The Gambia is generally a very safe country and people are exceptionally friendly, However, as with anywhere in the world, there are “wrong”un” but you would have to be very unlucky to come across them. If you go into a village unescorted you may well find that you are quickly surrounded by young children. Don’t be tempted to give them small gift (money, pens or sweets) as word will quickly spread and what a small crowd of children become a massive crush that can not only be intimidating but definitely not conducive to good birding – especially as more persistent ones are likely to follow you for some considerable distance( if you want to give gifts do so through the local school)

For many years most bird watchers stayed at the Senegambia Hotel which is in the Kololi District. Part of the reason for this is its proximity to Bijilo Nature Park (a five minutes’ walk from the Hotel) but it was particularly popular because of its extensive gardens which have attracted a wide selection of birds. One of our bird watching information centres located the Hotel; here you can hire a guide from anything from two hours guided tours to Bijilo Nature Park, Kotu Creek, and further afield. Other favourite are the Kotu Hotel area where several hotels are located within a walking distance from Kotu Creek and bird watching information centre. A viewing tower next to the bridge provides super view over the mudflats and mangroves, here you can expect common stuff such as Whimbrel, Grey Plover, Spur winged Plover, and hovering Pied Kingfisher, diving for fish. A newly built photo hide the Situated behind Palm Beach Hotel provides good opportunity for viewing and photographing the much desired Greater Painted Snipe, Common Snipe, Malachite Kingfisher, Sacred Ibis, and Black Egret doing its tricks. An early morning walk for couple of hours set you up with 60-70 species before noon.

All our members are annually licensed by Gambia Tourism Board, and must adhere to the strict code of conduct of the association meaning that members must wear the green or grey uniform polo T shirt and should display or produce the Gambia Tourism Board issued badge upon request by visitor. However, as you walk along the cycle track and Palm Beach Hotel area you usually get hassle by cluster of unlicensed guides who often offer to show you a rare bird or an owl. These lads are far less knowledgeable and should be avoided. We have included the contact details of the association. You can send an email or ring us or visit our information centres at Kotu Creek, Senegambia Hotel area, and Cape Point area.