Gambia & Senegal Wildlife Tour

Day 1 - Arrive in The Gambia

Arrive in the afternoon at the Banjul Airport where your driver will meet you for your transfer (45 minutes) to the stunning Mandina Lodges in the heart of Makasutu Forest. Here you’ll find your floating lodge on a tributary of the River Gambia.

That evening, dine alfresco under a thatched cabana beneath a star-studded African sky.

Day 2 - Explore Makasutu forest and waterways

Having enjoyed a coffee or tea on your verandah watching the forest awake, head out for a walk with your guide and learn more about the flora and fauna of the area including the large troop of baboons that live here. Once back at the lodges, take a leisurely late breakfast and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the river or the pool, watching the birds that regularly visit.

In the late afternoon, your guide will take you out in a canoe to explore the mangroves and waterways. As well as the varied birdlife, you’ll see local fishermen and, at low tide, women collecting oysters from the exposed mangrove roots.

Day 3 - Sunset cruise

On your second morning, head out with your guide along the river by canoe or on another forest walk, perhaps visiting the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust. Chat to one of their volunteers for a fascinating insight into the work of this charity.

In the late afternoon, join other guests at Mandina for a cruise along the river in a motorboat to see flocks of birds coming home to roost as the sun sets behind the mangroves while enjoying a bottle of South African house wine (one bottle per couple).

Day 4 - Go wild in Senegal

Start the day early with a private transfer to Banjul’s ferry port from where you’ll cross the River Gambia. This is an adventure in itself with a colourful collection of vehicles, people, and often animals streaming onto the ferry. Your guide will look after you all the way. From here it’s just a short drive across the border to Senegal and Fathala Wildlife Reserve. Staying in luxury safari tents, with air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom, you’ll soon settle in.

That afternoon set off on a sunset game drive through the African bush for the chance to see the rare West African giant derby eland as well as zebra, giraffes, rhino, buffalo, warthogs, several species of monkeys and numerous bird species.

Day 5 - Discover Senegal

Visit a traditional Senegalese market and bakery and learn about local life. Meet local artisans, see traditional crafts and fabrics, taste baobab juice and be back at Fathala in time for lunch.

In the late afternoon, join a guided walk through the Africa bush to learn about the plants and smaller animals that live on the reserve. This is an excellent opportunity for bird photography. There’s no guarantee what you may see, but frequently sighted bird species include the Abyssinian roller, the rose-ringed parakeet, the western red-billed hornbill, the long-tailed glossy starling and many more.

Day 6 - Back to The Gambia

It’s time to return to The Gambia and transfer to Leo’s Beach Resort set in an elevated position overlooking a quiet sandy beach. The rest of your day is free to spend relaxing by the pool or the beach. Alternatively, the nearby village of Tanji is a short taxi ride away. Here you can see the local fishing boats known as pirogues being unloaded and watch the hustle and bustle of the fish market. It’s a mesmerising, colourful sight set against a cacophony as gulls squawk overhead, and people haggle over the price of fish.

Day 7 - Birdwatching

Rise early to make the most of your time with your birding expert. If there’s a particular habitat or species you’re interested in, let us know; otherwise, leave it to your guide to take you to the best birdwatching location on any specific day. Likely sites include Abuko Nature Reserve, home to approximately 250 species of birds, including giant kingfishers and turaco; Brufut Forest for its array of woodland birds, or nearby Tanji Bird Reserve, not far from your hotel.

Day 8 - Bid farewell to the Smiling Coast of West Africa

After a leisurely breakfast, with plenty of time for a walk along the beach or a last swim in the pool, leave Leo’s Beach Resort around mid-morning to check-in for your flight home.