easy to make travel arrangements and connect with local people.
Plus, it’s only a six hour flight from the UK and sits in the same time zone, meaning you don’t lose time to travel or jet lag adjustment.
Catered for birdwatchers
The prime spots for birdwatching are all located in close proximity and many of the specialist hotels are conveniently placed. Meaning you can spend less time travelling from different viewpoints and more time spotting birds.
Plus, you don’t even need to travel far to see exciting birdlife. Plenty of bird species can be seen right at your accommodation, like hooded vultures at the Senegambia Hotel.
Year-round sunshine
Bad weather ruining your birding experience won’t be a concern in The Gambia. This West African nation has a sub-tropical climate with sunshine throughout the year and average temperatures between 29°C and 34°C.
There are two distinct seasons: towards the end of October the dry season begins and lasts until mid June, which marks the start of the wetter green season. You can see all kinds of birds throughout the year with species varying according to the season.
What birds can I see in The Gambia
Here are some of the standout species you can expect to see while birdwatching in The Gambia.
Blue-breasted kingfisher | Halcyon malimbica
Spot this brightly coloured kingfisher any time of year in The Gambia. It’ll be found near water, especially in the mangroves of the River Gambia’s tributaries.
Hooded vulture | Necrosyrtes monachus
See this striking scavenger at a variety of habitats across The Gambia. They are most commonly found near fishing villages and hotel complexes looking for scraps.
Red-billed hornbill | Tockus erythrorhynchus
You’ll see this recognisable hornbill easily throughout the year in The Gambia. This type of hornbill is often found in pairs in open woodland and dry savannah.
Here are some of the other species of bird you can expect to see on a birding trip in The Gambia:
- Pied kingfisher
- Yellow-billed storks
- Spur-winged plover
- Red-billed firefinch
- Abyssinian roller
- Goliath heron
What other animals can I see in The Gambia?
You may visit solely for the birdlife but The Gambia is home to many exciting creatures. Here are some of the animals you can see:
- Chimpanzees
- Crocodiles
- Hippopotamuses
- Antelopes
Many tourists also choose to travel over the border into Senegal where you can go on safari and see giraffes, rhinos, zebras and more.
Birdwatching holidays with The Gambia Experience
The Gambia Experience is part of Serenity Holidays, an independent travel specialist with 35 years' experience. They are the only UK Tour Operator that specialises in holidays to The Gambia.