Escorted bird photography tours of Gambia & Senegal 2026/27

You should consult with a doctor / travel clinic in your home country to seek guidelines on recommended vaccinations before travelling to The Gambia. Yellow Fever is not compulsory for citizens entering from EU countries, but is recommended. It is necessary to take medication for the prevention of Malaria during your holiday.

Recommended vaccinations / medications:

• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Yellow Fever
• Medication for the prevention of Malaria

At the coast we will be staying at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, a mid-range beach hotel with good amenities including WiFi, A/C in spacious bedrooms, a swimming pool and bar / restaurant on site.

The Nature Camps where we will be staying on our journey to the interior of the country are situated in remote villages and we can expect basic (but adequate) facilities. WiFi is available at all of the properties in the central restaurant areas. The rooms will be equipped with a cold shower, mosquito net, room fan and electrical points to recharge camera batteries etc. At both Tendaba Camp, Karol Gardens & Bansang Riverside Lodge, the rooms have air conditioning.

Food in The Gambia is characterized by rich, slow-cooked West African stews, heavily featuring peanuts, rice, fish, and tomato-based sauces. Deeply influenced by Mandinka and Wolof traditions, the cuisine is hearty, flavorsome, and often communal, with rice being a staple accompaniment to dishes like the peanut-based domoda.

 5 Key aspects of Gambian cuisine include:

• National Dishes & Stews: Domoda (peanut butter stew) is the most popular, often served with rice. Other staples include Benachin (one-pot rice and veggies, similar to Jollof), Superkanja (okra stew), and Yassa (a spicy onion and lemon sauce with chicken or fish).
• Key Ingredients: Peanuts, rice, smoked fish, catfish, okra, cassava, and chili are staples. Due to the river, fish is a primary protein source.
• Street Food: Popular snacks include Afra (grilled meat with mustard and spices served with bread) and Nyambeh Nyebbeh (cassava and beans).
• Drinks & Desserts: Wonjo (a refreshing drink made from hibiscus leaves) and Baobab juice are very common.
• Dining Style: Lunch is often served in a large, communal bowl. 

Gambian food is generally simple to prepare, very affordable, and offers a savory, savory-sweet flavor profile. 

Our birding tours  in The Gambia are characterized by hot, dry, and sunny conditions, as they fall in the middle of the country's dry season (November to May). It is widely considered one of the best times to visit for winter sun.

• Daytime Highs: Typically range from 30°C to 34°C (86°F–93°F). Inland areas can occasionally reach up to 36°C.
• Nighttime Lows: Evenings are significantly cooler, dropping to around 15°C to 18°C(59°F–64°F).
• Sunshine: Expect between 9 and 10 hours of bright sunshine daily, with roughly 11.5 hours of total daylight. 

Rainfall & Humidity

• Precipitation: Rainfall is extremely rare, with monthly totals averaging 0mm to 1mm.
• Humidity: Humidity is at its lowest during this month (averaging 33% to 45%), making the heat feel more comfortable than during the tropical wet season. 

In The Gambia, you'll find a rich blend of colonial heritage and indigenous traditions, reflected in its diverse linguistic landscape. 

• Official Language: English is the sole official language. It is used for government, business, and is the primary medium of instruction in schools. While widely spoken as a second language, only a small fraction of the population speaks it as a first language.
• National & Indigenous Languages: There are several recognized national languages spoken by the country's various ethnic groups:
  • Mandinka: The most widely spoken language (approx. 38% of the population) and serves as a major lingua franca throughout the country.
  • Fula (Pulaar): Spoken by about 21% of the population.
  • Wolof: Spoken by roughly 18% nationwide but is the dominant language in the capital, Banjul, and the largest town, Serekunda, where up to 75% of the population use it.
  • Others: Additional languages include Soninke, Jola, Serer, Manjak, and Bainouk.

The Gambia is generally considered safe for tourists, though it requires increased caution due to rising petty crime, particularly in coastal tourist areas like Banjul, Senegambia, and Fajara. While violent crime is rare, pickpocketing, scams, and hotel burglaries occur. Visitors should exercise vigilance, avoid walking alone at night, and secure valuables. 

• Crime: Petty theft is the primary concern. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash. Be cautious in crowded markets and on beaches.
• Scams: Be firm in refusing unwanted help or conversation from "bumsters" (local touts).
• Areas to Avoid: Avoid the southern border area with Senegal’s Casamance region due to risk of crime and landmines.
• Transport & Checkpoints: Police checkpoints are common; expect vehicle searches.
• Health: Medical facilities are limited. Malaria is present, so take precautions. Drink only bottled water.
• Cultural Respect: The Gambia is a conservative Islamic country; dress modestly outside of tourist resorts.

Long, lightweight trousers and sturdy walking shoes / trainers are recommended when we are in the bush. Long-sleeved safari style shirts work well, with a wide brimmed hat to protect your face from the strong sun. For the evening, standard casual attire will be fine.

In The Gambia the local currency is the Dalasi. At the current rate of exchange, 1 Euro is equal to approximately 86  Dalasi (@ October 2025)