The Gambia

Tour Code: GMB01

A 12-day birdwatching holiday visiting a variety of localities along the Gambia River.

12 days from
£3,795
Land only price from
£
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Highlights

Summary

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.

  • West African birding at its best!
  • Great introduction to African birds
  • Egyptian Plovers
  • Glimpses of Gambian village life
  • Tropical winter sunshine
  • Six nights 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
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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
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 7th Nov – Tue 18th Nov SPACES £3,795
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

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 6th Nov – Tue 17th Nov SPACES £3,895
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

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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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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!