Gambia Birding Holidays

Our destination expert says…

Holidays in Gambia offer the best in bird watching. From June to November ( green season ), birdwatching in The Gambia sees many birds in their summer and breeding plumage. 

This means bright colours and long tails are the order of the day. In contrast from November to May ( dry season ), it’s a great time to see plenty of raptors. 

Among others, birds of prey soar effortlessly overhead or perch on the tops of trees. More importantly, that means excellent photo opportunities.

What’s even better is you don’t need to be a professional photographer or birdwatcher to appreciate the wonders of this West African destination. 

Anyone can do it because the birds are all around you.

Bird watching in Gambia

Compiled by Steve Keightley and Ian Misselbrook

Scroll to see the full list

  • Pink-backed Pelican
  • Shikra
  • Blue-spotted Wood Dove
  • Great White Pelican
  • African Hawk-Eagle
  • Black Billed Wood Dove
  • Long-tailed Cormorant
  • Wahlberg’s Eagle
  • Namaqua Dove
  • Green-backed Heron
  • Tawny Eagle
  • Laughing Dove
  • Squacco Heron
  • Grey Kestrel
  • African Green Pigeon
  • Cattle Egret
  • Red-necked Falcon
  • Speckled Pigeon
  • Western Reef Heron
  • Lanner Falcon
  • Red-Eyed Dove
  • Double-spurred Francolin
  • African Mourning Dove
  • Intermediate Egret
  • Stone Partridge
  • Vinaceous Dove
  • Great Egret
  • Purple Swamphen
  • Rose-ringed Parakeet
  • Grey Heron
  • African Jacana
  • Senegal Parrot
  • Black-headed Heron
  • Black-winged Stilt
  • Western Grey Plantain Eater
  • Purple Heron
  • Senegal Thick-knee
  • Great Spotted Cuckoo
  • Hamerkop
  • African Wattled Lapwing
  • Senegal Coucal
  • Sacred Ibis
  • Spur-winged Plover
  • Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
  • African Spoonbill
  • Whimbrel
  • Little Swift
  • Osprey
  • Sanderling
  • African Palm Swift
  • Palm-nut Vulture
  • Common Greenshank
  • African Pygmy Kingfisher
  • Hooded Vulture
  • Green Sandpiper
  • Pied Kingfisher
  • Yellow-billed Kite
  • Wood Sandpiper
  • Little Bee-eater
  • Western Marsh Harrier
  • Common Sandpiper
  • Blue-Cheeked Bee-eater
  • Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle
  • Arctic Skua
  • Northern Carmine Bee-eater
  • Long-crested Eagle
  • Grey-headed Gull
  • Rufous-crowned Roller
  • African Harrier Hawk
  • Lesser Black-backed Gull
  • Blue-bellied Roller
  • Lizard Buzzard
  • Caspian Tern
  • Broad-billed Roller
  • Green-Wood Hoopoe
  • Brown Babbler
  • Whistling Cisticola
  • Hoopoe
  • Blackcap Babbler
  • Western Red-billed Hornbill
  • Scarlet-chested Sunbird
  • African Grey Hornbill
  • Beautiful Sunbird
  • African Pied Hornbill
  • Variable Sunbird
  • Yellow-fronted Tinker-bird
  • Splendid Sunbird
  • Bearded Barbet
  • Woodchat Shrike
  • Cardinal Woodpecker
  • Yellow-billed Shrike
  • Levaillant’s Cuckoo
  • Northern Puffback
  • Senegal Eremomela
  • Grey-backed Camaroptera
  • Woodland Kingfisher
  • Malachite Kingfisher
  • Red-throated Bee-eater
  • White-throated Bee-eater
  • African Darter
  • Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
  • Greater Honeyguide
  • White-faced Whistling Duck
  • Long-tailed Nightjar
  • Ruddy Turnstone
  • Black-crowned Night Heron
  • Yellow-billed Oxpecker
  • White-crested Helmet-shrike
  • Northern Red Bishop
  • Common Wattle-eye
  • Giant Kingfisher
  • Yellow-throated Leaflove
  • African Thrush
  • Yellow-crowned Gonolek
  • Heuglin’s Masked-weaver
  • Masked Vitelline Weaver
  • Masked Weaver
  • Orange-cheeked Waxbill
  • Lavender Waxbill
  • Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu
  • Red-billed Firefinch
  • Snowy-crowned Robin-chat
  • Northern Black Flycatcher
  • Piapiac
  • Pied Crow
  • Blue-breasted Kingfisher
  • Northern Grey Sparrow
  • Golden Oriole
  • Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher
  • Black-necked Weaver
  • Village Weaver
  • Fine-spotted Woodpecker
  • Grey Woodpecker
  • Green Turaco
  • Violet Turaco
  • Common Bulbul

Birdwatching holidays in The Gambia

Not only do we have over 100 species within our grounds, but equally important we also have over 150 within walking distance.

This means whether you are an avid birder or casual bird watcher, birding in Gambia is great!

Sit and relax by our unique freshwater-filtered pool. Being the only eco-pool in The Gambia means it attracts lots of birds.

For example, not only African Pygmy Kingfisher, and Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher but also Wire-tailed Swallow.

Birdhide at Footsteps in The Gambia
Our bird hide overlooks a natural water feature!

The area around our pool

You will see for example birds such as Bronze Mannikin, Red-billed Fire-finches and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. And also Variable Sunbirds & Beautiful Sunbirds.

Take a stroll around the grounds and set up in one of the bird hides. You will be amazed by the number of beautiful birds making an appearance throughout the day. Hornbills, TuracosSnowy-crowned Robin-chatSenegal CoucalPlantain-EatersCommon Wattle-eye, and Yellow-crowned Gonolek.

Bird trips and birdwatching itinerary

First & foremost, Footsteps offer a variety of Gambia Birding Trips in the company of an expert and experienced bird guide. An opportunity not to be missed. Secondly, you can also visit Nature Reserves, Bird Reserves, Paddy Fields, Wetlands and a trip along the River Gambia. Each with its own ecosystem and also each with an abundance of flora and fauna.

Thirdly, and in addition to our Birding holidays in The Gambia, photography in Gambia is simply superb, whether its birds and wildlife or sunsets.

Birds you will find locally

Our bird watching in Gambia trips are listed below. All come with a top-class bird guide of your choice. However, with around 100 bird species visiting us, you would be forgiven for simply making yourself comfortable and enjoying the best that nature has on offer at the lodge.

Enjoy a taster of a small fraction of the species we have local to us at Footsteps. All the photos were taken by our guests between the months of November and June.

If you have specific birds you want to see, contact us and we will tell you exactly where to find them.

When is the best time for birdwatching in Gambia

A month by month guide

GREEN = Lodge Open

RED = Lodge Closed

January

January is an exciting month for birdwatching in Gambia. The weather is pleasant, and the landscape is green after the rainy season. This month, you can spot species like the African Finfoot, African Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, and various species of herons and egrets.

February

As the dry season continues, February is an ideal time to explore Gambia’s birding hotspots. Look out for the African Fish Eagle, African Grey Hornbill, Violet Turaco, African Wood Owl, and a variety of sunbirds and weavers.

March

March marks the transition between the dry and rainy seasons, attracting a wide range of avian species to Gambia. You might encounter the Goliath Heron, Bearded Barbet, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Pied-winged Swallow, and numerous raptors like the African Harrier Hawk.

April

This month, migratory species such as the European Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, Northern Wheatear, and African Golden Oriole can be spotted alongside resident species like the Grey-headed Kingfisher and Yellow-billed Shrike.

May

May is an excellent time for birdwatching in Gambia, as the rainy season begins, and the landscape becomes lush and green. Keep an eye out for the African Blue Flycatcher, African Paradise Flycatcher, Village Indigo bird, White-throated Bee-eater, and various species of flycatchers and warblers.

June

June offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities. It’s a time when the bird chorus reaches its peak, and the wetlands become bustling with activity. Look out for the African Palm Swift, African Mourning Dove, Grey-headed Bristle-bill, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, and several species of waders.

July

In July, with the ongoing rains, Gambia’s birdlife is thriving. You can spot the dazzling Egyptian Plover, African Pied Hornbill, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Senegal Parrot, and a variety of cuckoos and honeyguides.

August

August offers a great chance to observe both resident and migratory birds in Gambia. Look for species like the Red-chested Swallow, Black-headed Heron, African Thrush, Beautiful Sunbird, and various species of kingfishers.

September

As the rainy season draws to a close, September is an exciting month for birdwatchers. You might spot the Rufous-crowned Roller, African Green Pigeon, Lizard Buzzard, Broad-billed Roller, and a variety of raptors.

October

October is characterized by the transition from the wet season to the dry season, creating an ideal habitat for different bird species. Keep an eye out for the African Marsh Harrier, Grey Kestrel, Long-tailed Nightjar, Violet-backed Starling, and several species of finches and buntings.

November

November is an excellent time to witness the arrival of a multitude of migratory birds in Gambia. Keep your binoculars ready for the European Roller, Black-crowned Tchagra, African Pied Wagtail, African Wattled Lapwing, and various species of swallows.

December

As the dry season sets in, December offers pleasant weather for birdwatching. Look for species like the African Hobby, Northern White-faced Owl, Pygmy Sunbird, Yellow-billed Kite, and various species of ducks and geese.

Birdwatching trips

Lamin Lodge & Abuko Nature Reserve

Lamin Lodge – We have an early breakfast and travel 40 minutes to Lamin Lodge. 

Here we enjoy a short one-hour boat trip on the river. 

We expect to see Common Wattle-eye, Royal Tern, African Darter, Long-Tailed Cormorant, Western Bluebill, Greater Honeyguide also Cut-Throat Finch.

Abuko Nature Reserve – Picnic-style lunch around 1 pm and then on to Abuko Nature Reserve. 

Disclaimer – Abuko used to be the pride of the Gambia but in recent years we feel it has fallen behind with its standards ie. rubbish in the reserve, however, it still has birds you will struggle to see elsewhere so we still run this trip. 

Here you will see Giant Kingfisher, Pin-tailed whydah, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher also Senegal Batis.

Tanji bird reserve

Tanji Bird Reserve is 30 minutes away along the coast so as a result, we have more time for breakfast.

Expect to see for example. Black-crowned Tchagra, OspreyYellow-Crowned GonolekBroad-billed Roller, Abyssinian Roller also Purple Glossy Starlings, and Violet Backed Starlings.

Marakissa camp, Darsalami woods & Siffoe

Marakissa is approximately one hour away. 

Because the morning is spent there, Darsalami Woods and Siffoe are on the way back in the afternoon.

In addition to Sulphur-breasted Bush-Shrike, Exclamatory Paradise Whydah, Wilson Indigo, African Blue Flycatcher, Yellow Shouldered Widowbird, also see Northern PuffbackSenegal Eremomela and Woodchat Shrike.

Mandinaba shrimp farm, Faraba rice fields

Likewise, Mandinaba Pirang Shrimp Farm is one and a half-hour away, we need to be up at the crack of dawn.

And, for example, you can expect sightings of Quail Finch, Village Indigo, Pin-tailed Whydah, and also Cut-Throat Finch.

Banjul, Kotu & Fajara golf course

Because Banjul is an hour away, we need an early start.

Later, we will be visiting Kotu and Fajara Golf Club. Also for those who want to have a 9 or 18-hole round, this can be arranged.

An example of some of the birds you can see here is Grey Plover, Senegal Thick-knee, Wattle PloversWire Tailed Swallow and Little Ring Plover. 

Also, Stone Partridge, Sand Grouse, European Hoopoe with Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrike and Woodland Kingfisher.

Wetlands close to Footsteps

This Gambia birding trip is on our doorstep and is simply a fantastic day of birding.

In fact, it’s so good you will want to revisit it again and again.

An example of some of the birds you can see here is Osprey, the White-faced whistling duckPelicansStorksGrey-backed Camaroptera and Woodland Kingfisher.

The above Birds of The Gambia photos were taken by Rob Garner, Rob Carr and Emyr Evans – Thank you!

We have 2 top-class bird guides, please pre-book by emailing David

Gambia bird guides

Abdoulie Ndure Website

Prices for guided Gambia bird watching

Our birding days are as follows. Between 4 and 8 hours in duration. And include your guide and also transport and lunch.

Moreover, all our trips can be prepaid online when you book and are also arranged at the lodge.

Prices for 2023/24
  • Single birder, the price per day is £90.
  • 2 birders the price per day is £60 each.
  • 3 birders the price per day is £50 each.
Gambia birdwatching-Long tailed Nightjar
Long-tailed Nightjar

In conclusion, below you will find websites from guests who enjoyed their Gambia Birdwatching Holidays

Martin 14
3 March 2024
Verified
Home from Home We have visited the Gambia many times and this was our 4th visit to Footsteps. Every time we walk through the gates the place feels like a home from home. David, Linda and their staff keep the lodges and grounds clean and tidy. The food produced by the chefs is always to a high standard and the barbeques with entertainment from the local drummers is always a great evening. Every time we come we make new friends and discover new places to visit. We will be back very soon.
Liz K
2 March 2024
Verified
A Gambian Haven! Can’t stop returning to this Gambian Haven. It was wonderful to return for our 5th visit this year and to be greeted again so warmly by David and his staff. The food as always was delicious, accommodation spotless and every time we come we experience more and varied things about this delightful country and its people, all arranged through Footsteps. We will certainly be back again
Angele V
19 February 2024
Verified
A Warm and wonderful stay in the most beautiful environment Footsteps is a fantastic natural place where David and Linda and their staff welcome you with warmth and care. All praise! Sitting in front of your roundhouse you will see many birds, but you can also take bird walks and walk towards the beach and wetlands from the lodge. The food is delicious and fresh. For us, the shared dinner was an addition. Lots of beautiful stories and encounters. We will definitely come back! recommended!
Dave H
18 February 2024
Verified
Bliss What an amazing experience. Set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, with wildlife on your doorstep. The staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating, and such lovely food. Would very happily visit again. Thank you all..
paula G
18 February 2024
Verified
Great place to feel cared for and retreat from busy lives We spent 3 nights in one of the roundhouses and had a really good break. The accommodation is quiet, clean and comfortable. The food and service is excellent. Meals are served 'en famille' style which was a lovely sociable experience and we met lots of interesting people. The beach is a 30-40 minute walk away. We only went once because there was plenty to see and do on site. The grounds are quite extensive and are divided into beautiful garden, growing, service and relaxation areas. We pre-booked yoga and a massage on site - both of which were great. We also enjoyed a kayaking trip. We were there for the kayaking and scenery, rather than the bird watching, but got the full birding guide too. The transport is not included in the trips off site. If you need to book this, make sure you have the driver's number and arrange a time for collection well in advance of your expected finish time. There are very talented craftspeople working within the Footsteps grounds. This was a bonus for me because I teach and practise various craftwork in the UK. Will definitely be going back if I get the chance.
John
17 February 2024
Verified
Footsteps een parel in Gambia. Ik heb een uitstekend verblijf gehad in een roundhouse van Footsteps. David en Linda en hun staf zorgen voor een zeer goede sfeer. Door de vele vogels op het terrein kun je van kortbij genieten van de geweldige natuur. Het eten is voortreffelijk. Zeker in dit deel van Gambia zijn de mensen zeer vriendelijk en behulpzaam. Op 20 minuten lopen ligt een flink strand met wat ligbedjes met parasols en juicebars. Doordat er weinig toeristen zijn heb je altijd plek. Onderweg naar het strand kom langs de zgn. Wetlands. Hier wemelt het van de vogels. Ter plaatse zijn allerlei leuke natuurtrips te boeken. Ook behoort vissen tot de mogelijkheden. Wij komen zeker terug.
Lynne S
16 February 2024
Verified
A fabulous week at Footsteps We loved our time at Footsteps. Sunbird House worked well for us. It was spacious and comfortable. One tip we’d like to recommend is for there to be some written guidance in the house re do’s, don’ts and what’s available. The staff were really welcoming and helpful and we loved engaging with (and spending money!) with the craftsmen and women. We can recommend the Black & White drumming team. They created a great last night for us with our many Gambian friends. I’m sure we’ll be back 🙂
Clarareist
12 February 2024
Verified
Gambias schönste Küste Ein traumhafter Ort, mitten in der Natur, der Strand ist fußläufig zu erreichen und einer der wenigen sauberen Strände Gambias. Sehr nettes Personal! Das Rundhaus gemütlich und sauber. Essen vor Ort top! Haben nette Menschen kennengelernt. Wir kommen wieder!
Kathryn J
10 February 2024
Verified
A truly special place Footsteps is a truly special place. We had the most incredible stay. Everything was wonderful. The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly, the accommodation was beautiful, comfortable and clean, the food was fantastic and the grounds were really peaceful and well cared for. The bird song all around was spectacular each day and the walk to the beach was lovely. We had an unforgettable time there. It was wonderful to meet the local craftsman working on site and be able to support their work. I’ve never met such friendly and open people ! Footsteps really has everything you need for a great holiday in The Gambia. We arranged bird watching trips with an extremely knowledgeable guide, as well as having Djembe lessons locally and a really good massage on site. We left feeling really grateful for such a special time. I celebrated my birthday whilst there and it was the best birthday ever!! Thank you David and all the team at Footsteps. We’ll be back !!!
Holiday deals

A/ We won’t be beaten on price.

B/ If you find a better deal, we’ll price match & discount it by 5%.

C/ Book your next Gambia vacation today with no deposit, nothing to pay until one month before travel & a full refund guarantee up to 2 weeks before travel.

"Simple as ABC", start planning your holiday today with Footsteps Eco-lodge!

Want a Gambia Bird Identifier?, then purchase The Birds of The Gambia book, considered to be the best for birdwatchers.

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