We know The Gambia as a heaven for birdwatchers. The Gambia is enclosed by Senegal. So all the bird species of the Gambia are also found in Senegal. Senegal is also 18 times larger than the Gambia and extends over different climatic zones. From the dry semi-desert in the north to the tropical forests in the south. This trip we also visit the world famous waders hibernating spot Banc d´Arguin in Mauritania and the surrounding Sahara desert.

If everyone agrees that Djoudj is a world attraction for bird watchers, then so is the Mauritanian park Diawling on the north bank of the Senegal River.
Diawling and Djoudj are only separated by a few hundred meters in places. Diawling, however, is less geared towards the tourist. The only road through the park is 20 km long and leads through different landscapes from end to end. The advantage is that the road runs over a dike with a good view of the lower lying marshes and lakes.
For birdwatchers, Mauritania is best known for the Banc d'Arguin National Park. One of the main stopovers on the East Atlantic flyway for waders. Millions winter here.
We will see them during a tour with an authentic Mauritanian sailboat with triangular sail. Since the Banc d'Arguin is located in the middle of the Sahara on the Atlantic coast, we will encounter many typical desert species on the journey on our way and back through the desert, such as the cream-colored courser and the greater hoopoe-lark.

Another very special piece of nature in Senegal is located all the way on the other side of the country at the border with Mali and Guinea. The Niokolo Koba Park. Just like Djoudj Unesco World Heritage.

For us this place is quite familiar. About twenty years ago we were the first to introduce countless European Gambia-visitors to this still original piece of African nature.

For bird watchers who have frequently visited Gambia, Niokolo Koba is a dream place that most didn’t know existed. Species that every Gambia visitor would sign for in advance, such as Egyptian Plover, African Finfoot, Red-Throated and Carmine Bee-eaters, Northern Hornbill and the African Marabou Stork are almost certain species.

The Big Four

Beside this, Niokolo Koba is the only place in West Africa that comes a bit close to the well-known parks in East Africa. From the 'big five', only the rhinoceros is missing. Unfortunately, however, populations of lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are under severe pressure from poaching and habitat fragmentation, and recent sightings almost all have come from camera traps. This also applies to other species for which Niokolo Koba is still the only habitat in West Africa, such as giant eland and African wild dogs. Species that are common are warthog, baboons and antelopes, including the large roan antelope (see photo).

When returning from Mauritania we visit a new park, the Tocc Tocc reserve near Rosso (Senegal). This park was recently established to protect the rare West African manatee. In addition, there are also numerous water bird species. Both migrants and endemics.

In the vicinity of the city of Kaolack there´s the roosting colony of about 25,000 swallow-tailed kites. A species of kite that migrates from all over West Africa to the delta of the Sine Saloum in the winter. The kites share this spot with even more lesser kestrels. A fantastic birding experience, unique in the world.

After staying a few days in the far east of Senegal, we return to the coast. Along the 300 km long road that connects Eastern Gambia with the coastal region in the longitudinal direction. We spend the night in Janjangbureh (formerly Georgetown) and Tendaba - including the traditional mangrove tour in Tendaba - and ending our course at the idyllic Marrakissa River Camp before taking the plane back home.

If you haven't had enough, you can linger at Marakissa and explore the Gambian coastal region with the help of our cars and a local guide.