I love to travel, I and love wildlife photography. I’m Italian and based in Spain for 17 years, in my research saw the Gambia as a pretty good option. Researching deeper on the internet and YouTube, I realised that the Gambia actually could be a great option. Only 4 hour’s flight from Barcelona, beautiful weather, a small country ( this is something to take into consideration unless you have got 6 months’ holidays ).
Impressed with the owner´s approach regarding environmental care and human rights. I reserved my flight and booked a room at Footsteps Eco-lodge.
Is Gambia good for birds?
When I arrived it was night so I couldn´t see much, but the morning after I was woken by lots of birds singing. What I saw that morning once out of the room I will never forget.
Even the most common birds, such as Common wattle-eye and PiaPiac, around the garden were absolutely beautiful, and not shy at all.
I could take several interesting pictures in 3 hours, much more than I could shoot in 5 days in Europe.
The quantity and quality of the flora and fauna in the Gambia are impressive. Heaven on Earth in a relaxed atmosphere, and perfect for wildlife photography.
The forests and birding explorers all around make me think that The Gambia is the place for serious birders.
I continued with my holiday and booked a few days with the local bird guide, Lamin Bojang.
We went to the Kartong Bird Observatory, Brufut Forest, Tanji Birds Reserve, Abuko Forest and Kotu Bridge. We saw White-fronted black chat, African Jacana, Levaillants cuckoo, Scimitarbill, long-tailed Glossy starlings and Yellow-billed Shrikes.
All the locations are fantastic. The commute time from the lodge is between 30 minutes and 1 hour. This allowed me to spend a lot of time in the field taking pictures of excellent birds guided and supported by Lamin ( his knowledge is incredible )
Flora & fauna are perfect for wildlife photography
Lamin is not only a bird guide but also the founder of a local museum in Gunjur. I visited and was impressed by the effort and good vibes the local community puts on this project, very remarkable. I also met Lamin´s little daughter Mbassaly. A nice smart little lady to whom I did a portrait picture that I love so much.
It feels really good to share opinions and points of view regarding the different styles of life in Gambia and Spain. I had such a good time with people that I came back again the year after! I couldn´t come back in 2020 but I will do everything I need to come back in 2021, I feel like I have good friends in the Gambia, I missed them a lot, I miss The Gambia.
Written by Andrea Luschi.
