Arrival in Senegal

Dakar - Upon arrival at Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS), the journey continues to Thies for dinner and accommodation.

Northbound Journey – Thiès to Podor via Kebemer and Richard Toll

Birding in Podor

Birding in Djoudj

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary - The trip to Djoudj offers sightings of Orange-breasted Waxbills, Quailfinches, River Prinia, and Winding Cisticola, along with a variety of waterbirds. After lunch, the group visits Grand Lac (Le lac de Guiers), where Lesser Flamingos can sometimes be seen mingling with Greater Flamingos.

Birding at Bango-Marigots

Saint-Louis - The day begins at the nearby wetlands, where numerous Palearctic waders and many Eurasian Spoonbills can be observed. African Spoonbill, White Pelicans, Pink-backed Pelicans, and other waterbirds are also present. In the afternoon, the journey continues inland towards the Marigots, where Double-spurred Francolins, African Pygmy Geese, African Swamphens, ‘Iberian’ Yellow Wagtails, and Winding Cisticolas can be seen.

Birding in Saint Louis

Saint-Louis - The morning is spent in the St. Louis area, with opportunities to see West African Crested Terns, Caspian, Sandwich, and Gull-billed Terns, Slender-billed Gulls, Lesser Black-backed, and Mediterranean Gull, among others. In the afternoon, the group returns to the Marigots to seek out Orange-breasted Waxbills and Greater Swamp Warblers.

Scenic birding and journey to Kaolack

Travel to Kedougou

Kedougou - The drive to Kedougou, near the Guinea border in southeastern Senegal, begins with a visit to the outskirts of Kaolack, hoping to spot Scissor-tailed Kites departing from their roost in the Saloum Delta. On the way to Tambacounda (where lunch is served), Piapiac, Red-necked Falcon, and Scissor-tailed Kites can be seen. During lunch, Brown Babblers and Purple Starlings are visible.

Birding in Kedougou

Kedougou - The first morning in the Kedougou area involves exploring the eastern escarpment, where Martial Eagles, Gosling’s Buntings, African Blue Flycatcher, Snowy-crowned Robin Chats, and Sahel Bush Sparrows (formerly known as Bush Petronia) are easily spotted. In the afternoon, the group heads west of Kedougou in search of Sun Larks, Finespotted Woodpeckers, Heuglin’s Masked Weavers, Red-throated Bee-eaters, and Grey-headed Kingfisher.

Dindefelo

Escarpment Birding and Transfer to Wassadou via Niokolo Koba NP

Wassadou - The final morning in the Kedougou area focuses on the escarpment near Fongolimbi, with a stop to see Fox Kestrels, Northern Red-headed Weavers, and Senegal Eremomelas. After collecting bags in Kedougou (and a picnic lunch), the journey continues north through Niokolo Koba NP to the next base on the Gambia River at Wassadou.

Birding in Wassadou

Wassadou - Two days are dedicated to the river, with morning and evening trips on the small lodge boat or along the trails. Sightings include Adamawa Turtle Doves, European Turtle Dove, Egyptian Plovers, African Finfoots, Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Giant Kingfishers, and many others, including plenty of Senegal Thick-knees and African Wattled Lapwings.

Birding in Wassadou

Wassadou - Similar to day 12, another day is spent in Wassadou, adding species like Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Giant Kingfishers, and many others, including plenty of Senegal Thick-knees and African Wattled Lapwings.

Travel to Coast

Parc National du Delta du Saloum - After a final night at Wassadou, a long drive to the coast ensues. Along the way, sightings include Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Paradise-whydahs, Tawny Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Red-necked Falcon, and Verreaux’s Eagle Owls.

Birding in Delta du Saloum and driving to Dakar

Parc National du Delta du Saloum - The Saloum Delta features marine habitats, mangroves, and saltwater vegetation, as well as river islands. Early in the morning, a boat trip explores the mangrove-lined streams and mud banks of the Saloum Delta, where wintering shorebirds include Caspian and Gull-billed Terns. Ospreys can also be observed on the Senegambia coast. In the afternoon, a visit to Sandicoly offers sightings of Yellow-throated Leafloves and Black-necked Weavers. Later, the journey continues to Dakar (230km/4 hours).

Birding at Technopole and drive to the airport

Dakar - Breakfast is served at 7:30 am, followed by a trip to Technopole (30 minutes) for morning bird watching. Technopole is a green and humid area within Dakar, featuring a freshwater area and terrestrial shrubs. After lunch, the group visits the African Renaissance Monument and the handicraft shops before heading to the airport. END

• Private transport
• Fullboard accommodation
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast

• Gratuities
• laundry, alcohol drinks, visa

Embark on a captivating 16-day birdwatching journey through Senegal’s vibrant landscapes, where over 698 bird species are ready to be discovered. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gorée Island and the expansive wetlands of Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, and delve into the rich natural heritage of West Africa. Experience the beauty of migratory and endemic birds amidst stunning scenery, all while enjoying the comfort of full-board accommodations and expert guidance. This tour is ideal for passionate birdwatchers eager to thoroughly explore Senegal’s diverse birdlife.

• Explore renowned birdwatching locations such as Djoudj and Saloum Delta National Park
• Benefit from full-board accommodations with meals included
• Travel in a private safari vehicle with an English/French-speaking driver
• A minimum of 6 participants is required for this adventure

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.