The Gambia is one of the smallest and safest countries in Africa, moreover you will find nowhere in the world in such a small area such a large diversity of birds. For me a reason to visit this country. Flights from the UK are very reasonable priced (Monarch, Thomas Cook) and after only a 6 hours flight without any time difference you will arrive at Banjul at the Gambian Coast, which is as colorfully African as you might image.  The Gambia enjoys virtually uninterrupted sunshine with almost no rainfall from November to June, which makes this country a very good place to escape the cold and grey winter months in northern Europe. Birdlife is abundant and since in 1977 a Wildlife Act was passed several areas in The Gambia are now protected Nature Reserves. More than 540 bird species are recorded. 

For me The Gambia can be divided in two different birding experiences . The Coastal region and the Inland on and along both sides of the river. Whatever you choose you can do birding all day.

 

Abuko Nature Reserve which was officially declared a nature reserve in March 1968. The evergreen forest gallery follows the course of the Lamin Stream and covers approximately 1/3 its total area. There are a number of small pools at the bottom end of the reserve with the biggest being called the Bamboo Pool.  In and around the freshwater pond is the ideal location to spot crocodiles and birds.  This is a very attractive forest reserve which gives many interesting species.

Brufut Woods turns out to be a very good place for birding. It contains areas of undisturbed savannah woodland attracting many different types of species.

Tanji Bird Reserve is an officially protected area of The Gambia and is only about 5 minutes drive from the Kotu Bridge area. 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.

Kotu Bridge area consists of a series of open sewage pits, rice fields and the nearby Golf Course. The pits are separated from the road by about 50 metres of open woodland and can be reached along a sandy track. The range of birds seen at the pond is amazing and they will all allow you to get fairly close to them. In the area itself and in the ricefields a lot of different bird species can be found.

 

Interested in more photos of The Gambia have a look at my Photo Gallery