Three nights at Mandina Lodges, two nights in Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project Camp and two nights at Bakotu Hotel.
Home to over 540 species of bird, The Gambia offers a fantastic experience for birding enthusiasts. To make it easier to see some of the wonderful birdlife that The Gambia has to offer.
Begin your holiday in the Makasutu Forest resort of Mandina Lodges. Check-in to this relaxing, stunning hotel for a three-night stay. Wallow in the enormous pool as well as spending time exploring the forest and waterways.There's plenty of birdlife to enjoy and you're sure to spot the troops of baboons who parade through the surrounding forest.
Next, Arrive at the clifftop Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project Camp, located in the River Gambia National Park (the final approach is along a sandy, unmade track) in time to embark on a 2-hour boat trip to view the chimps who reside on Baboon Islands.
Finally, continue back to the coastal area to the resort of Kotu where you'll be staying at the small and friendly Bakotu Hotel. Here you can enjoy some of the wonderful birdlife in and around the tropical gardens and nature walk beside Kotu stream, taking advantage of the hotel's own birdwatching platform.
T's & C's:
Prices based on two sharing a standard room on board basis stated, direct flights and transfers. Transfers between centres will be by air-conditioned vehicle (maximum six passengers). Upgraded lodges at Mandina, upgraded rooms at Bakotu and Star Class or other flight upgrades may be available at a supplement.
Itinerary | |
1 | Arrive at Mandina Lodges |
---|---|
2-3 | Mandina Lodges |
4 | Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project Camp |
5 | Guided Birdwatching Walk |
6 | Bakotu Hotel |
7 | Half Day Birdwatching Tour |
8 | Bakotu Hotel |
Arrive from the UK or resort hotel and transfer to the award-winning Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest.
Meals: Half Board
Relax in stunning accommodation and wallow in the enormous pool as well as spending time exploring the forest and waterways with the help of your personal guide. There's plenty of birdlife to enjoy and you're sure to spot the troops of baboons who parade through the surrounding forest. You may choose to take an optional sunset cruise to fully appreciate the birdlife on offer, before dining al fresco.
Enjoy a leisurely 4-5 hour drive upcountry along a tarmac road, absorbing the scenes of everyday Gambian village life as you pass by. Arrive at the clifftop Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project Camp, located in the River Gambia National Park (the final approach is along a sandy, unmade track) in time to embark on a 2-hour boat trip to view the chimps who reside on Baboon Islands.
The resident guides also have expert birding knowledge and sightings are plentiful. Dine in the riverside Waterhouse with fellow guests, listening to the sounds of nature.
Meals: Full Board
Take an early guided birdwatching walk or spend the day relaxing in the Waterhouse before a second afternoon river trip. As well as learning about the work that the project undertakes with the chimps, you're likely to see hippos wallowing in the river, so binoculars are highly recommended.
You now continue back to the coastal area to the resort of Kotu where you'll be staying at the small and friendly Bakotu Hotel. Here you can enjoy some of the wonderful birdlife in and around the tropical gardens and nature walk beside Kotu stream, taking advantage of the hotel's own birdwatching platform.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Embark on a half-day birdwatching tour with Malick Suso, Chris Packham's preferred guide when he's in The Gambia. Malick Suso has over 20 years' experience birdwatching in The Gambia, and knows the terrain and where to look for the rare species like no other.
A chance to rest and relax before heading back to the UK or perhaps you'll choose to stay on for a few more days of relaxation in Bakotu Hotel or one of the other hotels in the area.