FAQs About Birdwatching in The Gambia

DO I NEED HEALTH PRECAUTION TO TAKE?
Yes, malaria is a health risk, so a course of tablets should be taken, as well as precautions against mosquito bites. Vaccination against cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and polio are recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are traveling from an infected or endemic country. You will need to consult your doctor for an appropriate prescription. Hotels usually have a doctor or nurse on call. A few hospitals around the coast, for example Edward Francis Small Teaching hospital, Lamtoro hospital and Serekunda hospitals have good facilities. There is also another big hospital up- river in Bansang. In the greater Banjul area, the water supply is considered safe to drink, however bottled water is widely available in hotels and most supermarkets.

WHAT TO PACK
Trips into Banjul and coastal areas will require discreet casual clothes rather than shorts and beach wear. More adventurous expeditions will require harder wearing clothes that will provide protection from sunburn and insects. Wearing a hat and putting on covered shoes, is a sensible precaution wherever you are, particularly in the midday heat. Toiletries will be available, but they may be more expensive than at home, and there is no guarantee of availability. If you are doing a tour up-country, I advise you to have all your first aid equipment. Apart from Abuko Nature Reserve, there is no standard toilet in any of the reserves in the Gambia.

HOW CAN I GET THE BEST FROM MY BIRDING HOLIDAY TO THE GAMBIA?
If you are thinking of visiting or re-visiting the Gambia, I recommend you make contact with a well trained and experienced licensed bird guide like myself.

• Take a look at my recommendations.
• Get in touch with me with your dreams and I will interpret them successfully.
• I am happy to guide visitors with a general interest in nature as well as those who may like to concentrate on specific fauna such as butterflies, dragonflies and birds of the region or, possibly, wish to target particular birds.

WHAT BIRD BOOKS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
I recommend Clive Barlow’s book which is THE BIRDS OF THE GAMBIA AND SENEGAL or that of NIK Borrow and Ron Demey which is BIRDS OF SENEGAL AND THE GAMBIA.

WHAT ARE BEST TIMES TO VISIT GAMBIA?
The dry season, November to March, is most popular for holidays and bird watching. Other times are possible, but there may be some rain.The wet season begins in June and ends in October. June is a less busy month, less expensive but it will be more humid with some rainfall. October starts to be busier, still less expensive and becoming cooler (but still hot!). For serious birding travelling further afield both light weight clothing and a sweater or jacket should be part of your kit; mornings can be cool so you can put on your jacket and during the day when it becomes warmer, store your jacket in the vehicle.

WHAT IS A BUMSTER?
These are generally youths who will be found at the front gates of hotels and in fact all tourist areas. They are very persuasive and if you keep listening to them, soon you will find yourself in their hands. Some of them pretend they are bird guides and will try to sell birding tours. These do not last long as you would soon realize they are not qualified bird guides. Bumsters will not be found at Kotu Bridge as this is the main office of the licensed bird guides.

HOW CAN I TRAVEL AROUND IN THE GAMBIA,
If you have a contract tour with me, then I will take care of all your travel needs. For an all-inclusive package tour, I will pick you up from the airport and return you to the airport on the last day. When the trip starts, I will pick you up from the hotel main gate and return you there at the end of the trip. If travelling at other times, then the normal way to do this is by hiring a taxi from a supervised taxi rank. If you think the price they charge is too much for you, talk to the controller. Always remember to agree on a price before you set off. If you wish to make a complaint then you can talk to the controller and he will solve it as soon as possible. If you board a yellow and green taxi, extra care must be taken not to leave your belongings in the car as there is no guarantee of getting them back and nobody will be ready to help. It is best to use the green taxis.

DO I NEED TO BRING A TELESCOPE?
It is recommended to bring a telescope if you have one but it is not necessary as I have my own Swarovski HD telescope and you may use this.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN THE GAMBIA?
The official language of the Gambia is English, and is spoken by many Gambians. All school children are taught in English at school. French is also spoken, particularly by many Senegalese and Guineans who live in the Gambia. Gambians also use their local languages which are Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jolla, manjago, sarahuli. Etc.

CURRENCY AND BANKING IN THE GAMBIA
The currency is in the Gambian Dalasi (GAD), made up of 100 Bututes. The larger hotels will exchange foreign currency, but the commission will be lower at banks. Best rates are offered outside the hotel. Banking hours in Banjul are between 8:00am to 1:30pm, Monday to Thursday, and between 8:00am to 11:00am on Friday. In the tourist areas banks also open between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. All hard currencies are acceptable. Major credit cards such as American Express, Dinners club, Visas and Mastercard, are usually accepted in the larger hotels, but most restaurants required payment in cash. Gambia is a cash economy and you will be disappointed if you rely on your credit cards as few outlets will accept them particularly away from the coast.

HOW AM I PAID?
I am paid in two different ways

• If you book many days with me and want to travel further afield and up-country, I normally ask 25 percent of the agreed amount, to be paid through my bank account and the rest of the money will be paid on your arrival at your hotel reception at a given time. This money will be used for reservation. But if you are not sure of what you want we can discuss your ideas when you arrive.
• If you are a casual birder and just want to have a bit of experience with my magic of birding, then upon your arrival, payment will be made at your hotel reception at a given time before we start the trip.

DO YOU HAVE TO TIP ME?
I am very happy to have a tip and I appreciate it as this would mean I have rendered a good service. Tips for good service will be much welcomed as wages in the tourist industry are low and the tourist season is too short (6 months only), but tips are entirely at your discretion.

IS IT ALLOWED TO PHOTOGRAPH PEOPLE?
It is important to always ask permission before you take a picture of people and private property. Although children will flock to be photographed, adults and particularly the older generation regard photography as an intrusion on their privacy. Permission may well be refused, or a small payment may be demanded. Video cameras can provoke even stronger reactions.

IS IT USEFUL TO BRING SCHOOL MATERIALS?
Yes if you can, school materials like books, pens, pencils, calculators, and so on, are very useful to students in primary and secondary education, especially those in inland Gambia. Most schools in these areas do not have a sponsorship package. Books, pens, pencils can be purchased in The Gambia at a reasonable price.

HOW DO WE MAKE CONTACT?
The best way to contact me is by email, my email is on the CONTACT PAGE. Write to me and I will respond to you as soon as possible. But there may be some delay if I am running a tour up- country where internet access is very poor. I will soon get back to you when I am back to the coast as soon as possible.