Birding in The Gambia is excellent all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what species you want to see and in which plumage.

• June–July and October–November are ideal if you want to see bishops in their bright breeding plumage or enjoy the wide presence of cuckoos. These months fall within or just after the rainy season, so expect some rain and changes in temperature.
• Most visitors from the Northern Hemisphere come during the dry season (November–March) to escape winter. Birdlife is abundant, and temperatures range between 80°F and 90°F (27°C–32°C), especially in February and March.
• The wet season runs from June to October.
  • June: quieter, less expensive, and more humid with occasional rain.
  • October: gets busier but still affordable, with the weather beginning to cool down.

For birders traveling farther afield, both lightweight clothing and a sweater or jacket are recommended. Mornings can be cool, so you may want a jacket early in the day and can easily remove it and carry it as temperatures rise.

When visiting Banjul or the coastal areas, it’s best to wear discreet casual clothing rather than shorts or beachwear. For more adventurous trips inland, choose durable clothing that offers protection from the sun and insects. A hat and closed shoes are recommended at all times, especially during the midday heat.

Basic toiletries are available locally, but they may be more expensive and not always easy to find. If you plan to travel up-country, it is advisable to bring your own first aid kit. Please note that, apart from Abuko Nature Reserve, most reserves and woodland areas do not have standard toilet facilities.

Yes, absolutely. Items such as exercise books, pens, pencils, calculators, and other basic school materials are extremely valuable to students, especially in rural areas of The Gambia. Many schools receive little to no sponsorship, and even a simple visit—and a small donation—can make a big difference and bring great joy to the students.

Please be careful not to forget your basic equipment for watching birds:

• binoculars
• camera

Even a smartphone camera might be of good use, as the birds tend to come very close sometimes.

You do not need to bring your own telescope, as I provide a Swarovski HD scope during tours. However, if you are a very keen birder and prefer to view birds independently at all times, you may choose to bring your own.

For birdwatching in The Gambia and Senegal, the following guides are highly recommended:

• “The Birds of The Gambia and Senegal” by Clive Barlow
• “Birds of Senegal and The Gambia” by Nik Borrow

Both books are excellent. Nik Borrow’s guide also includes regional distribution maps, which some birders find especially helpful.

It is important to always ask permission before taking photographs of people or private property. While children may be eager to be photographed, many adults—especially older people—may view photography as an intrusion on their privacy. Permission may be refused, or a small payment may be requested. Video recording can sometimes provoke even stronger reactions and should be approached with extra sensitivity.

A full passport valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay, is necessary. Generally, visas are not required by citizens of common wealth countries as certain European countries. But please check your own gouvernment website for confirmation.

A tourism development tax (about € 20) has been introduced by the Gambia Tourism Board which is collected on arrival at Banjul International airport. This is used to help improve the resort area and surrounding environment.

If you book a tour with me, I take care of all your travel needs while you are within the tour boundaries. For an all-inclusive package, I will pick you up from the airport at the start of your trip and return you to the airport on your final day. During the tour, I will also pick you up from your hotel at the beginning of each day and return you there at the end.

If you are traveling outside of the tour schedule, the usual option is to hire a taxi from your hotel. Always agree on the fare before starting the trip. If you have any issues or complaints, you can report them to the taxi controller, who will address them promptly.

Green taxis offer this added advantage of accountability and safety. If you take a yellow taxi, extra caution is needed—make sure not to leave any belongings behind, as there is no guarantee of recovery and no official support in case of loss.

Currency and Banking in The Gambia The official currency of The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD), which is divided into 100 bututs. Currency Exchange: Larger hotels offer currency exchange, but banks provide better rates and lower commissions. The best rates are usually found outside hotels.

Banking Hours: Banjul: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am – 1:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am – 11:00 am In tourist areas, some banks also open from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Payments: All major hard currencies are widely accepted. Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted at larger hotels, but most restaurants and local shops require cash. The Gambia is primarily a cash-based economy, so relying solely on credit cards—especially outside coastal areas—may be inconvenient.

Languages in The Gambia The official language of The Gambia is English, and it is widely spoken by the population. All school children are taught in English. French is also commonly spoken, especially by Senegalese and Guineans living in the country. In addition, Gambians use several local languages, including Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, Manjago, and Sarahuleh, among others.

These are typically young individuals found near the entrances of hotels and throughout tourist areas. They can be very persistent, and engaging with them for too long may lead to unwanted pressure. Some may claim to be bird guides and offer birdwatching tours; however, these tours are often not conducted by licensed or experienced guides, and visitors may quickly realise this.

Such practices are not tolerated around Kotu Bridge, where the main office of the licensed bird guides is located. In this area, security staff are quickly alerted, and unlicensed individuals are removed if they fail to hand over visitors to the official guides.