Tendaba Camp, also known as Tendaba Bush Camp, is one of The Gambia’s most iconic birding bases, ideally located on the south bank of the River Gambia within easy reach of Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, home to over 560 recorded species of birds. The surrounding landscape is a mix of open savanna, woodland, and riverine habitat, supporting a rich diversity of birdlife. The nearby Wurokang Plains are famous for dry-country species such as Temminck’s Courser, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Black-headed Lapwing, and Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, while raptors like Bateleur, Grasshopper Buzzard, and Dark Chanting Goshawk soar above. Around the camp itself, the drinking pool attracts small finches and waxbills including Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Lavender Waxbill, and Village Indigobird, alongside Bronze Mannikin and Cut-throat Finch.

A major highlight of Tendaba is the boat safari through the Bao Bolong channels opposite the camp, where birders can observe Goliath Heron, African Finfoot, African Darter, Pink-backed Pelican, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher in their natural wetland setting. The area’s peaceful atmosphere and proximity to diverse habitats make Tendaba an essential stop for any upcountry birding itinerary. Evenings at the riverside bring the calls of Pearl-spotted Owlet and Long-tailed Nightjar, providing a classic African ambiance under the stars.

The accommodation at the Camp is basic but you may be lucky enough to be able to book a  AC room which has its own toilet. The area around the Camp is excellent for birdwatching and it is well worth a 2 or 3 day stay if you wish to take full advantage of the area. Within easy walking distance of the Camp you will find Tendaba Airfield, Tendaba Rice Fields, Tendaba-Kwinella Back Way, Bateling Bush Track and Kiang West National Park Tendaba photo hide. If you wish to visit Tanku or Kissi Creek you will need to hire a boat from Tendaba to get there.

It is a fantastic spot for bird photography, offering a diverse range of species to capture. With over 300 species recorded, you’ll have ample opportunities to snap amazing shots.

The reserve is just over 6 square kilometres and encompasses a wide range of different habitat types from beach, tidal lagoons, mangrove swamp, Coastal scrub and dry Savannah woodland. The Reserve also protects Bijilo Island which is The Gambia’s only offshore island lying about 1.5 kilometres from the coast. Some of the species that you may encounter here include White-fronted Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Kelp Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Four-banded Sandgrouse, African Green Pigeon, Osprey, Oriole Warbler, Pomarine Skua, Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike and Giant Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Plain-backed pipit, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Yellow-Fronted Tinkerbird, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Striped Kingfisher, Violet Turaco, African Pygmy Kingfisher,  amongst others.

Kotu Creek Nature Reserve is one of The Gambia’s most accessible and productive birding sites, located just a few minutes from the main coastal hotels in Kotu. This tidal creek, surrounded by mangroves, rice fields, mudflats, and freshwater ponds, offers an incredible diversity of species within a compact area, making it the perfect introduction to Gambian birdlife. Early morning is the best time to visit, when the tide exposes rich feeding grounds and bird activity is at its peak. Along the creek’s edge, birders can expect African Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Common Redshank, and Curlew Sandpiper, while the mangroves shelter Malachite, Pied, and Blue-breasted Kingfishers. Western Reef Heron, Squacco Heron, and Black Heron are frequently seen foraging in the shallows, often alongside Sacred Ibis and White-faced Whistling Duck. Overhead, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Little Swift, and Wire-tailed Swallow add movement and colour to the skies. The surrounding gardens and rice fields support Senegal Thick-knee, Wattled Lapwing, and Spur-winged Lapwing, along with smaller passerines like Beautiful Sunbird, Red-billed Firefinch, and Lavender Waxbill. Its combination of habitats, ease of access, and sheer abundance of birds make Kotu Creek an essential stop for birdwatchers of all levels visiting The Gambia.

It is a fantastic spot for bird photography, with its unique coastal forest and open woodland habitats attracting a variety of exotic species. Some of the birds you can expect to see and photograph here include Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, African Golden Oriole, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Blackcap Babbler, Greater Honeyguide, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Violet Barbet, Violet Turaco, Fanti Saw-wing, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Copper Sunbird, Yellow White-eye, Green Turaco, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Klaas’s Cuckoo.

Bund Road in Gambia seems like a fantastic spot for bird photography! Located near the Banjul, this area offers a diverse range of bird species to capture.

Caspian Tern, Lesser-crested Tern, African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Pomerine Skua, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Barn Swallow, Splendid Sunbird, Green-headed Sunbird, African Reed Warbler, Little-ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Pied Avocet, Zitting Cisticola.

Bansang Quarry, located in the eastern part of The Gambia near the town of Bansang, is one of the most spectacular inland birding sites in the country and a must-visit stop for anyone travelling up the river. This striking red sandstone escarpment provides ideal nesting cliffs for one of The Gambia’s most colourful and charismatic species—the Red-throated Bee-eater, which breeds here in large colonies during the dry season. The steep quarry walls come alive with hundreds of bee-eaters fluttering in and out of their nest holes, creating a stunning display of colour and sound. Occasionally, Northern Carmine Bee-eater can also be found among them, adding even more brilliance to the scene. The surrounding scrubland and open savanna host a variety of other interesting species including Lizard Buzzard, Striped Kingfisher, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, and Piapiac, while Speckled Pigeon and Laughing Dove often perch on the rocky ledges. Raptors such as Lanner Falcon, Grasshopper Buzzard, and Dark Chanting Goshawk frequently patrol the area, drawn by the abundance of smaller birds. The site’s combination of dramatic scenery, excellent light for photography, and the close-up views of bee-eaters make Bansang Quarry a true highlight for birdwatchers exploring the central and eastern regions of The Gambia.

Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is one of The Gambia’s most important and diverse birding sites, located across the river from Tendaba Camp in the country’s Central River Region. This vast network of mangroves, tidal creeks, mudflats, and seasonal floodplains covers over 200 square kilometres and provides critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds. It is particularly famous for its excellent boat safaris, which allow birders to explore the remote channels and witness the incredible concentration of birdlife at close range. Commonly seen species include African Fish Eagle, Osprey, African Darter, Long-tailed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, and Goliath Heron, while the mangrove edges are home to Blue-breasted, Pied, and Giant Kingfishers. Wading birds such as African Spoonbill, Black Heron, Sacred Ibis, and White-faced Whistling Duck gather in the shallows, and African Jacana walk elegantly across floating vegetation. Raptors like Brown Snake Eagle and Bateleur are often seen circling above, and during the dry season, the mudflats attract large flocks of sandpipers and plovers. The tranquil scenery, combined with the sheer abundance of birds, makes Bao Bolong one of the highlights of any upcountry birding journey, offering unforgettable opportunities for both photography and close observation of West Africa’s wetland specialists.

Fajara Golf Course, located just west of central Banjul, is an unexpectedly rich birding site that offers a refreshing blend of open parkland, mature trees, and scattered freshwater ponds. Despite its recreational purpose, the course provides ideal habitats for a wide variety of bird species, making it one of the best urban birding spots in The Gambia. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly productive when the air is filled with birdsong and activity. The grassy fairways and ponds attract Senegal Thick-knee, Black-headed Lapwing, and Wattled Lapwing, while Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, and Black-winged Stilt frequent the water edges. The surrounding acacia and palm trees are home to colourful residents such as Beautiful Sunbird, Bearded Barbet, and Red-billed Firefinch, along with Senegal Parrot and Yellow-crowned Gonolek. Raptors including Shikra, Lizard Buzzard, and Osprey are often observed soaring or perching in the taller trees. During the dry season, flowering shrubs attract nectar-feeding Scarlet-chested Sunbird and Copper Sunbird, providing excellent photographic opportunities. Its peaceful atmosphere, easy access from Kotu and Kololi, and reliable bird diversity make Fajara Golf Course a pleasant and rewarding stop for both experienced birders and beginners exploring The Gambia’s coastal birding circuit.

Janjabureh, also known as Georgetown, lies on MacCarthy Island in the middle reaches of the River Gambia and is one of the most rewarding birding locations in the country, especially for those venturing upriver. The area’s mix of riverine forest, cultivated fields, wetlands, and wooded savanna provides an exceptional variety of habitats, hosting some of The Gambia’s most sought-after birds. A highlight of any visit is the boat safari along the Gambia River, a peaceful and scenic experience that offers close encounters with riverine and wetland species rarely seen near the coast. As the boat glides quietly through the mangrove-lined channels, birders can expect sightings of African Finfoot, one of West Africa’s most elusive species, along with Goliath Heron, African Darter, Long-tailed Cormorant, African Fish Eagle, and Palm-nut Vulture. The shaded riverbanks attract Blue-breasted, Shining-blue, and Giant Kingfishers, while Malachite Kingfisher flits between overhanging branches.

Inland from the river, the gallery forest and cultivated gardens host Violet Turaco, Bearded Barbet, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, and Senegal Parrot, along with the melodious Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat and the shy Western Bluebill. Open farmlands support Piapiac, Yellow-billed Shrike, and Fine-spotted Woodpecker, while raptors such as Grasshopper Buzzard, Lizard Buzzard, and Dark Chanting Goshawk patrol overhead. During the cooler hours, the quiet trails may reveal Pearl-spotted Owlet or a roosting Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, while the wetlands attract African Jacana, Black Crake, Purple Heron, and Wattled Lapwing.

Janjabureh’s combination of habitats and its rich diversity of species make it an essential stop for any Gambian birding itinerary. The tranquil boat trip, charming riverside lodges, and the abundance of both colourful forest birds and impressive raptors provide an unforgettable birding experience deep in the heart of The Gambia.

Kiang West National Park is a fantastic destination for bird photography, with over 300 species of birds recorded within its diverse landscapes. The park’s unique geography, which includes The Park stretches along the southern bank of the River Gambia taking in some large areas of mangrove forest, creeks, salt pans and tidal flats. The majority of the protected area consists of dry woodland savannah. One outstanding feature is a laterite escarpment running close to, and overlooking, the riverbank. The wildlife of the Park is rich and varied but it does take some effort to see it. The most easily seen species are, of course, the birds. In total over 300 species of birds have been recorded within the area which is a pretty impressive total and forms over half of the entire Gambian bird list. Twenty two species of raptor alone have been recorded here. Here are a few examples of the birds you may hopefully see   Bataleur Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, White-headed Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Common Quail, Quail Plover, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Lanner Falcon, African Hobby, Bronze-winged Courser, Temmincks Courser, Black-bellied Bustard, Collared Pratincole, Brown-necked Parrot, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black Wood Hoopoe, European Hoopoe, White-shouldered Black Tit, African Cuckoo, Yellow White Eye, Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver, Senegal Batis, Bruces Green Pigeon, Broad-billed Roller, Plain-backed Pipit, Red-chested Swallow, Mosque Swallow, Pygmy Sunbird, Splendid Glossy Starling, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Violet-backed Starling.

Abuko Nature Reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 270 recorded species. It is situated about 20 kilometres from Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. It is one of the country’s first reserves established in 1977. The reserve’s diverse habitats, including gallery forests and wetlands, attract a wide variety of birds. This habitat is now one of the rarest in The Gambia and is extremely rich in biodiversity with many thousands of species of fungi, plants, trees, insects and invertebrates living in and beneath its tall leafy canopy. However, not all of the Reserve is gallery forest and as you travel away from the banks of the stream the forest gradually thins out as the ground becomes much drier eventually changing into Guinea Savannah. Although this habitat is not as rare as the gallery forest it is still and excellent habitat for birds and other wildlife. Birds to be found here include Western Bluebill, Giant Kingfisher, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Pygmy Kingfisher, Blue Malkoha, Violet Turaco, Green Turaco, Swallow-tailed  Bee-eater, African Pied Hornbill, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Oriole Warbler, Collared Sunbird, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Green-Headed Sunbird,  Copper Sunbird.

Killy Woodland, located inland between Brikama and Pirang, is a lesser-known yet outstanding birding destination in The Gambia, offering a tranquil mix of dry woodland, open savanna, and scattered farmland. Its mosaic of habitats provides ideal conditions for a wide range of Afrotropical species, making it particularly appealing for birders seeking woodland specialists away from the more frequented coastal sites. The early morning hours here are alive with the calls of Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Northern Puffback, Black-crowned Tchagra, and Grey-headed Bushshrike, while colourful residents such as Bearded Barbet, Vieillot’s Barbet, and Senegal Parrot brighten the canopy. The area also supports several woodpeckers including Fine-spotted Woodpecker and Cardinal Woodpecker, as well as White-shouldered Black Tit and Brown Babbler moving noisily through the mid-storey. Raptors such as Dark Chanting Goshawk, Lizard Buzzard, and African Harrier-Hawk are often seen perched in the open trees or soaring overhead. During the dry season, flowering acacias attract Beautiful Sunbird, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and Copper Sunbird, while open patches may reveal Senegal Eremomela, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, and Northern Crombec. Killy Woodland remains relatively undisturbed, providing excellent photographic opportunities and a rewarding experience for birders who appreciate quiet, authentic Gambian countryside rich in both birdlife and natural charm.

Farasutu Forest Community Reserve is one of The Gambia’s finest examples of community-based conservation, located near Brikama and easily reached from the main coastal resorts. This small but well-protected gallery forest is managed by local guides who work tirelessly to safeguard its wildlife and habitats. The forest’s dense canopy, tall silk-cotton trees, and shaded understorey create a cool refuge for a remarkable diversity of birds, making it a must-visit site for keen birders. Among its many highlights are Western Bluebill, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, Blackcap Babbler, and Violet Turaco, while the quiet forest trails may reveal African Pygmy Kingfisher, African Paradise Flycatcher, and Oriole Warbler. Several species of owls, including Northern White-faced Owl, Greyish Eagle-Owl, and Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, are known to roost here and can often be found with the help of the local wardens. The nearby open woodland and farmland edges add further variety, hosting Bearded Barbet, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, and Yellow-crowned Gonolek. Birding at Farasutu offers more than just excellent species diversity—it provides a glimpse into the success of locally driven conservation efforts in The Gambia. The site’s calm atmosphere, friendly guides, and reliable sightings make it a favourite among visiting birdwatchers seeking both quality birding and authentic community engagement.

Pirang Shrimp Farm, also known as the Pirang Fish Ponds, is one of The Gambia’s premier wetland birding sites, renowned for its open lagoons, mudflats, and embankments that attract an impressive variety of waterbirds. Located inland from the coastal highway near Pirang village, the site was once a commercial shrimp farm but is now a thriving sanctuary for both resident and migratory species. The shallow ponds host large numbers of Black-winged Stilt, Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, and Wood Sandpiper, while African Spoonbill, African Openbill, and Sacred Ibis wade gracefully in the shallows. During the dry season, Greater Flamingo, Pink-backed Pelican, and Yellow-billed Egret can often be seen feeding in the larger lagoons. The surrounding acacia scrub and levees provide perches for Bearded Barbet, Beautiful Sunbird, and Fine-spotted Woodpecker, while raptors such as Osprey, African Fish Eagle, and Western Marsh Harrier patrol the area. The site’s open vistas and reflective water surfaces create excellent conditions for photography, particularly at dawn or late afternoon when the light softens. Pirang Shrimp Farm is a must-visit stop on any Gambian birding itinerary, offering close encounters with some of the country’s most iconic wetland species in a serene and scenic environment.

Pirang Forest Reserve is a place for birds’ photography. Located in the southern part of Gambia, which is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers This 64-hectare forest is a mix of savannah, wetlands, and woodland, attracting a diverse range of bird species, including  Northern white-Faced Owl, Brown-Necked Parrot, African Wood Owl, Green Turaco, Grey-headed Bristlebill,  Little Greenbul, Yellow-Throated Leaflove, Green  Hylia, Green Crombec, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Oriole Warbler,  Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, African paradise Flycatcher, Violet Turaco, Red Bellied Paradise Flycatcher, White Helmetshrike, Black-Rumped Waxbill, Western Bluebill, Orange- Cheeked Waxbill, Red-Cheeked Cordon-blue, Lavender Waxbill, Pygmy Sunbird, Green-headed Sunbird, Snowy-crowned Robin chat.

Kunkilling Forest Park in Janjanbureh, located near the historic town of Janjanbureh (formerly Georgetown) on MacCarthy Island, Kunkilling Forest Park is one of the Gambia’s most important birding sites in the Central River Region. The park spans around 142 hectares of protected woodland and riverine habitat, bordered by the Gambia River, creating a mosaic of savanna, dry forest, and gallery vegetation that supports a rich variety of birdlife. It is a serene hotspot for bird photography, offering a diverse ecosystem with rich birdlife amidst towering trees and lush greenery. The park’s tranquil trails and riverside areas make it a perfect retreat for capturing unique bird species in their natural habitat, including Adamawa Turtle Dove, European Turtle Dove, European Bee-eater, Tawny Eagle, White-Backed Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Short-Toed Snake Eagle, Martial Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Black Scimitartarbill, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Lappet-Faced Vulture, and Ruppell’s Vulture.

Gambia Gunjur-Konoto Forest lies near the village of Gunjur on the western coast of The Gambia, close to the border area with Senegal. It’s a privately-owned remnant forest patch combined with a dramatic sand-quarry system that has become a valuable wetland habitat. The mix of lush gallery forest, open woodland, degraded quarry pits with shallow water, and coastal scrub gives this site a unique diversity of habitats.It is a fantastic location for bird photography, offering a mix of coastal woodland, savannah, and photo hide. This diversity attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a rewarding spot for photographers, including Snowy-Crowned Robin-Chat, Red-Bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Capuchin Bubbler, Blackcap Babbler, Black-Necked Weaver, Western Bluebill, eillot’s Barbet, Collared Sunbird, Common wattle-eye, Green Hylia , Little Greenbul, Grey-Headed Bristlebill, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, Blue Yellowbill, Green Turaco, and Violet Turaco.

Marakissa Woods, located near the Gambian–Senegalese border, is one of the most rewarding sites in The Gambia for bird photography. The area’s blend of wooded savanna, rice fields, and slow-flowing riverbanks creates varied lighting and habitat conditions ideal for capturing striking avian portraits. Early mornings reveal vibrant species such as the African Paradise Flycatcher, Bearded Barbet, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher flitting through golden light, while open patches attract striking raptors like African Harrier-Hawk and Dark Chanting Goshawk. The nearby river pools often host African Jacanas, Black Crakes, and the elegant African Pygmy Kingfisher, offering close, low-angle compositions. The Marakissa River Camp, a favourite among photographers, provides easy access to shaded viewpoints where birds come to drink or bathe. Whether photographing perched sunbirds or soaring eagles, Marakissa Woods delivers a perfect combination of biodiversity, natural light, and tranquility for bird photography enthusiasts. Birds that can be seen include Spotted Honeyguide, Greater Honeyguide, Cardinal Woodpecker, African Golden Oriole, Square-tailed Drongo, White-breasted Cuckoo Shrike, Leaflove, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Oriole Warbler, Green Crombec, Blackcap Babbler, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Violet-backed Starling, Black-winged Red Bishop, White-rumped Seedeater, Whistling Cisticola, Windling Cisticola, Martial Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Lizard Buzzard, Gabar Goshawk, Grey Kestrel, Red-necked Falcon and Grasshopper Buzzard, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Black Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Brown-Necked Parrot,malachite Kingfisher, Black Scimitartarbill, Red-Shouldered Cuckooshrike.

Bintag Creek, tucked into the coastal mangroves and saltwater creeks of western Gambia, is a superb bird-photography destination. The tidal waters and mudflats attract flocks of waders at low tide, while the surrounding mangrove fringes conceal kingfishers, herons and sunbirds. Morning light floods the creek, offering reflections and dynamic compositions of birds such as Malachite Kingfisher darting across quiet channels, and Palearctic waders in migration staging zones. The mix of submerged branches, exposed roots and scattered pools gives photographers excellent perching and feeding scenes. Raptors like African Fish Eagle patrol the edges, and close focus is possible from shallow boats or creek edges. For those seeking maritime mood shots, the saline creek setting layered with mangroves adds atmosphere, making Bintag Creek a gem for capturing West African birdlife in habitat. Possible birds include Great White Pelican, flamingos, Goliath Heron, Western Reef Heron, Caspian Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Sandwich Tern, Long-Crested Eagle, Great Egret, Green-backed Heron, Yellow-billed Stork, White-backed Vulture, and Brown Snake Eagle.

Kartong Sand Mine, also known as Kartong Wetland, is one of The Gambia’s premier birding and photography locations. This former sand-extraction site has been transformed by nature into a mosaic of freshwater ponds, coastal dunes, and sandy mudflats, attracting an incredible diversity of birdlife. Over 365 bird species have been recorded here, making it one of the richest birding hotspots in West Africa. The varied terrain supports a mix of wetland, forest-edge, and coastal species, offering superb opportunities for both observation and photography. Among the highlights are Little Grebe, European and African Spoonbills, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Spur-winged Goose, White-faced Whistling Duck, Osprey, and Palm-nut Vulture. The marshy pools often hold Greater Painted-snipe and Spotted Redshank, while colorful species such as Blue-cheeked and Malachite Kingfishers, Viellot’s Barbet, Vitelline Masked Weaver, and Orange-cheeked Waxbill bring vibrancy to the landscape. For bird photographers, Kartong offers unmatched variety, lighting, and accessibility in one compact, breathtaking wetland.

Tujereng Woods, located along the Atlantic coast between Brufut and Gunjur, is one of The Gambia’s most productive and picturesque birding sites. The area combines woodland, scrub, grassland, and small wetland patches, creating a perfect mosaic of habitats that attract a remarkable range of bird species. Its easy access, gentle terrain, and diverse environments make it an ideal location for bird photography and field observation.

Birdlife in Tujereng is both abundant and varied. Over the course of a morning, photographers may capture striking species such as Abyssinian Roller, Little Bee-eater, Woodchat Shrike, Senegal Eremomela, and Northern Crombec, while the nearby wetlands host waders including Senegal Thick-knee, African Wattled Plover, Common Redshank, and Common Greenshank. Raptors such as Osprey and Shikra are often seen soaring overhead, while smaller birds like Pygmy Sunbird, Northern Puffback, Chestnut-bellied Starling, White-fronted Black Chat, and Western Yellow Wagtail add flashes of color across the landscape.

Tujereng’s mixture of habitats and its seasonal wetlands provide ideal light and background contrast for photographers. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best conditions, as the soft light enhances plumage detail and captures the natural vibrancy of The Gambia’s birdlife. The area’s tranquility and variety make Tujereng Woods an essential stop for anyone seeking to experience and photograph the true diversity of West African birds.

Located in the Central River region of The Gambia, Wassu Sand Quarry lies near the famed megalithic stone-circle site but offers its own unique draw for birders and wildlife photographers. Over time, the extraction pits have transformed into shallow basins and vegetated edges, creating a quiet haven where birdlife flourishes.

One of the quarry’s standout features is a large nesting colony of colourful bee-eaters, including the spectacular Red‑throated Bee‑eater, while surrounding scrub and open terrain bring sightings of species such as Grey‑headed Kingfisher, Lizard Buzzard and Sahel Paradise Whydah. The dry, open terrain mixed with water bodies and quarry walls gives photographers the chance to capture birds in dramatic light and varied settings—rare in more coastal habitats.

Access is somewhat remote but rewarding: the site lies a couple of hours from the coast and provides a contrast to the lush mangroves and wetlands of the south. For birders keen on less-visited inland locations, Wassu offers both relative solitude and top-class avian diversity — a hidden highlight within The Gambia’s compact but richly diverse birding landscape.

Farasutu Forest Community Nature Reserve is a fantastic spot for bird photography, offering a diverse range of species to capture. Located about 8km east of Brikama, this reserve protects a small but outstanding pocket of lush gallery forest, home to various desired forest species including Greyish Eagle Owl, Long-tailed Nightjar, Northern white-Faced Owl, African Pygmy Kingfisher, African Wood Owl, Giant Kingfisher, Cardinal Woodpecker, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Northern Yellow white-Eye, Green-Headed Sunbird, Lesser Honeyguide, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, Spotted Honeyguide, Bearded Barbet, Greater Honeyguide, Grey-headed Bristlebill, Green Turaco, Little Greenbul, Violet Turaco.

Situated along a quiet roadway near the interior, Kampanti Raptor Bridge is a highly regarded location for raptor-watching in The Gambia. Just a short detour from main birding routes, the site features a small watercourse beneath the bridge, surrounded by open shrubland and croplands—ideal for spotting birds of prey and open-country birds.

As you watch from the roadside vantage point, scan the skies and tree lines for iconic raptors such as Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Grasshopper Buzzard, and Gabar Goshawk. The open terrain and shallow marsh beneath the bridge often attract vultures like the White-backed Vulture, as well as African Harrier-Hawk and Lizard Buzzard perched quietly at rest. Beyond raptors, smaller species such as Pearl-spotted Owlet, African Golden Oriole, and Splendid Glossy Starling may fly through.
What makes Kampanti special is that you can often photograph these birds from your vehicle or a narrow shoulder—no strenuous walking required. Late morning light is excellent for capturing rich plumage details and long-winged silhouettes. For bird photographers and raptor enthusiasts alike, Kampanti Raptor Bridge offers a compact, high-impact experience — a brief stop with the potential for spectacular sightings that complement the richer habitats of coastal and woodland Gambia.

The Tendaba Rice Fields, located just a short drive from Tendaba Camp, offer an exceptional birding experience within a productive agricultural landscape that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wetlands and savanna. During the dry season, when water levels recede, the flooded paddies and irrigation ditches become rich feeding grounds for a wide variety of birds. Here, flocks of African Jacana, Black Crake, and Purple Heron forage among the rice stems, while Squacco Heron, Striated Heron, and Black-headed Heron hunt along the muddy edges. The fields also attract waders such as Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, and Ruff, along with White-faced Whistling Duck and Spur-winged Goose in the deeper pools. The surrounding grassland and bushy margins provide habitat for smaller species including Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Sahel Bush-Saprrow, Lavender Waxbill, and Village Weaver, and raptors like Grasshopper Buzzard, Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, Chestnut-Backed Sprrow-Lark and Dark Chanting Goshawk are often seen scanning for prey overhead. The peaceful rural setting and open landscape make the Tendaba Rice Fields ideal for observing both wetland and farmland birds at close range. Combined with nearby Bao Bolong and Wurokang Plains, the area forms one of The Gambia’s most rewarding upcountry birding zones, offering diversity, accessibility, and the charm of traditional Gambian countryside life.

Tendaba Airfield, located near Tendaba Camp on the south bank of the River Gambia, is a superb birding site characterized by open lateritic plains, short grass, and scattered shrubs — a perfect habitat for dry-country and ground-dwelling species. Once used as a small landing strip, it is now one of the most productive areas for spotting species that thrive in arid, open environments. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit, when the heat is low and birds are most active. The airfield is particularly famous for Temminck’s Courser, a striking species that blends beautifully with the reddish soil, and for Four-banded Sandgrouse, which often comes to drink nearby at dusk. The open ground also attracts Black-headed Lapwing, Lanner Falcon, Black Crowned Crane, African Wattled Lapwing, and Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, while the surrounding bushes provide perches for Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Northern Wheatear, and occasionally Isabelline Wheatear. Raptors are commonly seen soaring overhead, including Grasshopper Buzzard, Bateleur, and Dark Chanting Goshawk. The site’s wide horizons and open visibility make it excellent for photography and raptor observation. Tendaba Airfield, with its rugged beauty and abundance of typical Sahelian birds, offers a refreshing contrast to the wetlands and forests nearby, completing the Tendaba area’s remarkable variety of birding habitats.