A brief word from Ansu Jawara
Welcome
toThe Gambia
The Gambia, covering just under 11,000 square kilometers, is one of the world’s smallest countries, with a population of around 2.8 million.
Located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, The Gambia is bordered by Senegal to the north, east, and south. Archaeological evidence shows the region has been inhabited since 2000 BC. The country is named after the River Gambia, which has been central to its development, serving as a trade route from the coast to inland villages.
The River Gambia divides the country into north and south banks, with the northern and southern borders never more than 15 miles from the river. The riverbanks are lined with mangrove swamps, while the surrounding countryside consists mainly of bush savanna, with scattered coastal forests.
The Gambia boasts a rich and diverse natural environment, from sandy beaches and river swamps to rice and peanut fields, fallow farmlands, forests, and savanna bushes. This variety of habitats supports over 520 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Dragonflies and butterflies are also abundant, particularly in summer and early winter.
Turning Birding into an Adventure
Guided by Feathers, Fueled by Passion
Wim Bovens Belgium
Paul Bradley England
Rolf Nessing England
Anke Jorritsma - Tijne Schols The Netherlands
Mike Barnett England
Satisfied
Customer
So glad I met this great guide - and above all - lovely person!
By chance, I met The Professor, and it quickly became clear that he is an extraordinary bird guide. His knowledge is impressive—he can identify birds not only visually, but more important, also by sound. I booked a trip with him, and it exceeded all my expectations. I saw more birds than I had hoped for, each sighting made richer by Ansu’s insights into their behavior and habitats.
What makes him truly special is his care for people. He looks after his clients with attention and warmth while also supporting local communities and conservation. Patient, passionate, and knowledgeable, Ansu makes every birding adventure unforgettable. For anyone seeking a truly immersive experience in The Gambia, he is the guide to choose.
Wim Bovens - Belgium
Satisfied
Customer
As a “tight Yorkshireman” I’m always keen to get value for money and I believe Professor has always provided this.
Having known (Professor) Ansumana Jawara since 2016 I have used his services as a Professional Bird guide on every trip. I have used others who have been good, but I have found Ansu’s Knowledge and years of experience have served me well. He is very well known around the country at all the sites I have visited. This trip was to take in the Kite Roost at Kaolack, catch the Egyptian Plovers at Kaur and a chance to see Tiger Heron. Ansu communicates well via WhatsApp and his rates are always competitive. We had a very successful trip getting most of our target species, including Tiger Heron and 3 Bustards all excellent views, Ansu will get anywhere to seek out the birds, as was proven when we got great views of Pels fish Owls on our trip in 2024. He is punctual, occasionally he will turn up GMT, Gambian Maybe Time, but never has he missed or been really late for our trips. He will put an itinerary together to find any birds you are targeting and will book accommodation to match your requirements. I would recommend the Kite roost, it was a bit of a walk across the salt pan but it’s a fantastic spectacle as the gorgeous Swallow Tailed Kites are flying past really close on the way to the roost. Ansu usually drives himself unless he has a larger party when he can hire a driver and suitable vehicle for larger parties. Overall Ansu is a great guy, I’ve got to know him quite well and he’s never let me down. Another great trip hosted by Ansu.
Paul Bradley
Satisfied
Customer
Ansu has excellent connections with local people
In January 2023, Ansu guided us through Gambia and Senegal for 10 days. It was a very rewarding tour with many wonderful sightings of birds, monkeys, and hippos. Ansu, the "Professor," knows all the bird species by their song and call and is familiar with the most productive observation areas. He has excellent connections with local observers and the people in the communities. There was plenty of time for observation and photography. The lodges were very good, and the food along the way was excellent. I wish Ansu many more wonderful guests
Rolf Nessing
Satisfied
Customer
Nickname ‘The Professor’ well deserved
We have been to the Gambia several times now and were initially using the services of more than one birding guide. We can now safely say that Ansumana Jawara is the best. We have been on lots of trips with Ansu, including to Senegal.
First and foremost, eagle-eyed Ansu can spot, hear and identify birds a mile off, and knows all there is to know about them. In addition Ansu has much to offer about other aspects of the countryside, and of Gambian life and culture.
Ansu is an inspiring, sympathetic, punctual and trustworthy individual who offers true value for money, and whose nickname ‘The Professor’ is well deserved.
Anke Jorritsma & Tijne Schols
Satisfied
Customer
Well ahead in his knowledge of the birds
I was introduced to Ansu (aka The Professor) in 2022, by my brother in law Paul Bradley, who had been on trips with him previously. After having just spent four days birding along the south bank with another guide it was obvious that Ansu was streets ahead in his knowledge of the birds and their calls. I spent an enjoyable four days in March 2024 guided by Ansu where amongst the numerous good birds he found the stand out bird was a pair of Pel's Fishing Owl. I have also just spent four days in Gambia and Senegal, where again he didn't disappoint in finding good birds such as White-crested Tiger Heron, three species of Bustard and a fantastic afternoon at the Scissor-tailed Kite roost. Besides being an excellent birder Ansu is very friendly and accommodating, he uses good quality accommodation and always provides a good picnic lunch.
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