Day One – Tendaba & Surroundings

Time Schedule:

• 7:30 AM: Pick-up from hotel; drive to Bamakuno Forest (~8:35 AM).
• 8:35 – 10:30 AM: Birding at Bamakuno Forest.
• 10:45 – 12:00 PM: Birding at Bulock Rice Fields and Waterholes.
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Drive to Kampanti & Bajagarr Rice Fields, enjoy packed lunch.
• 1:00 – 3:30 PM: Birding at Kampanti & Bajagarr.
• 3:30 – 4:30 PM: Stop at Nyoro Jattaba Marshes past Bremen Bridge.
• 4:30 – 5:30 PM: Drive to Wurokang and peanut fields for Ground Hornbill & Temminck’s Courser.
• 5:30 – 6:30 PM: Drive through Kiang West National Park to Bateling Track for nightjars.
• Evening: Arrive at Tendaba Camp for dinner.

Highlights of the Day:

• Over 100 bird species expected.
• Mammals: Patas Monkey, Guinea Baboon.
• Butterflies & Dragonflies: Narrow-banded Green Swallowtail, Veined Swallowtail, Zebra White, Common Evening Brown, Pearl Charaxes, Cream-bordered Charaxes.

Birds Commonly Seen:

• Raptors: Various species in rice fields and marshes
• Nightjars: Long-tailed Nightjar, Standard-winged Nightjar
• Other: Ground Hornbill, Temminck’s Courser

Day Two – Tendaba Creeks & Hills

Time Schedule:

• 7:00 – 7:30 AM: Breakfast.
• 7:30 – 10:30 AM: Boat trip on Tendaba Creeks, Tunku, Kissi Bolongs.
• 10:30 – 12:00 PM: Walk in hills behind Tendaba Primary School.
• 12:00 – 1:20 PM: Return to Tendaba Camp, pack, and settle bills.
• 1:20 – 2:00 PM: Drive via Bateling Track; packed lunch under mahogany tree.
• 2:00 – 4:30 PM: Birding at Kampanti & Bajagarr Rice Fields.
• 4:30 – 5:30 PM: Final stop at Bamakuno Forest, Bulock.
• 6:00 PM: Return to hotel; end of tour.

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic boat ride through creeks & bolongs.
• Hillside walk with variety of birds and butterflies.
• Exceptional raptor sightings at Kampanti & Bajagarr.

Birds Commonly Seen:

• Boat Trip: Goliath Heron, African Finfoot, Fairy Blue Flycatcher, White-backed Night Heron, White-breasted Cormorant, Pelicans, Martial Eagle (in nest).
• Hillside Walk: Bronze-winged Courser, White-shouldered Black Tit, Brown-rumped Bunting, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Red-winged Warbler, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Four-banded Sandgrouse.
• Rice Fields & Waterholes: Bateleur Eagle, Martial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, African Hawk-Eagle, Booted Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Tawny Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk.
• Final Stop at Bamakuno Forest: Black-faced Firefinch, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Penduline Tit, Red-winged Warbler, Brubru.
• Butterflies: Darker Commodore, Guinea Fowl, Diadem, and more.

DAY 1 – COAST TO TENDABA (SOUTH BANK)

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Pick-up from coastal hotel
• 08:35 – Bamakuno (Bulock) Forest
• 10:30 – Bulock rice fields & waterhole
• 12:00 – Kampanti & Bajagarr (packed lunch)
• 15:30 – Ngoro Jattaba Marshes
• 17:00 – Kiang West National Park (night drive)
• ±19:00 – Arrival at Tendaba Camp

Highlights Of The Day

• First full birding day with forest, wetland & savanna habitats
• One of The Gambia’s best raptor areas
• Evening search for nightjars
• Possibility of mammals (Patas Monkey, Guinea Baboon)

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: African Fish Eagle, Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, Bateleur, Long-crested Eagle
• Others: Ground Hornbill, Temminck’s Courser, Standard-winged Nightjar, Long-tailed Nightjar, Black-faced Firefinch

DAY 2 – NORTH BANK & CENTRAL RIVER REGION

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Departure after breakfast
• 08:30 – Soma ferry → Farafenni
• 10:00 – Challa Marshes
• 13:30 – Ngen Sanjal
• 15:00 – Kaur Wetlands
• 16:00 – Njaur waterhole
• 17:30 – Wassu sand pits
• 18:15 – Ferry to Janjangbureh

Day Highlights

• Sahel and North Bank specialties
• Bustards and larks
• Main Egyptian Plover stronghold
• Large open landscapes and wetlands

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Montagu’s & Pallid Harrier
• Others: Egyptian Plover, Savile’s Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, White-bellied Bustard, Black-crowned Crane, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Red-throated Bee-eater

DAY 3 – JANJANGBUREH & BANSANG (TIDE DEPENDENT)

Time Schedule

• 07:30–11:00 – Boat trip OR land birding
• 11:30 – Sangkolikunda Bridge
• 13:00 – Lunch at camp
• 15:30 – Bansang Quarry
• Evening – Return to camp

Day Highlights

• Creek boat trip through mangroves
• Excellent chances for African Finfoot
• Vultures and pigeons at river crossings
• Open rocky habitat at Bansang Quarry

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: African Fish Eagle, White-backed & Rüppell’s Vultures
• Other: Shining-blue Kingfisher, African Finfoot, Violet Turaco, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Stone Partridge, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting

DAY 4 – SOUTH BANK BACK TO TENDABA

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Departure from Janjangbureh
• 08:30 – Fulla Bantang (Marabou colony)
• 09:30 – Brikamaba
• 11:00 – Jahali Pacharr wetlands
• 14:30 – Dongoroba Lily Ponds
• 16:00 – Arrival Tendaba
• 16:30–18:30 – Evening birding

Day Highlights

• Large Marabou Stork colony
• Wetlands and rice fields
• Evening birding around Tendaba airfield
• Good chances for owls and sandgrouse

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet
• Other: Greater Painted Snipe, Marabou Stork, Rufous-chested Swallow, Splendid Glossy Starling, Double-spurred Francolin, Four-banded Sandgrouse

DAY 5 – TENDABA CREEKS & RETURN TO COAST

Time Schedule

• 07:30–10:30 – Tendaba creek boat trip
• 11:00 – Hill walk behind Tendaba School
• 12:00 – Packing & check-out
• 13:20 – Drive toward coast
• 15:00 – Kampanti & Bajagarr (raptors)
• 16:30 – Bamakuno Forest
• ±18:00 – Arrival at coastal hotel

Day Highlights

• Famous Tendaba bolongs by boat
• Chance of Pel’s Fishing Owl
• Final raptor spectacle
• Forest birding before return to coast

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl (possible)
• Others: Goliath Heron, White-backed Night-Heron, African Finfoot, Fairy Blue Flycatcher, Bronze-winged Courser, Penduline Tit

DAY 1 – COAST TO TENDABA (SOUTH BANK)

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Pick-up from coastal hotel
• 08:35 – Bamakuno (Bulock) Forest
• 10:30 – Bulock rice fields & waterhole
• 12:00 – Kampanti & Bajagarr (packed lunch)
• 15:30 – Nyoro Jattaba Marshes
• 17:00 – Kiang West NP (Bateling Track)
• ±19:00 – Arrival Tendaba Camp

Highlights

• Forest, wetland & savanna habitats
• Best raptor hotspot in The Gambia
• Evening search for nightjars
• Possibility of mammals & butterflies

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Booted Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Bateleur, Pearl-spotted Owlet
• Other: Black-faced Firefinch, Brubru, Grey-headed Bush-Shrike, White-shouldered Black Tit, Yellow Penduline Tit, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Ground Hornbill, Temminck’s Courser

DAY 2 – TENDABA CREEKS & SAVANNA

Time Schedule

• 07:30–10:30 – Boat trip (Tunku & Kissi Bolongs)
• 11:00–12:30 – Bushes behind Tendaba School
• 13:30 – Lunch at camp
• 16:00–19:00 – Wurokang & Dumbuto (nightjars)

Highlights

• Famous Tendaba creek boat trip
• Excellent chance for African Finfoot
• Evening nightjar displays

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Pel’s Fishing Owl, Grasshopper Buzzard
• Other: Goliath Heron, African Finfoot, Fairy Blue Flycatcher, White-backed Night-Heron, Pelicans, (possible), Bronze-winged Courser, Bush Petronia, Lavender Waxbill, Rufous-crowned Roller

DAY 3 – NORTH BANK TO JANJANGBUREH

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Soma ferry → Farafenni
• 10:00 – Challa Marshes
• 13:30 – Ngen Sanjal
• 15:00 – Kaur Wetlands
• 16:00 – Njaur waterhole
• 17:30 – Wassu sand pits
• 18:15 – Ferry to Janjangbureh

Highlights

• Sahel & North Bank specialties
• Main Egyptian Plover stronghold
• Bustards, larks & harriers

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Montagu’s & Pallid Harriers
• Other: Egyptian Plover, Savile’s Bustard, Black- & White-bellied Bustards, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Black-crowned Crane, Red-throated Bee-eater

DAY 4 – JANJANGBUREH & BANSANG (TIDE DEPENDENT)

Time Schedule

• 07:30–11:00 – Boat trip OR land birding
• 11:30 – Sangkolikunda Bridge
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 15:30 – Bansang Quarry

Highlights

• Mangrove creeks & riverine woodland
• Vultures and pigeons at crossings
• Rocky open habitats

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: African Fish Eagle, White-backed & Rüppell’s Vultures
• Other: Shining-blue Kingfisher, Violet Turaco, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Stone Partridge, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting

DAY 5 – BASSE (EASTERN GAMBIA)

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Drive to Basse (birding en route)
• 12:30 – Packed lunch
• 16:30 – Return to Janjangbureh
• Evening – back at Baobolong River Camp in Janjangbureh

Highlights

• Remote eastern habitats
• Special seed-eaters & large vultures

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Red-necked Buzzard, Lappet-faced & White-headed Vultures
• Other: Compact Weaver, Red- & Green-winged Pytilia, Singing Bush Lark, Rufous-rumped Lark, Collared Pratincole

DAY 6 – SOUTH BANK RETURN TO TENDABA

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Fulla Bantang
• 09:30 – Brikamaba
• 11:00 – Jahali Pacharr wetlands
• 14:30 – Dongoroba Lily Ponds
• 16:00–18:30 – Tendaba airfield & gardens

Highlights

• Marabou Stork colony
• Wetlands & rice fields
• Excellent evening birding

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
• Other: Marabou Stork, Greater Painted Snipe, Rufous-chested Swallow, Splendid Glossy Starling, Double-spurred Francolin, Four-banded Sandgrouse

DAY 7 – TENDABA TO COAST

Time Schedule

• 07:00 – Morning birding near hills & mangroves
• 12:30 – Check-out & drive to coast
• 13:30 – Kampanti & Bajagarr (packed lunch)
• 16:00 – Bulock Forest
• ±18:45 – Arrival at hotel

Highlights

• Final raptor spectacle
• Forest specials before departure

Commonly Seen Birds

Raptors: Bateleur, Martial Eagle

Other: White-crested Helmet-Shrike, White-throated Francolin, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Honeyguide, Brubru, Bronze-winged Courser,

DAY 1 – KOTU & FAJARA

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Pick-up from hotel (or short walk if staying at Kotu Bridge)
• 07:45–12:45 – Birding at Kotu Bridge, rice fields, sewage ponds, cycle track & lily pond
• 13:00 – Lunch at Sailors Restaurant
• 15:30–18:30 – Fajara Golf Course birding
• ±18:30 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Excellent introduction to Gambian birding
• Wetlands and open grassland habitats
• Large variety of kingfishers

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Red-necked Falcon, Grey Kestrel
• Other: Pied, Malachite, Blue-breasted, Grey-headed & Giant Kingfishers, Fine-spotted, Golden-tailed & Grey Woodpeckers, Bearded Barbet, Black Egret, Oriole Warbler, Greater Painted Snipe

DAY 2 – LAMIN RICE FIELDS & ABUKO NATURE RESERVE

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Pick-up from hotel
• 08:00–10:15 – Lamin rice fields
• 10:30–13:00 – Abuko Nature Reserve
• 13:15 – Lunch at Lamin Lodge
• 15:15–18:15 – Lamin Orchard & Ndaranka rice fields
• ±19:00 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Forest and wetland combination
• One of the best forest reserves in The Gambia

Commonly Seen Birds

Raptors: Lizard Buzzard

Other: Goliath, Purple & Black-headed Herons, Little Bittern, Pied-winged Swallow, Violet & Green Turacos, Western Bluebill, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Ahanta Francolin

DAY 3 – BRUFUT WOODS & TANJI

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Pick-up and drive to Brufut Woods
• 08:00–12:30 – Morning birding in Brufut Woods
• 13:00 – Lunch at Tanji Eco-Lodge
• 13:30–15:30 – Poolside birding
• 15:35–18:45 – Tanji Bird Reserve & lagoon
• 19:00–19:30 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Woodland and coastal lagoon habitats
• Chance to see the rare Marsh Owl

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: White-faced Scops Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Osprey
• Other: Long-tailed Nightjar, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Yellow White-eye, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Copper Sunbird, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Cardinal Woodpecker, Caspian Tern

DAY 4 – KARTONG PONDS, COAST & TEUJERENG WOODS

Time Schedule

• 07:00 – Pick-up from hotel
• 08:00–12:30 – Kartong ponds, termite road & beach
• 13:00 – Lunch at Paradise Beach Restaurant
• 15:30–18:00 – Teujereng Woods
• ±18:45 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Coastal waders and freshwater ponds
• Woodland birding in the afternoon

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Yellow-Billed Kite
• Other: Purple Swamphen, African Jacana, Common Snipe, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Allen’s Gallinule, Knob-billed Duck, Pygmy Goose, White-fronted Black Chat, Senegal Batis, White-shouldered Black Tit, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Brown-backed Woodpecker

DAY 5 – FARASUTU, PIRANG & MARAKISSA

Time Schedule

• 07:00 – Pick-up from hotel
• 07:40–10:15 – Farasutu peanut fields & forest
• 10:30–12:45 – Pirang Primary Forest
• 13:00 – Lunch at Marakissa River Camp
• 13:30–15:30 – Poolside birding
• 15:45–18:00 – Marakissa woodland & wetlands
• ±19:00 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Primary forest birding
• Excellent area for honeyguides and owls

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-faced Scops Owl, Greyish Eagle-Owl, African Scops Owl, Western Banded Snake Eagle, African Hawk Eagle
• Other: Greater, Lesser & Spotted Honeyguides, African Golden Oriole, White-breasted Cuckoo, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, , Green & Violet Turacos, White-spotted Flufftail

DAY 6 – BULOCK CREEK & FARMLAND

Time Schedule

• 05:00 – Early pick-up
• 06:20–07:50 – Boat trip on Bulock Creek
• 08:30–11:30 – Woodland birding
• 12:00–14:30 – Farmland & raptor watching (packed lunch)
• 14:45–16:30 – Waterholes & watermelon fields
• ±19:00 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Early morning boat trip
• Best chance for White-crested Tiger Heron
• Outstanding raptor diversity

Commonly Seen Birds

• Raptors: Bateleur, Martial, Booted, Wahlberg’s & Tawny Eagles, Rüppell’s & White-backed Vultures
• Other: White-crested Tiger Heron, Goliath Heron, Black-faced Firefinch, Black Scimitarbill, White-shouldered Black Tit, Brubru, Senegal Batis, Yellow Penduline Tit, Temminck’s Courser, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark

DAY 7 – PIRANG, BONTO & SIFFO

Time Schedule

• 07:00 – Pick-up and drive to Pirang Forest
• 07:45–11:30 – Morning forest birding
• 11:45–13:00 – Bonto paddy fields
• 13:15 – Lunch at Marakissa River Camp
• 15:30–18:00 – Siffo Woodland
• ±19:00 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Forest, farmland & woodland combination
• Excellent final day for special forest birds

Commonly Seen Birds

Raptors: African Goshawk

Other: Ahanta Francolin, Green Crombec, Green Hylia, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Grey-headed Bristlebill, White-spotted Flufftail, Western Bluebill, Lead-coloured Flycatcher

Day 1 – Kotu & Brufut Woods

Time Schedule

• Morning: After breakfast, birding at Kotu Bridge and surrounding areas, including the golf course.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Sailors’ Restaurant.
• 3:00 PM – Evening: Drive to Brufut Woods for afternoon birding.

Highlights of the Day

• Excellent introduction to Gambian birding habitats.
• Productive riverine, woodland, and wetland birding.

Birds Commonly Seen

• Giant Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Oriole Warbler, Painted Snipe, Black-headed Lapwing, Long-tailed Nightjar, Turacos, Stone Partridge

Overnight: Badala Hotel

Day 2 – Mandinaba, Farasutu & Marakissa

Time Schedule

• Morning: Drive to Mandinaba habitats (approx. 1 hr 45 min).
• Late Morning: Continue to Farasutu orchards and forest.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Marakissa River Camp.
• Afternoon – Evening: Birding at Marakissa habitats.

Highlights of the Day

• Diverse woodland and orchard birding.
• Excellent owls, barbets, and sunbirds.

Birds Commonly Seen

• Wahlberg’s Eagle, Pearl-spotted Owlet, African Scops Owl, African Wood Owl, Bearded Barbet, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, White-backed Night Heron, Green-headed Sunbird

Overnight: Badala Hotel

Day 3 – Bullock (Bulock)

Time Schedule

• Morning: Drive to Bullock, exploring secret local hotspots.
• Late Morning: Birding at Bamakuno woodlands and farmlands.
• Midday: Lunch at the new lodge.
• Afternoon: Birding near the Casamance border areas.

Highlights of the Day

• Mixed habitats: riverine woodland and farmland.
• One of the best areas for raptors and specialties.

Birds Commonly Seen

• Yellow Penduline Tit, Black Scimitarbill, Brown-backed Woodpecker, White-throated Bee-eater, White-shouldered Black Tit, Black-faced Firefinch, Bearded Barbet, numerous raptors

Overnight: Kukus Nature Glamping

Day 4 – Tendaba

Time Schedule

• Early Morning: Breakfast, then private boat trip.
• Late Morning: Return to lodge.
• 12:00 PM: Drive toward Tendaba with birding stops en route.
• Midday: Lunch at a local Gambian restaurant.
• Afternoon: Birding at Raptor Bridge.
• Evening: Drive through Kiang West National Park to Tendaba.

Highlights of the Day

• High chance (≈80%) of White-crested Tiger Heron.
• Flexible itinerary with opportunistic birding stops.

Birds Commonly Seen

• White-crested Tiger Heron, Goliath Heron, Pel’s Fishing Owl (possible), Bateleur Eagle, Yellow-rumped Bunting, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Four-banded Sandgrouse

Overnight: Tendaba Inland Hotel

Day 5 – Morgan Kunda Jajari

Time Schedule

• Morning: Boat trip searching for Pel’s Fishing Owl.
• Late Morning: Wetland visit for cranes.
• Midday: Lunch in Farafenni.
• Afternoon – Evening: Drive to Morgan Kunda; birding en route and at Kachang.

Highlights of the Day

• Iconic owl and crane species.
• Evening birding for ground hornbills.

Birds Commonly Seen

• Pel’s Fishing Owl, Blue Flycatcher, Black-crowned Crane, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill

Overnight: Morgan Kunda Lodge

Day 6 – Kuntaur & Kairo Garden

Time Schedule

• Morning: Drive upcountry with stops at Chaler Sandpit.
• Late Morning: Guen Sanjali grasslands.
• Midday: Kaur Wetlands & Njau’r Waterhole (seasonal).
• Afternoon: Wassu Sandpit for bee-eaters.
• 4:00 PM: Boat trip for chimpanzees and hippos.

Highlights of the Day

• Outstanding Sahel and wetland birding.
• Egyptian Plover (seasonal, highly photogenic).

Birds Commonly Seen

• Northern Anteater Chat, African Hawk-Eagle, Temminck’s Courser, Montagu’s Harrier, Egyptian Plover, Sahel Paradise Whydah, Bustards, Red Colobus Monkey

Overnight: Kairo Garden Lodge

Day 7 – Janjanbureh

Time Schedule

• Early Morning: Paddy field birding (2 hours).
• Breakfast at lodge.
• 10:00 AM: Drive to Wassu Stone Circles.
• Afternoon: Ferry crossing to Janjanbureh Island.
• 3:30 PM: Boat trip along the island.

Highlights of the Day

• Early-morning strategy for key species.
• Scenic river and island birding.

Birds Commonly Seen

• African Finfoot, Adamawa Turtle Dove,

  Carmine Bee-eater, Golden Oriole,

  African Fish Eagle, Mosque Swallow

Overnight: Baobolong Annex

Day 8 – Tendaba

Time Schedule

• Morning: Birding at Kungkiling Woodland Park.
• Late Morning: Bansang Quarry.
• Afternoon: Birding stops en route west, including Dalaba Lake.
• Evening: Arrival in Tendaba.

Highlights of the Day

• Strong woodland and quarry birding.
• Excellent waterfowl opportunities.

Birds Commonly Seen

• Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Yellow Penduline Tit, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Black Scimitarbill, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Bronze-winged Courser

Overnight: Tendaba

Day 9 – Bintang

Time Schedule

• Morning: 3 hr 45 min boat trip across River Gambia distributaries.
• Late Morning: Return and depart Tendaba.
• Midday: Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Photo hide at Mendy’s, then wetland birding.

Highlights of the Day

• Exceptional river and wetland species.
• Photography opportunities from hide.

Birds Commonly Seen

• Goliath Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Martial Eagle, African Green Pigeon, Violet Turaco, Black-faced Firefinch

Overnight: Bintang Bolong Lodge

Day 10 – Return to Coast (Badala Hotel)

Time Schedule

• Morning: Depart lodge, birding en route west.
• Midday: Packed lunch.
• Afternoon: Continued birding and photography.
• Evening: Arrival at coastal hotel.

Highlights of the Day

• Final upcountry species before returning west.

Birds Commonly Seen

• Raptors, woodland species, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Plain-backed Pipit, Cuckoo-shrike

Overnight: Badala Hotel

Day 11 – Kartong

Time Schedule

• Morning: Drive to Kartong ponds and coastal areas.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Stala Adventure Lodge.
• Afternoon: Birding at Gunjur Forest Park.

Highlights of the Day

• Coastal wetlands and forest specialties.
• Excellent final birding day.

Birds Commonly Seen

Allen’s Gallinule, White-fronted Plover, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Western Bluebill, Green Hylia, Pygmy Kingfisher, Grey-headed Bristlebill

Overnight: Badala Hotel

DAY 1 – TENDABA → COAST (SOUTH BANK & BULOCK)

Time Schedule

• 07:00–10:30 – Morning birding below the hills & mangroves
• 10:30–12:00 – Bushes behind primary school (Bronze-winged Courser search)
• 12:30 – Check out & settle bills
• 13:00–15:00 – Bateling Track, Kampanti & Bajagarr (packed lunch)
• 15:30–17:30 – Bulock birding areas
• ±18:45 – Arrive at coastal hotel

Highlights

• Woodland and mangrove birding
• Excellent woodpeckers and coursers
• Strong raptor areas

Commonly Seen Birds

White-crested Helmetshrike, Helmeted Guineafowl, White-throated Francolin, Golden-tailed & Fine-spotted Woodpeckers, Lesser Honeyguide, Black Scimitarbill, Brubru, White-shouldered Black Tit, Bronze-winged Courser

DAY 2 – LAMIN & ABUKO

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Pick-up
• 08:00–10:15 – Lamin rice fields
• 10:30–13:00 – Abuko Nature Reserve
• 13:15 – Lunch at Lamin Lodge
• 15:15–18:15 – Lamin Orchard & Ndaranka
• ±19:00 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Classic Gambian forest and wetland birding

Commonly Seen Birds

Goliath, Purple & Black-headed Herons, Lizard Buzzard, Little Bittern, Pied-winged Swallow, Violet & Green Turacos, Western Bluebill, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Ahanta Francolin

DAY 3 – BRUFUT WOODS & TANJI

Time Schedule

• 07:30–12:30 – Brufut Woods
• 13:00–15:30 – Lunch & pool birding at Tanji Eco-Lodge
• 15:35–18:45 – Tanji Reserve & lagoon
• ±19:30 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Chance for Marsh Owl
• Woodland and coastal lagoon species

Commonly Seen Birds

Long-tailed Nightjar, White-faced Scops Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Copper Sunbird, Four-banded Sandgrouse, African Goshawk, Osprey, Caspian Tern

DAY 4 – KARTONG, COAST & TEUJERENG

Time Schedule

• 07:00–12:30 – Kartong ponds, termite road & beach
• 13:00 – Lunch at Paradise Beach
• 15:30–18:00 – Teujereng Woods
• ±18:45 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Outstanding coastal wader diversity

Commonly Seen Birds

Purple Swamphen, African Jacana, Common Snipe, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Allen’s Gallinule, Knob-billed Duck, Pygmy Goose, Senegal Batis, Brown-backed Woodpecker

DAY 5 – SENEGAL: TUBAKUTA

Time Schedule

• 06:00 – Pick-up
• 07:00–07:45 – Banjul–Barra ferry
• 08:00 – Breakfast in Barra
• Morning – Fort Bullen, Essau fields
• Midday – Border crossing at Karang
• Afternoon – Arrival Tubakuta & birding
• Overnight: Tubakuta

Highlights

• First Senegal species
• Bustards and seabirds

Commonly Seen Birds

Pomarine & Arctic Skuas, Sandwich Tern, Savile’s & Black-bellied Bustards, Chestnut-bellied Starling, Ant-eater Chat, Long-crested, Short-toed & Brown Snake Eagles, Dolphins (possible)

DAY 6 – TUBAKUTA & SALOUM DELTA

Time Schedule

• 07:30–11:30 – Boat trip in Saloum Delta
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 15:30–18:00 – Afternoon birding
• Overnight: Tubakuta

Highlights

• Delta boat birding
• Mammals included

Commonly Seen Birds

Saddle-billed Stork, Magnificent Frigatebird, Great White Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Rufous Scrub Robin, Singing Bush Lark, Patas Monkey, Green Vervet, Guinea Baboon

DAY 7 – NJAFAN & KAOLACK

Time Schedule

• 07:30–10:00 – Boat trip at Njafan (Swallow-tailed Kite colony)
• Midday – Drive to Kaolack (packed lunch)
• 16:00–18:00 – Kaolack sewage ponds
• Overnight: Kaolack

Highlights

• Swallow-tailed Kite colony

Commonly Seen Birds

Swallow-tailed Kite, Great Cormorant, Red-necked Falcon, Common Kestrel, Hadada Ibis, Green-winged Pytilia, European Turtle Dove

DAY 8 – THIADIAYE, FATICK & JAMNYAJO

Time Schedule

• 07:30–12:30 – Thiadiaye & Fatick salt pans
• Afternoon – Jamnyajo rocky habitats
• ±19:00 – Return to hotel

Highlights

• Sahelian specialties
• Flamingos & saltpan birds

Commonly Seen Birds

Greater & Lesser Flamingos, Spoonbills, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Green-winged Pytilia, Black & Bar-tailed Godwits, Blue & Rock Thrushes, Northern & Black-eared Wheatears

DAY 9 – SENEGAL → THE GAMBIA (NORTH BANK)

Time Schedule

• 07:35 – Depart Senegal
• Morning – Border crossing & Farafenni shopping
• Midday–Evening – Challa Marshes, Ngen Sanjal, Kaur Wetlands, Wassu
• ±18:15 – Ferry to Janjanbureh
• Overnight: Baobolong River Camp

Highlights

• Egyptian Plover stronghold
• Bustards and Sahel birds

Commonly Seen Birds

Egyptian Plover, Savile’s & White-bellied Bustards, Montagu’s & Pallid Harriers, Black-crowned Crane, Rock Bunting, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Red-throated Bee-eater

DAY 10 – JANJANBUREH & BANSANG

Time Schedule

• 07:30–10:30 – Creek boat trip (low tide dependent)
• 11:00–13:00 – Sangkolikunda rice fields
• 15:30–18:30 – Bansang Quarry
• Overnight: Baobolong

Highlights

• Riverine specialties
• Quarry species

Commonly Seen Birds

African Finfoot, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Crimson Seedcracker, Rüppell’s & White-backed Vultures, Violet Turaco, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Stone Partridge

DAY 11 – BASSE DAY TRIP

Time Schedule

• 07:30–12:30 – Birding en route to Basse & back
• 12:30 – Packed lunch
• 13:30–17:30 – Birding en route to Basse & back
• Overnight: Baobolong

Highlights

• Far eastern Gambian specialties

Commonly Seen Birds

Compact Weaver, Red- & Green-winged Pytilias, Lappet-faced & White-headed Vultures, Singing & Rufous-rumped Larks, Red-necked Buzzard

DAY 12 – SOUTH BANK TO TENDABA

Time Schedule

• 07:30–16:00 – South bank birding stops
• Afternoon – Tendaba gardens & airstrip
• Overnight: Tendaba Camp

Highlights

• Mixed habitats & francolins

Commonly Seen Birds

Marabou Stork, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Rufous-chested Swallow, Greater Painted Snipe, Northern Black Flycatcher, Double-spurred Francolin, Pearl-spotted Owlet

DAY 13 – TENDABA MANGROVES

Time Schedule

• 07:00–11:30 – Hills & mangroves
• 12:30 – Check out
• Afternoon – Kampanti, Bajagarr & Bulock
• ±18:45 – Return to coast

Highlights

• Final woodland and raptor birding

Commonly Seen Birds

Helmeted Guineafowl, White-throated Francolin, Black Scimitarbill, Lesser Honeyguide, Brubru, White-shouldered Black Tit, Raptors (multiple species)

DAY 14 – DEPARTURE DAY

Time Schedule

• Morning – Optional birding (time permitting)
• Transfer to hotel / airport

Highlights

• Relaxed end to an exceptional tour

Commonly Seen Birds

Yellow-Billed Kite, Hooded Vulture

DAY 1 – COAST → TENDABA (SOUTH BANK & KIANG WEST)

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Pick-up from coastal hotel
• 08:35–11:30 – Bamakuno Forest & Bulock rice fields
• 12:00–15:30 – Kampanti & Bajagarr raptor areas (packed lunch)
• 15:45–17:30 – Nyoro Jattaba Marshes & peanut fields (Wurokang)
• Dusk – Kiang West NP (Bateling Track) for nightjars
• Evening – Arrive Tendaba Camp (dinner & overnight)

Highlights

• One of the most productive birding days of the tour (100+ species possible)
• Raptors, savanna birds & nightjars
• Mammals, butterflies & dragonflies

Commonly Seen Birds

Black-faced Firefinch, Brubru, Grey-headed Bushshrike, White-shouldered Black Tit, Yellow Penduline Tit, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Martial, Tawny, Booted, Wahlberg’s & Bateleur Eagles, Temminck’s Courser, Pearl-spotted Owlet
Mammals: Patas Monkey, Guinea Baboon

DAY 2 – TENDABA CREEKS & SAVANNA

Time Schedule

• 07:30–10:30 – Boat trip on Tunku & Kissi Bolongs
• 10:45–12:30 – Bushes behind Tendaba village
• 13:30 – Lunch at camp
• 16:00–19:50 – Wurokang & Dumbuto savanna + nightjar display
• 20:30 – Dinner at Tendaba Camp

Highlights

• Excellent river birding
• Nightjar displays
• Savanna specialists

Commonly Seen Birds

African Finfoot, Goliath Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Fairy Blue Flycatcher, Pel’s Fishing Owl (possible), Bronze-winged Courser, Ground Hornbill, Rufous-crowned Roller, African Golden Oriole, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Long-tailed & Standard-winged Nightjars

DAY 3 – NORTH BANK & CENTRAL GAMBIA

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Soma–Farafenni ferry
• Morning – Challa Marshes
• Midday – Ngen Sanjal & Kaur Wetlands (packed lunch)
• Afternoon – Njaur waterhole & Nyanga Bantang
• Late afternoon – Wassu sand pits
• 18:15 – Ferry to Janjanbureh
• Overnight – Baobolong River Camp

Highlights

• Egyptian Plover stronghold
• Bustards and Sahel species

Commonly Seen Birds

Egyptian Plover, Savile’s, White-bellied & Black-bellied Bustards, Montagu’s & Pallid Harriers, Black-crowned Crane, Rock Bunting, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Red-throated & Carmine Bee-eaters

DAY 4 – JANJANBUREH & BANSANG

Time Schedule

• 07:30–10:30 – Creek boat trip (tide-dependent)
• 11:00–13:00 – Sangkolikunda rice fields
• 13:00 – Lunch at camp
• 15:30–18:30 – Bansang Quarry
• Overnight – Baobolong

Highlights

• Riverine specialties
• Quarry birds & vultures

Commonly Seen Birds

African Finfoot, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Crimson Seedcracker, Rüppell’s & White-backed Vultures, Violet Turaco, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Stone Partridge

DAY 5 – GAMBIA → SOUTH-EASTERN SENEGAL (WASADU)

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Depart Janjanbureh
• Morning – Bansang Quarry & savanna stops
• Midday – Cross into Senegal (packed lunch)
• Late afternoon – Arrive Wasadu Camp
• Evening – Walk around camp

Highlights

• Transition into Guinea-Savanna biome
• Rare finches & weavers

Commonly Seen Birds

Compact Weaver, Crimson Seedcracker, Red-headed Weaver, Black-bellied Firefinch, Green-winged Pytilia, Carmine Bee-eater, Singing Bush Lark

DAY 6 – NIOKOLO-KOBA NATIONAL PARK

Time Schedule

• 07:30 – Drive to Niokolo-Koba NP
• Morning & midday – Park birding
• Lunch – Simenti Hotel
• 15:30 – Afternoon boat trip
• Overnight – Niokolo-Koba

Highlights

• Senegal’s largest national park
• Forest & river specialties

Commonly Seen Birds

Dybowski’s Twinspot, Lesser Striped Swallow, Saddle-billed Stork, Wooly-Necked Stork, Magpie Mannikin, Bat Hawk

DAY 7 – FULL SAFARI: NIOKOLO-KOBA

Time Schedule

• Full-day game drive (packed lunch at Simenti)

Highlights

• Best mammal day of the tour
• True wilderness experience

Commonly Seen Birds

Egyptian Plover, White-crowned Plover, White-throated Francolin, Lappet-faced Vulture, Grey’s Malimbe
Others: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Roan Antelope, Giant Eland, Hippo, Crocodiles

DAY 8 – NIOKOLO-KOBA → WASADU

Time Schedule

• 07:40 – Return to Wasadu with birding stops
• Afternoon – Optional boat trip
• Overnight – Wasadu Camp

Highlights

• Final chances for missed Senegal species

Commonly Seen Birds

Egyptian Plover, Lesser Striped Swallow, Saddle-billed Stork, Magpie Mannikin, Hadada Ibis

DAY 9 – SENEGAL → JANJANBUREH (GAMBIA)

Time Schedule

• 07:40 – Drive back to The Gambia
• Full day birding en route
• Overnight – Janjanbureh

Highlights

• Gap-filling day
• Mixed habitats

Commonly Seen Birds

Shining-blue Kingfisher, Crimson Seedcracker, Rüppell’s & White-backed Vultures, Violet Turaco, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Stone Partridge

DAY 10 – JANJANBUREH → TENDABA (SOUTH BANK)

Time Schedule

• Morning – Fulla Bantang & Brikamaba
• Midday – Jahali rice fields (packed lunch)
• Afternoon – Dongoroba lily ponds
• Evening – Tendaba gardens & airstrip

Highlights

• Francolins, owls & wetland birds

Commonly Seen Birds

Marabou Stork, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Rufous-chested Swallow, Greater Painted Snipe, Double-spurred Francolin, Pearl-spotted Owlet

DAY 11 – TENDABA CREEKS & NIGHTJARS (REPEAT / IMPROVEMENT DAY)

Time Schedule

• Morning – Boat trip
• Midday – Village & scrub birding
• Afternoon – Savanna birding
• Evening – Nightjar display

Highlights

• Second chance for key Tendaba targets

DAY 12 – TENDABA → COAST

Time Schedule

• Morning – Hills & mangroves
• 12:30 – Check-out
• Afternoon – Bateling Track, Kampanti & Bulock
• Evening – Return to coastal hotel

Highlights

• Raptors & woodland birds

DAY 13 – KARTONG & TEUJERENG

Time Schedule

• 08:00–12:30 – Kartong ponds & coast
• 13:00 – Lunch at Paradise Beach
• 15:30–18:00 – Teujereng Woods
• Evening – Hotel

Highlights

• Coastal waders & woodland species

Commonly Seen Birds

Senegal Thick-Knee

DAY 14 – FARASUTU, PIRANG & MARAKISSA

Time Schedule

• 07:40–10:15 – Farasutu fields & forest
• 10:30–12:45 – Pirang Primary Forest
• 13:00 – Lunch at Marakissa River Camp
• 15:30–18:00 – Marakissa woods & wetlands
• ±19:00 – End of tour

Highlights

• Honeyguides, owls & forest specials
• Strong final birding day

Commonly Seen Birds

Greater, Lesser & Spotted Honeyguides, Verreaux’s Eagle, African Scops & White-faced Scops Owls, African Golden Oriole, White-breasted Cuckoo, Western Banded Snake Eagle, White-spotted Flufftail