Simon and I have just had a week in The Gambia staying at the Senegambia Hotel. The hotel was excellent and the weather fine and hot, although quite cold at night. The birdwatching in the hotel was good, but they had lost 40 species since last year due to the cats. These ferel cats live in the hotel grounds and are fed by the tourists. Bird numbers have dropped substantially. Last year the hotel had a count of 120 species, this year only 80 remain. The bird guide there, Modou Jarju was very good, would recommend him. He has vast knowledge of birds and sites and is slightly cheaper than the guides outside, although all are vastly overpriced. We were also suprised at how expensive food and drinks were, more expensive than here. But it was good tasty food so no complaints there.
The birdwatching was excellent. We saw approx 180 species in a week with 120 of those being new. We did not go up river as didn't really have time so were pleased with our tally. The hassle we got when we stepped out of our hotel was another matter, they have taken hassle to a different level ! They are relentless so be warned. We didn't encounter any trouble but whilst out birding on our own we didn't feel entirely safe. We knew it would be like this though so didn't let it spoil our holiday.
Would highly recommend it for a winter birdwatching holiday, the birds are stunning and plentiful, the food is good and the sun shines. What more could you ask for !
Modou can be contacted at the Senegambia Hotel or on Tel: 7799190 or 6341919. E-mail bestboy6042000@yahoo.com
1 comment:
Hi Simon and Karen - some really lovely photos which we have enjoyed looking through - makes you want to go on holiday
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