Birding in Gambia and Senegal
Birding in Gambia and
Senegal
Day 1:  Arrival early AM into Dakar in Senegal (ideally direct
from Washington, DC), then birding on
coast near Saint
Louis (including Langue de Barbarie National Park)
and
Djoudj National Park in late PM
Day 2: Birding full day at Djoudj National Park
Day 3:  Full day birding Richard Toll (arid area with
irrigation), just south of the Sahara Desert
Day 4:  Richard Toll to Toubacouta via Touba
Day 5:  Cross into Gambia early and bird the north side of
Gambia River
(including Kau-ur Wetlands/Swamp for
Egyptian Plover); and late afternoon fresh water boat ride
to Janjanbureh/Geogetown.
Day 6 and 7:  Birding upriver from
Janjanbureh,/Georgetown:  Including
Bansang Quarry and
Basse and Bird Safari Camp
Day 8:  Travel and bird down river to Tendaba Camp with
birding on the
south side of the river, including Fulla
Bantang, Jahally rice fields
and Soma wetlands/swamp
Day 9: Downstream boat trip for birding in morning; dry
woodlands in afternoon near Tendaba
Day 10: AM final Tendaba birding and Kiang National Park
in AM, then transfer to Banjul area via the south side of river
Day 11:  Kotu ponds, stream and open area (golf course)
and afternoon at
Casino Cycle Track
Day 12:  Abuko Nature Reserve and Lamin Fields
Day 13:  Bund Road and the Tanji Bird Reserve
Day 14:  Mandinaba Fields, Faraba Banta Bush Track
and Pirang
Days 15:  Several birding sites are possible (based upon
species missed) and include
the coast, Abuko, Brufut
Woods, Marakissa
Day 16:  Birding the entire final day including additional
sites missed on Day 15 and again based upon species not
yet found.  Late evening flights home (most after 8 PM).
Brief Itinerary
Trip Description
The Gambia is one of the best introductions to African
birding. The species diversity is high with resident birds,  
trans-African migrants and European migrants (from
November to April).  In addition, you can get access to
several birding sites in Senegal in irrigated arid habitat and
at Djoudj National Park.  The trip reaches all the key birding
sites, running to north Senegal (just south of the Sahara
Desert) and then to all sides of the Gambia River (south,
north, up river and coastal).  Habitats range from irrigated
arid, sandy beaches, mangroves and riverine forest to dry
savannah.

Some of the other strengths of this trip include the following:
  • Key species include Egyptian Plover, Bearded Barbet,
    Red-throated Bee-eater, Blue-breasted Kingfisher,
    Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Sudan Golden Sparrow,
    Savile's Bustard, Pied-winged Swallow, Violet Turaco,
    Palm-nut Vulture and White-backed Night-Heron.
  • The price of birding here is excellent, with trips ranging
    from $2690 to $3090, depending upon exact itinerary,
    group size and local lodging discounts.  Custom trips
    here are similarly an excellent value.
  • We anticipate we will find from 350 to 380 west African
    species.  The total price and price per bird of this trip
    are hard to beat.  Also, flights can be found for under
    $1,300, beating some South American locations.
  • Most everyone on the trip will add 150 to 200 life birds
    from West African specialities and species from the
    arid areas in northern Senegal.  Most American birders
    will also add several European migrants, including
    some species very tough to find in Europe.  First time
    Africa birders, will likely come home with over 300 life
    birds.
  • Direct flights from Washington, DC to Dakar (at about  
    8 hours) are a nice change of pace for most world
    birders, and these flights fit the trip plan perfectly.
  • Senegal and Gambia (called Senegambia by some)
    are some of the safest and friendliest countries in
    Africa.

Please contact us to get trip reports to get a good idea of the
bird species you will see based upon our past experiences.
"A great introduction to African birding and essential for a number of West African specialties!"
For more information or to sign up for one of our trips, call Charles or Alison at
888-203-7464 or Charles directly at 720-320-1974 or by email at
info@PIBird.com.
More Details on This Trip