Located approximately 100 kilometres inland from the Atlantic coast on the route to Tendaba, Kampanti Rice Fields are widely regarded as one of The Gambia’s finest locations for observing birds of prey. The extensive rice fields, open farmland, wetlands and surrounding savannah provide ideal hunting grounds for an impressive diversity of raptors, earning the area its reputation as the country’s “Mecca for Raptors.”

In addition to spectacular birds of prey, Kampanti supports a rich variety of grassland birds, woodland species and colourful passerines, making it one of the highlights of birdwatching tours through western Gambia.

Bird Highlights

Kampanti Rice Fields are particularly famous for their exceptional concentration of raptors, especially during the dry season when birds are easier to locate across the open landscape.

Notable species include:

  • Bateleur
  • Martial Eagle
  • Grasshopper Buzzard
  • White-backed Vulture
  • African Hawk-Eagle
  • African Harrier-Hawk
  • Brown Snake Eagle
  • Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle
  • African Golden Oriole
  • White-crowned Robin-Chat
  • Splendid Starling
  • Bearded Barbet

The combination of open country and cultivated fields regularly attracts multiple raptor species within a single visit, making Kampanti one of the country’s most exciting destinations for birdwatchers interested in birds of prey.

Habitat

The area consists of irrigated rice fields, open farmland, seasonal wetlands, scattered woodland and Sudan savannah. This varied landscape supports both hunting raptors and a wide diversity of smaller birds that depend on grassland, cultivated fields and wetland habitats.

The extensive open terrain also provides excellent visibility, making birdwatching and wildlife photography particularly rewarding.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season between November and April generally offers the best birdwatching conditions, when vegetation is lower and birds of prey are easier to observe soaring overhead or perched in open trees. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly productive, when raptor activity is often at its highest.

Visitor Information

Region: Lower River Region

Habitat: Rice fields, farmland, seasonal wetlands and Sudan savannah

Typical Visit: 2–3 hours

Best For: Raptors, eagles, vultures and open-country bird photography

Difficulty: Easy

Plan Your Visit

Kampanti Rice Fields are frequently included as part of longer birdwatching itineraries to Tendaba, Kiang West National Park and other inland birding destinations. Visiting with a licensed member of the Bird Watchers’ Association provides the best opportunity to locate the area’s impressive diversity of raptors while learning about their behaviour, seasonal movements and preferred habitats.

Whether you are hoping to observe the magnificent Martial Eagle, the distinctive Bateleur, or simply experience one of West Africa’s finest raptor-watching locations, Kampanti Rice Fields promise an unforgettable birdwatching experience.