The Gambia punches far above its weight for birds. The country is small, accessible and English-speaking, and home to over 560 species — including specialities like the white-backed night heron, Egyptian plover and African finfoot.
Best places to bird
Kotu Creek is the easiest: a 10-minute walk from the resort strip, with herons, kingfishers, weavers and dozens of waders. Hire a local guide for around £15.
Abuko Nature Reserve, half an hour inland, adds forest species — the spectacular violet turaco, oriole warbler, African paradise flycatcher.
Tanji Bird Reserve, on the coast south of Kololi, is the country's premier coastal birding site — terns, gulls and migrant waders.
When to go
November to March, when European migrants are present alongside the resident species.