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 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.
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.