Bird Guide Gambia and Senegal

I led two trips with Abdoulie in January 2026 with groups of birders from the US. Wow, not only was the birding amazing .. 355 and 385 species in 17 days; Not only did everyone stay safe and well; Not only did we have an amazing cultural experience... but ...but ... I will be returning. Abdoulie is clearly respected by the local guides and birding community. He was fantastic at dealing with the ever changing logistics...from canceled hotels, food on the road, to bags and people turning up late ... and he was able to adapt our itinerary as we progressed along the trip. A very kind and immensely funny person. You will be in great hands with Abdoulie.

Abdoulie is not only a great bird guide but an incredible fixer. His knowledge of birdlife, locations, and contacts made our trip a huge success. He will treat you like family and make sure you see the birds you want to see.

Wow - what a fantastic trip we had ! Abdoulie was a true professional every step of the way. He knew all the best spots for birds and did an excellent job catering to the wide range of experience levels within our group.

In addition to being a highly skilled birder, he was a master of logistics. He consistently checked in to make sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed.

He was also very flexible, readily adjusting plans when our group wanted to spend more time at a particular hotspot.

It was a truly memorable experience, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide.

Together with ten other birders, I enjoyed three weeks of traveling through The Gambia and Senegal looking for birds with Aboulie as our guide. We explored many of the countries' habitats and birding spots, including hikes, river cruises and a wildlife drive. All new to us, but well known to Aboulie, who had picked some thoroughly rewarding and memorable sites to bird. Through it all, he guided us with expertise and patience, making extra efforts to ensure that all participants saw the bird of interest - not an easy task in a group the size of ours. He was also very conscientious in making sure we were well taken care of at the hotels and lodges: rooms, food, and the inevitable issue. That he also did it with a great sense of humor was appreciated by everyone. In all, it was a pleasure to travel and bird with Aboulie.

Our group spent nearly 3 weeks with Abdoulie in January and were very pleased with the itinerary and his organization. Beyond that he is a talented guide, knowledgeable and patient, fun, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, oops that’s Superman 😁

Overall, an excellent experience. While Abdoulie's professionalism was predictable, we were impressed by his in-depth knowledge of each habitat and the species likely to be encountered. We found Abdoulie particularly adept in the bush and grasslands. Not only did Abdoulie proved to be the best choice for birdwatching in Gambia, but we also appreciated his passionate commitment to protecting the natural environment of his homeland, for example, by speaking with locals to educate them on the importance of protecting special places like the Bansang Quarry.

Un séjour de 14 jours en décembre 2025, avec notre guide Abdoulie qui trouve toutes les fois les oiseaux demandés. Toujours à l'écoute de nos demandes, il est aux petits soins avec ses clients. Une expérience exceptionnelle de découvrir 223 espèces d'oiseaux ! Je recommande vivement Abdoulie, sa gentillesse et son professionnalisme font de lui un guide d'exception !

Je rentre juste d'un séjour de 2 semaines en observation et photo ornithologique, au Sénégal et en Gambie. D'une patience et d'une dévotion à la satisfaction de sa clientèle époustouflantes, Abdoulie avec ses yeux de lynx nous a permis de voir d'innombrables espèces, souvent dans la bonne humeur. Je lui avais dressé une liste (et pas des plus faciles) de 10 oiseaux que je voulais observer, il m'en a dégotté 9 ! Et j'ai pu découvrir certaines espèces que j'aurais mises dans cette liste si j'avais connu leur existence... Bon, maintenant, je n'ai plus qu'une seule envie, y retourner

I had an excellent birding trip to The Gambia, which would not have been possible without a guide. Abdoulie's guide, Dawda Barry, was superb, his knowledge was excellent and he was extremely helpful. I would definitely use Abdoulie and his guides again.

Abdoulie is an outstanding guide, very familiar with all the species of Gambia and Senegal (as well as some neighboring nations). He knows where to find the birds, but also is very well connected, which enables him to deal efficiently with any problems that arise in remote corners of Senegal (he is fluent in English, French, Wolof, Mandinka and Serer). He is also very focused on ensuring that his clients have a pleasant and rewarding experience. If you want a safe trip during which you see a very high percentage of your targets, Abdoulie is your man.