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Bearded Barbet, Gambia Shutterstock 235570936
Green Turaco Shutterstock 459694270
Hamerkop Gambia 11.10   1
  1. Bearded Barbet, Gambia Shutterstock 235570936
  2. Green Turaco Shutterstock 459694270
  3. Hamerkop Gambia 11.10   1

Tour Itinerary and Reports

  • Itinerary - 2026 - 12 days
  • Itinerary - 2025 - 11 days
  • Tour report - November 2024
  • Tour report - November 2023
  • Tour report - November 2022
  • Tour report - November 2021
  • Tour report - October 2019
  • Tour report - October 2014
  • Tour report - November 2012
  • Tour report - October 2011
  • Tour report - November 2010
  • Tour report - November 2009
  • Tour report - November 2008
  • Tour report - October 2007
  • Tour report - October 2006
  • Tour report - November 2005

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Can I help you?

Barney Jones
Operations Manager
Email Barney
or call +44(0) 1962 733051

The Gambia

Tour Code: GMB01

A birdwatching holiday visiting a variety of localities along the Gambia River.

11 days from
£3,750
Land only price from
£3,750
book now
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Highlights

Tour Itinerary and Reports

  • Itinerary - 2026 - 12 days
  • Itinerary - 2025 - 11 days
  • Tour report - November 2024
  • Tour report - November 2023
  • Tour report - November 2023
  • Tour report - November 2022
  • Tour report - November 2021
  • Tour report - October 2019
  • Tour report - November 2012
  • Tour report - October 2014
  • Tour report - November 2010
  • Tour report - October 2011
  • Tour report - November 2009
  • Tour report - November 2008
  • Tour report - October 2007
  • Tour report - October 2006
  • Tour report - November 2005

  • Click to see moreClick to see less

Can I help you?

Barney Jones
Operations Manager
Email Barney
or call +44(0) 1962 733051
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • Reviews
  • Dates & Prices
  • Tour Reports
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Summary

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Summary

The colourful birdlife of West Africa is perfectly represented in the tiny Republic of The Gambia. As on many conventional sunshine holidays, this birdwatching tour begins at a beach hotel near the capital, Banjul. However, after introductory birdwatching in the surrounding areas, we head by road and boat along the Gambia River, stopping at conveniently located camps to facilitate exploration of the riverine forests and swamps. Egyptian Plover is just one of the highlights of this excursion but the long bird list for the holiday will include a staggering variety of African species augmented by Paleactic migrants in their winter quarters. This tour can either be 11 or 12 days - please check the individual departure dates. 

  • West African birding at its best!
  • Great introduction to African birds
  • Egyptian Plovers
  • Glimpses of Gambian village life
  • Tropical winter sunshine
  • Stay at a comfortable beach hotel
  • Exciting wildlife exploration along the Gambia River

Grading

Day walks only. Most of the walks are suitable for all ages and for all degrees of fitness, but the days can be long and occasionally very hot, especially when travelling upriver.

The tiny West African republic of The Gambia is widely recognised as an ideal country in which to gain an introduction to the diverse and colourful birdlife of the African continent, as evidenced by the increasing numbers of European birdwatchers taking advantage of The Gambia's unique accessibility. There is a friendly, easygoing atmosphere in the country and a happy combination of superlative birdwatching and a warm sunny climate make it an ideal holiday destination. We begin this exciting tour at an hotel on the palm-fringed Atlantic coast then travel along the length of the Gambia River, stopping at strategically situated camps along the way to sample the changing birdlife at each locality. The range of potential species includes huge Goliath Herons, Pink-backed Pelicans and other waterbirds, a splendid variety of raptors and such typically African beauties as Red-throated and Carmine Bee-Eaters. One of the highlights of any tour to The Gambia is the handsome Egyptian Plover and we will be hoping to see this confiding wader near the Senegal border before beginning our return journey to Banjul. With much of West Africa either in political turmoil or very expensive to visit, The Gambia remains an astonishing bargain for travellers and although many holiday-makers seek no more than the guaranteed winter sunshine, the more intrepid will find many examples of fascinating African culture in the rural heart of the country, where the latest European fashions and music have little part to play in the daily life of the villages.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Banjul
Day 2/3
Atlantic Coast
Day 4/9
Gambia River Camps
Day 10/11
Re-visiting Atlantic coastal sites
Day 12
Fly London
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Tourist class hotels with private facilities at the coast. River camps are simple and basic although the huts do have private facilities. Both water and electricity supplies can be erratic at the camps
  • Food: Included in cost, except on final day.
Reviews

Reviews

  • The highlight for me was seeing the Egyptian Plover. The amazing bird 295 bird count of which 104 were lifers. Tour leader Brian was amazing, incredibly knowledgeable and very organised.

    M.M. Hertfordshire, Nov 22
  • In all respects, the holiday was excellent, and I would like to particularly mention the excellent leadership provided by Chris and Sering.

    D.C. Hertfordshire
  • The leaders were exceptional. They combined and complimented each other brilliantly. Both worked flat out in the field for 10-12 hours daily to ensure that all clients saw as much as possible, noting which birds each person had missed to ensure they had first chance next time.

    W.S. Berkshire
  • I saw about 270 species, of which almost half were lifetime firsts. The headline of the holiday was the first ever recorded sighting in the Gambia of a Hairy-breasted Barbet, unequivocally captured on film by way of verification. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and thought it very successful and good value for money.

    M.R. Hampshire
  • It was a superb holiday and a great adventure.

    J.H. Surrey
  • Well done for organizing a birdwatching tour that was all birds!

    J.B. Hertfordshire
  • The success of the trip absolutely depended on Mamadou, who was outstanding in every way. Transport and driver also excellent.

    J.H. Edinburgh
  • I thoroughly enjoyed the Gambia trip and would particularly like to express my thanks to our guide, Mamadou, who was excellent at finding and identifying the birds and ensuring that we all had good views.

    C.K. West Yorkshire
  • We got great views of many birds particularly the target species. I was very happy with the birds we saw.

    M.W. Essex
Show More Reviews Show fewer reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 8th Nov – Tue 18th Nov 2 £3,750
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£340
Sat 22nd Nov – Tue 2nd Dec SPACES £3,750
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,750
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£340

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 3rd Nov – Sat 14th Nov SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£375

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

Allow our experts to create a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices to suit you.

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour Reports

  • Tour report - November 2024
  • Tour report - November 2023
  • Tour report - November 2022
  • Tour report - November 2021
  • Tour report - October 2019
  • Tour report - October 2014
  • Tour report - November 2012
  • Tour report - October 2011
  • Tour report - November 2010
  • Tour report - November 2009
  • Tour report - November 2008
  • Tour report - October 2007
  • Tour report - October 2006
  • Tour report - November 2005

  • CLICK TO SEE MOREClick to see less
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

Video

Video

Gallery

Gallery

  • Bearded Barbet, Gambia Shutterstock 235570936
  • Green Turaco Shutterstock 459694270
  • Hamerkop Gambia 11.10   1
  • Black Crowned Crane Shutterstock 366662510
  • Egyptian Plover Gambia 11.10   1
  • Brown Snake Eagle Shutterstock 258718028
  • Grey Headed Kingfisher Shutterstock 247785025
  • Little Bee Eater Gambia 11.10   1
  • Shutterstock 348685187
  • Verraux'S Eagle Owl Gambia  11.10   1
  • Violet Turaco. Ghana. Shutterstock
  • Af Fish Eagle Gambia 11.10   2
  • Af Scops Owl Gambia 11.10   1
  • Blue Bellied Roller Gambia 11.10   1
  • African Spoonbill Shutterstock 112027001
  • A Male Beautiful Sunbird (Nectarinia pulchella) perched near blossoms from a moringa tree
  • A male Violet-Backed Starling perched
  • Pied Kingfisher Shutterstock 237329539
  • Red Bishop, Gambia Shutterstock 156332312
  • A Senegalese Parrot eating fruit from a palm tree
  • A Western Red-Billed Hornbill feeding on a caterpillar
  • A male African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) perched on a branch
  • Abyssinian Roller Shutterstock 169114541
  • Accomodation In Tendaba

Naturetrek has 38 years of experience in operating wildlife holidays.

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