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Writer's pictureEbrima Sidibeh

The Ultimate Gambia Wildlife Tour

Updated: Mar 12

Table of Contents


  • What's included in the tour package?

  • Travel and accommodation details

  • Rich Biodiversity

  • Unique and Immersive Wildlife Experiences



  • The Ultimate Gambia Wildlife Tour Guide

  • Key Highlights

  • Diverse wildlife

  • Bird species, hippos and crocodiles all call Gambia home

  • Abuko Rainforest Reserve is a natural paradise where you can view the animal kingdom in its purest form.

  • A wide variety of animals can be seen at this park.

  • Experience the safari at Kiang West National Park and witness various wildlife.

  • Mandina Lodges is the perfect spot for bird watching; it's also home to multiple bird species.

  • Learn about chimpanzee conservation efforts at Chimp Rehabilitation Project while you stay there.

  • Kachikally Crocodile Pool is home to some pretty scary-looking crocs. See them (if you dare).

  • Take a scenic boat ride on River Gambia to see hippopotamuses in action. They're very majestic creatures.

  • Plan your itinerary for a memorable Gambia wildlife tour, including visits to nature reserves and cultural experiences

  • Find out everything you need to know for your Gambia wildlife tour, like what's in the package and travel tips.

  • Discover why Gambia is the perfect choice for wildlife tours with its rich biodiversity and unique experiences.


Introduction


Welcome to our ultimate guide! This guide will provide a comprehensive rundown of all the wildlife in The Gambia. Despite being so small, The Gambia has an impressive biodiversity collection. If exploring nature or seeing wild animals sounds interesting, look no further. You'll find everything you need right here!


The country may be small, but there's much diversity within it. So, if observing plants or animals brings joy, we have something special just for you!


Gambia Wildlife: A Paradise For Nature Lovers


gambia wildlife tours


Nature lovers are drawn to The Gambia because of its abundant supply of diverse wildlife. The Gambia offers something everyone can enjoy when spotting birds, going on safaris or even exploring nature reserves.


From the Abuko Rainforest Reserve to River Gambia, you can find all sorts of animals, big and small. With lush forests and rivers, this country isn't short of beauty.


Kiang West National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts in the western part of Gambia. This park's landscape consists of savannah woodlands and mangroves. This means there are many different habitats in this park that animals like baboons, buffalo, and birds call home. There is also an elusive and endangered monkey named the western red colobus, which lives here, too. Here, you can see these beautiful creatures without any disturbances.


Birdwatching around Mandina Lodges


Mandina Lodge
Mandina Lodge

Nestled amidst the tranquil tributary of the River Gambia, Mandina Lodges offers a paradise for birdwatchers. The area is teeming with colourful birds, such as the violet-tailed sunbird and African paradise flycatcher, as well as occasional kingfishers, buffalos and even pied kingfisher sightings to keep birders busy all day. Informed by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, visitors are promised an immersive experience during their birdwatching walk around Mandina Lodges.


Staying at the Chimp Rehabilitation Project




Why not stay at Chimp Rehabilitation Project before or after your Gambia wildlife holidays? Immerse yourself in the habitat of these fascinating primates while supporting their rehabilitation process. Witness how they live and help protect them alongside experienced guides who tell you everything you need to know about these incredible animals on site.


Encountering Crocs at Kachikally Crocodile Pool



A visit to The Gambia is incomplete without witnessing crocs up close at Kachikally Crocodile Pool – a sacred pool locals believe to possess mystical powers inhabited by numerous crocodiles.


The centre also functions as a conservation and research hub where visitors can learn about these ancient creatures through exhibitions before engaging with them on-site.


Spotting hippos in River Gambia


hippo

Spotting hippos along River Gambia should be included in any Gambia wildlife tour itinerary. Keep your eyes peeled as you journey down the river to spot these majestic creatures frolicking along the banks.


The Gambia is a great place to see hippos in the wild and a must-visit for avid animal lovers. These massive animals will give you an experience that you will remember.


Planning Your Gambia Wildlife Tour


Start planning your trip before booking your flight to The Gambia by determining which attractions and activities will make it memorable. Next, consider how many days you want to spend on the ground exploring and which destinations within The Gambia alone or both The Gambia and Senegal you would like to visit.



From there, decide whether accommodations such as lodges or hotels are more up your alley when searching for options suitable for wildlife enthusiasts. Finally, set aside some time, where possible, on your chosen travel dates to ensure availability at reasonable prices.


Arriving in The Gambia, your wildlife adventure begins. Welcomed by a warm atmosphere and teeming biodiversity, it only sets the tone for an incredible exploration. From colourful birds to majestic hippos in River Gambia, every moment of this experience will surely be one for the books. You are starting your journey in this West African gem with wild encounters that will leave you breathless and possibly speechless.


Visit the Makasutu forest and waterways


On the Gambia wildlife tour, immerse yourself in the beauty of Makasutu Forest and Waterways. Experience the diverse ecosystem, including bamboo groves, savannahs, and mangroves.

Have a peaceful boat ride on the River Gambia and see different birds and maybe even hippos. Engage with the local guides to gain insights into the flora and fauna, making it a truly enriching experience. Take in the tranquillity and natural splendour, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.


Sunset Cruise


Watch the sunset on a beautiful cruise along the River Gambia tributary as the sun goes below the horizon. The tranquil waters offer a serene setting to witness nature's evening spectacle.

Watch for vibrant birdlife like kingfishers and even an elusive violet turaco! The serene ambience, accompanied by wildlife calls, creates a truly unforgettable experience that you'll definitely want more of before ending another day.


Wildlife Exploration in Senegal




giraffe

When we take our first steps into Senegal's rich lands, it's time to dive headfirst into exciting wildlife explorations that have earned them such prestige regarding biodiversity. Their diverse landscapes house various species of animals from different food chains… And we'll be there observing it all!


Explore by taking a safari tour designed specifically to observe buffalo, zebras, and quite possibly rhinos in their natural habitat, with no shortage of expert naturalist guides that will take us to every hidden corner and comfortable lodging for the night. This adventure promises a truly immersive experience of West African wildlife.


Further Exploration of Senegal


You would want to take advantage of it! One thing we can say for sure is that it's going to get wild… Very wild. We'll be exploring more of Senegal's wildlife wonders with a trip to their nature reserves and river tributaries. Yes, we'll be physically diving into it all!


Their rich birdlife composed of kingfishers, hippos, baboons, and perhaps even more — offers a captivating experience. Talk to the naturalist guides throughout the day as they deepen your knowledge about the region's ecology and biodiversity. It is another enriching adventure that only West Africa can offer.


Return to The Gambia


From Senegal, we're going back home to The Gambia! Enjoy scenic views as we travel through beautiful landscapes again, but this time for our return trip.


This relaxing journey back gives you ample time to reflect on not just one or two but several incredible wildlife experiences in Senegal. You might spot more bird species along the way, too! Enjoy travelling comfortably while anticipating what awaits you when we return home in The Gambia!


Birdwatching with Ebrima Sidibeh


You'll have an extraordinary experience with expert naturalist Ebrima Sidibeh during your trapping per cent capacity trip in Gambia, west Africa. There will be colourful birds like kingfishers, buffalos, and rhinos along River Gambia tributaries awaiting us at the various nature reserves he'll also guide us through in West Africa. His expertise helps make your birdwatching experience in West Africa truly unforgettable and enjoyable during your trip.


Departure from West Africa


On your final day of the Gambia wildlife tour, you'll prepare for departure from West Africa as you reflect on the incredible experiences and sights that you've encountered during your journey. You'll want to pack up all of your things, but only once you double-check that you have all the necessary travel documents first. Make sure these are in your hand before heading out to the airport and leaving the Gambia with great memories, thinking about what African safari site you should visit next.


If you want to book a tour with Gambia Bird Tour, Click here for the itinerary.


Essential Details for Your Gambia Wildlife Tour


When you book your Gambia wildlife tour, it is crucial to ensure it covers everything. This usually includes accommodations, guided safaris, and transportation between locations. You can also find tours that include meals and park entrance fees.


Also, include accommodation details such as locations and amenities; this will help make sure that your trip is comfortable and successful. Attention to these details will give you a better Gambia wildlife adventure experience.


What's included in the tour package?


The tour package includes:

  • Accommodation at eco-lodges and luxury tented camps near reserves or parks.

  • Transport by road within The Gambia (with boat trips on some River Gambia tributaries).

  • Guided tours with experienced naturalists.

  • Entry fees for national parks.

  • Most meals.

  • Birdwatching excursions.

  • River cruises.

  • Fishing expeditions and visits to traditional villages (usually with singing and dancing).

Personal purchases (tips, souvenirs) are extras.


Travel and accommodation details


When planning your Gambia wildlife tour – whether a tailor-made or small-group option – think about how far apart places are, how long it takes to travel between them, where lodges are located (near the wildlife reserves?) and what their facilities offer (swimming pools? air conditioning?). If all aspects don't add up, then better options are definitely out there.


Why Choose Gambia for Wildlife Tours?


Gambia provides a unique experience with its rich biodiversity and wildlife encounters. From exploring the Abuko Rainforest Reserve to birdwatching at Mandina Lodges, Gambia offers immersive nature experiences. Its location next to Senegal also provides diverse exploration opportunities.


Rich biodiversity


Gambia is known for its diverse habitats that support a variety of species, such as birds, hippos, crocodiles and other African animals. Many different plants and animals have been protected by the nature reserves in the area, such as the Abuko Rainforest Reserve and Kiang West National Park. If you want to see some beautiful sights, this would be your best bet.


Unique and immersive wildlife experiences


With Gambia's unique wildlife, there's always something new to discover on one of their tours. You can expect different bird species at Mandina Lodges and Crocs at Kachikally Crocodile Pool. The River Gambia will show you hippos and diverse wildlife, making it memorable.


Conclusion


It's hard to beat The Gambia for a combination of convenience, novelty value (How many people have visited here?) and a sheer number of colourful birds; Makasutu forest is 40 minutes from the airport along good roads.


Gambia has a lot of animals. From giraffes to hippos, they've got them all. It's like a little zoo out there. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to get in some wild encounters and see some cool stuff. We can't think of anything that sounds better than cruising around this beautiful country and looking at cool things. So pack your bags and let the adventure begin.


Common Questions


Is Gambia good for wildlife?


Yes! The country is known for its fantastic wildlife and scenery. It's packed with different types of animals and plant life, too. It's a nature lover's paradise.


What animals can I see in Gambia?


All kinds! They have monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, birds, seriously — everything! With all these variables, you'll run into something interesting on your trip here.


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