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Exploring The Gambia

Wildlife

Whether your style of wildlife watching is hiking through the forest to see baboons, heading out in a canoe through the mangrove swamps bird spotting or sitting under a thatched cabana, cocktail in hand, watching a crocodile lazing in the sunshine in the adjacent creek, The Gambia, has a lot to offer any wildlife lover.

This corner of West African is particularly well known for being home to over 540 species of birds. The magnificent goliath heron can be seen flying over the waterways, numerous species of kingfishers are a familiar sight, as are bee-eaters and a myriad of over colourful species. We highly recommend booking the expert guide Malick Suso, which we can arrange for you. He has over 20 years experience and is the preferred bird guide of television presenter and naturalist Chris Packham, who is a regular visitor to The Gambia. Abuko Nature Reserve, Tanji Bird Reserve, Kotu Stream and Brufut Woods are just some of the popular birding locations.

To see the cheeky green vervet monkeys head to Bijilo Forest. If you are lucky, you may also spot the shy red colobus monkey. And each morning the local bird guides feed the critically endangered hooded vultures by Kotu Stream. It’s a fantastic sight.

The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa, being a little smaller then Yorkish, and all the above locations can be easily reached by taxi or on an organised excursion from any of the hotels we feature.

While there is no big game in The Gambia, to see some of the larger animals that once roamed here such as zebra, lions, giraffes, rhino, warthogs and antelopes, you can cross the border to neighbouring Senegal and Fathala Wildlife Reserve. It is possible to visit on a day trip but better still, factor into your itinerary a stay here in one of their luxury air-conditioned safari tents.

Below is a guide to the best locations for wildlife encounters, together with recommended hotels, excursions and itineraries. For more details or to inquire about a holiday, give us a call on (UK) 0207 112 0019 or email gambia@fleewinter.com.

Where to see...

Kingfishers
Nine species of Kingfisher are found in The Gambia and, while nothing in nature is guaranteed, a short walk along Kotu Stream is likely to bring you some excellent opportunities to observe them.
Green Vervet Monkeys
Bijilo Forest by the resort of Kololi is a great place to see these cheeky little monkeys. They also visit some hotel gardens.
Crocodiles
You can see hundreds of crocodiles at Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau but they're also regularly seen on the banks of the creek by Calypso Beach Bar & Restaurant at Cape Point.
Vultures
The local bird guides feed the hooded vultures (a critically endangered species) beside the bridge at Kotu Stream every morning at around 11 am. It's an impressive sight!
Woodland Birds
Brufut Woods is a community-organised bird sanctuary with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife just a short drive from the coast through groundnut plantations and dusty suburbs. The woodland itself may be unimposing but the birdlife is impressive.

Recommended Excursions

Recommended Hotels

Recommended Itineraries

Ngala Lodge
A unique, cliff-top boutique hotel with stunning ocean views and one of the finest restaurants in The Gambia. More
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
The elegant Moroccan inspired Coco Ocean, by a tranquil neverending beach, is one of the most luxurious hotels in The Gambia. More
Leo's Beach Hotel
This intimate, contemporary eco-friendly hotel boasts excellent sea views from it’s elevated position by a quiet golden sand beach. More
White Horse Residence
An eco-friendly, tranquil retreat with seven thatched lodges in a lush green tropical garden overlooking the ocean and a beautiful sandy beach. More
Ocean Bay Hotel
A well-established, family-friendly hotel by one of the best beaches in The Gambia. More
Mandina Lodge
A unique, tranquil hideaway, these stunning eco-lodges on a tributary of the River Gambia, lie deep in the heart of Makasutu Forest. More
Fathala Wildlife Reserve
See zebra, giraffes, monkeys, rhino and more while glamping at this wildlife reserve in Senegal, just across the border from The Gambia. More
African Princess Beach Hotel
A unique and contemporary hotel by a beautiful beach in South Kotu. We particularly love the swim-up ground floor rooms. More

Your adventure starts here!

Do you fancy having a chat about Wildlife? Personally, it's one of our favourite things to talk about.

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