Wildlife tours in Gambia are the gateway to 550 bird species and a great introduction to tropical birding in Africa. This West African country contains a variety of good birding habitats in a relatively accessible area.
Without travelling too far between them you can enjoy the atmosphere of the African forest, creeks, coast and mangrove swamps. Close to the capital Banjul there are many places to see delights such as Egyptian Plover and Pied Kingfisher. Around the coast there are wetlands teeming with birdlife.
At the fishing village of Tanji you can stroll among the dunes, looking out for Ospreys at their summer hunting grounds. In amongst the scrub small groups of sand grouse scurry.
If you travel up the Gambia River you reach the specialist birding area of Tendaba. There you can stay overnight and then take a small boat into the mangrove swamps. These are filled with birds of every kind. Squacco Herons by the dozen gather at the watersides, Night Herons and Goliaths hide amongst the mangrove roots. Thousands of Black Kites roost in the trees, filling almost every available branch.
Of course, a wildlife tour in Gambia is not all about birds and nothing else. The Gambia River and its tributaries are likely places to find Hippos. There are freshwater crocodiles and many species of monkeys. There’s even a chance of manatees, although these are shy and reclusive animals so you may only hear them.
View Tours below to learn more about the amazing wildlife trips available before contacting a local wildlife specialist to book your next wildlife tour in the Gambia.
Discover: Guided Tours with Local Experts | Gambian Birding Tours & Holidays | 2021 & 2022