Photography in The Gambia

Photography in Gambia

Just 6 hours from Europe and without any jet lag, you can start snapping photos on arrival.

The birding in Gambia is superb, with at least 576 species of bird in addition to monkeys, numerous reptiles, an abundance of flowers, and unusual trees there’s always something to capture. Go see the Baobab tree for example, but make sure you bring your wide-angle lens!

Gambia tourism attractions include local markets, villages, and the capital Banjul, a vibrant and bustling West-African city.

Or you may choose to take a trip upriver and visit The C4RC team (Communities for Red Colobus) You might even want to push the boat out so to speak and meander along the river in a traditional Gambian pirogue. FairPlay Gambia offers trips to suit everyone.

Photography-in-Gambia

Photo Etiquette

It’s generally polite and respectful to ask permission before taking someone’s picture.

Most people will likely say yes, but it’s important to treat them with respect and not objectify them. When you try to take a photo, especially of younger people, they will often happily join in and pose, making it hard to capture natural moments of Gambians going about their day.

However, there are people who don’t like being photographed, and we should respect their dignity and privacy.

An important note is that it is ‘illegal’ to photograph police officers, guards, and government buildings without officially sanctioned permission. Definitely do not take pictures of embassies, government buildings or military people or bases without proper official guided permission.

Photography etiquette in Gambia
Gambia photography
Enjoying a swim ©Emyr Evans

Life through a lens

You don’t have to be a professional to capture something typical, beautiful, or funny. Taking good pictures is not about the price and size of your camera. It’s about the person wielding it.

We know exactly when and where to go to put you where the pictures are. Try our sunrise/sunset trip and create memories to last a lifetime.

Grapefruit
Amateur or pro?

We have two sets of Gambia photography signature postcards available to buy.

The suggested donation price is £5.00 & proceeds go to local charities. ( This is just a guide price and you can give whatever you feel is right, ie anything from £1 to £££, it’s up to you ) All photos were taken by guests who have previously stayed at Footsteps Eco-Lodge.

Set 1

Photographing monkeys in Gambia
©Frode Falconberg
Smiling coast of Gambia
©Ian Misselbrook
Gambia photo competition
©Rob Garner
Squacco-Heron
©Steve Keightley
Photographic competition
©Jan Erik Roer
Oxpecker birds on a cow
©Tim Sexton

Set 2

Gambia photo competition entry
©Rob Garner
Simon Fenton photo entry
©Simon Fenton
Boats in Gambia
©Mark Gray
6 of the best competition Gambia
©Daisy O’Neil
Women at the fishing centre Gambia
©Cor Coster
Competiton photo Gambia
©Graham Workman

If you are feeling inspired and want to know more about our tailor-made Gambia photography days, contact David for more information.

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 !!!

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!

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