Ervaringen Birding Adventures Gambia
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Hieronder lees je enkele persoonlijke reacties. Meer reisverhalen en foto's vind je op mijn Facebookpagina.
It has been nearly a week since we returned from our incredible birding trip to The Gambia, and we would like to thank everyone who made this journey so special. Our sincere thanks go to Abou Nyang of Mandinari River Lodge, a wonderful person and an excellent host. Thank you to Ousman Bahoum for guiding us on the first day, what a pleasant man. We are also grateful to the teams at Tendaba Camp, Morgan Kunda Camp, Riverside Lodge Bansang, and the beautifully located Bintang Bolong Lodge. Everywhere we stayed, we received great service, peaceful surroundings, and excellent food. A special thank you to our driver, Kawsu Jarju.
But none of this would have been possible without the knowledge, dedication and guidance of Fatou Colley, simply the best guide in The Gambia.
17 February First Trip
Unfortunately, we now come to the end of a very successful and memorable birding journey.
Rastaman Rock , Gibraltar
After quite a bit of searching online and reading various sources of information, I eventually chose a photography and birding trip with Fatou Colley of Birding Adventures Gambia. The communication beforehand was excellent: quick, clear and friendly. Upon arrival at Banjul Airport, Fatou and the driver were already there waiting for me, which was very reassuring after the flight. The trip itself was wonderful. Everything ran smoothly; I saw and photographed an incredible number of birds, and everything was organised down to the last detail. Fatou knows exactly where to go and has a remarkable feel for nature and the environment. She is always enthusiastic, friendly, punctual and professional , what energy. You can tell she does this work with heart and soul. My next trip with her is already planned. I can wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone wishing to watch and photograph birds in The Gambia. Thank you, Fatou, and a big compliment as well to the entire team of Birding Adventures Gambia.
Dirk D. Ghent ,Belgium
An incredible experience. Perfectly organised, varied lodges, and we photographed many bird species. We enjoyed every moment from the first hour to the very last minute. Fatou has a heart of gold. Fatou, you are the best!
We thank you for your dedication and kindness.
Warm regards,
Els and Ann, Belgium
This was our third time travelling to The Gambia, and on this occasion we booked a trip with Birding Adventures Gambia, guided by Fatou Colley, which included both The Gambia and Senegal. From our very first meeting at Banjul Airport we felt reassured: everything was clearly explained and well prepared. During the journey we quickly noticed that Fatou knows every location extremely well and effortlessly adapted the programme to our pace and our particular interest in bee-eaters. As a result, everything felt relaxed and flexible, never rushed. The Senegal part of the trip was quite special: a long drive, fortunately with air conditioning so we could cool down from time to time. A highlight was our visit to Niokolo Koba National Park and the small but very beautiful village of Simenti, including a boat trip on the river. This left a very special impression on us. We will certainly return one day, it is incredibly peaceful there. The only ones to disturb us were a few warthogs and some baboons. Back in The Gambia we also met Fatou’s colleague, Musa, who was travelling with guests to the same lodge. This provided additional insights and enjoyable conversations in the evenings at the table and long afterwards. For anyone reading this, one tip: bring plenty of memory cards for your camera, as the photographic opportunities come one after another.
Fatou, thank you for putting together such a fantastic journey, we hope to return again soon.
Martin and Jolanda, The Netherlands ( bird photography tour Gambia & Senegal)
Our birding trip with Birding Adventures Gambia exceeded all expectations. Fatou Colley proved herself to be an exceptionally professional guide with a profound knowledge of the local flora and fauna. The journey offered the perfect balance between adventure and a carefree, meticulously organised itinerary. Alongside Fatou's expert guidance, the logistical support on the ground was truly outstanding. The highly skilled driver, with great patience and expert handling, ensured a very relaxed travel experience, allowing us to focus entirely on our cameras. The whole team operates as a well-oiled machine, which gave us the opportunity to capture numerous unique bird species beautifully on film. An absolute must for every wildlife photographer!
Roberto y María , España
Our journey with Birding Adventures Gambia was nothing short of exceptional. Fatou Colley is truly a world-class guide; her profound knowledge of the natural world is matched only by her remarkable ability to anticipate the perfect photographic moment. Every aspect of the tour was meticulously organized, from the daily itineraries to the logistical arrangements.
Furthermore, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the excellent driver and the entire support team. Their professionalism and punctuality ensured a seamless experience, allowing us to photograph rare and extraordinary bird species in a tranquil and focused environment. The combination of expert guidance and flawless organization makes this the definitive expedition for any serious bird photographer. We look forward to our return.
Many greetings Fatou,
Dirk, Erik, Mark and Patrick From Belgium
Before travelling to The Gambia, we were mainly looking for excellent photography opportunities, a high diversity of bird species, and a local guide with genuine knowledge of the area. The reality exceeded all our expectations. In just two weeks, we recorded more species than we had ever hoped for. From colourful bee-eaters and kingfishers to owls, birds of prey and many beautiful species we had never photographed before. Thanks to Fatou’s sharp eye and extensive field experience, we regularly found birds that we would have completely missed on our own. What we particularly appreciated was the flexibility of the tour. Whenever an interesting species was located, plenty of time was taken to ensure everyone had the opportunity to observe and photograph it properly. At no point did the trip feel rushed. Beyond the birdwatching, we also enjoyed the warm Gambian hospitality, the variety of landscapes and the relaxed atmosphere throughout the journey. Every day brought new surprises and memorable encounters with nature. This tour exceeded our expectations in every way, and we would not hesitate to travel with Birding Adventures Gambia again in the future.
Carlos & Elena Martínez – Spain
Our 15-day bird photography tour through The Gambia was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Everything was exceptionally well organised, with comfortable lodges, reliable transport, and a carefully planned itinerary covering a wide variety of habitats. Fatou Colley has an impressive knowledge of the birds and wildlife of The Gambia. Thanks to her experience and expertise, we were able to observe and photograph many remarkable species, including several species of bee-eaters, kingfishers, birds of prey, and many other West African specialities. What made this tour particularly special was the personal approach. Our wishes as photographers were always taken into account, and we were given plenty of time to observe birds and take photographs in the best possible conditions. The boat trips, visits to wetlands, mangroves and savannahs, together with the welcoming accommodation, all contributed to making this an unforgettable journey. We can wholeheartedly recommend Birding Adventures Gambia to anyone looking for a professional, well-organised and authentic birding and nature tour in The Gambia.
Peter & Anneke van der Berg – The Netherlands
My bird photography trip to The Gambia with Birding Adventures Gambia was an experience I will not soon forget. From the moment I arrived, everything was excellently organised, allowing me to focus entirely on nature and photography. Fatou Colley is an outstanding bird guide with an impressive knowledge of birds and their habitats. Thanks to her experience and keen eye, I had countless opportunities to observe and photograph remarkable species. During the tour, I was able to capture a great variety of birds, including colourful bee-eaters, kingfishers, rollers, birds of prey, and many other West African species. What I particularly appreciated was the relaxed pace of the tour. There was always plenty of time to enjoy special sightings and take photographs without any sense of rush. The combination of diverse habitats, comfortable accommodation, and professional guiding made every day special. For anyone considering a birding or bird photography holiday in The Gambia, I can wholeheartedly recommend Birding Adventures Gambia. It is a professional, reliable, and enjoyable way to discover the remarkable birdlife of West Africa.
Jan de Vries – The Netherlands
We travelled as a group of four friends from England to The Gambia for a 17-day birding and photography tour. Our goal was simple: to see, observe and photograph as many birds as possible. From the very first days, we realised that this was going to be a truly special trip. The variety throughout the tour was impressive. Over the course of 17 days, we visited a wide range of habitats, including mangroves, wetlands, open savannahs, riverbanks and woodland areas. Every location produced new species and exciting sightings, ensuring that no two days were ever the same. One of the absolute highlights was the photography hide at Mandinari River Lodge. Here, we were able to observe and photograph birds at very close range without disturbing them. For bird photographers, this is a fantastic experience and a unique opportunity to capture remarkable images. Special praise must also go to our guide, Ousman, better known as "The Captain". His enthusiasm, sense of humour and extensive knowledge of the birds and wildlife of The Gambia made every excursion a success. Thanks to his experience, we regularly found species that we would never have discovered on our own. Our driver, Kawsu, also deserves special recognition. His friendly nature, safe driving and willingness to help ensured that every journey was comfortable and enjoyable, even on the longer drives into the interior of the country. What we will remember most is the relaxed atmosphere throughout the entire tour. There was always plenty of time to observe birds, take photographs and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The organisation was flawless, and every detail was carefully taken care of. We can wholeheartedly recommend Birding Adventures Gambia to anyone wishing to discover the rich birdlife of West Africa. A special word of thanks goes to Fatou, who organised this 17-day tour to perfection and ensured that everything ran smoothly from beginning to end.
John, Peter, Andrew & Mark – United Kingdom
During a visit to The Gambia, we attended a trade fair organised by the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), where we met Fatou Colley from Birding Adventures Gambia at the Gambia Bird Watchers Association stand. We soon found ourselves talking about birds, nature and photography, and were immediately impressed by her enthusiasm and knowledge. As we only had limited time in The Gambia, we asked whether it would be possible to organise a birding tour at short notice. To our surprise, Fatou managed to arrange everything within just two days. Only two days after meeting her, we were already setting off on a fully organised 7-day tour. During the week, we visited a variety of bird rich locations, each with its own character and special species. What impressed us most was the flexibility and personal service. Despite the short preparation time, everything ran perfectly. Transport, accommodation, meals and excursions were all excellently organised, allowing us to enjoy our holiday completely worry-free. This trip proved to us that a spontaneous decision can sometimes be the best decision. What started as a chance meeting at a trade fair turned into an unforgettable birding experience in The Gambia. We would like to sincerely thank Fatou for her professionalism, hospitality and outstanding organisation.
Willem & Marieke de Jong – The Netherlands
When we booked our trip to The Gambia, we hoped to see plenty of birds and take some beautiful photographs. What we actually experienced exceeded our expectations completely Every day brought new surprises. Thanks to Fatou’s knowledge and enthusiasm, we saw many species that we would never have found on our own. What we will remember most is the warm and personal approach. We never felt like tourists, but rather like welcomed guests. Everything was excellently organised, allowing us to relax and enjoy the wildlife without having to worry about a thing. We look back on this trip with great pleasure and would not hesitate to travel with Birding Adventures Gambia again.
David & Sarah Thompson – United Kingdom
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Is eigendom van Fatou Colley, professioneel gids voor vogels en wildlife in Gambia en Senegal. Officieel geregistreerd bij de Gambia Tourism Board en gediplomeerde gids van de Gambia Bird Watchers Association.