Senegal, in Western Africa, is one of the most important places for birdwatching in the world; there are more of 600 species. It’s geographic situation and its different habitats allow it. Placed between the Sahara desert and the rainy forest of Guinea´s Gulf, it becomes the migration destination for many species, who, avoiding to the Northern winter, find here the first wetlands after their long migration to the South through the desert. Between Novembre to April, we can watch many birds that have come here looking for water and hot climate.

We cannot forget the resident species, which are many due to the variety of habitats we can find: to the North we find semi-desertic areas, in the middle savannah, to the South the rainy forest and to the West the Atlantic coast with mangrove areas. Also, there are four large rivers that bring life to this Sahel’s country: the Senegal, the Sine-Saloum, the Gambia and the Casamance.

The climate of Senegal is divided in two seasons: Dry season (November-May) and Rainy season (June-October). The temperatures are high all the year round, except in December thru January.

We find birds throughout the country, but more than likely in the National Park of Djoujd and Langue de Barbarie (North), in the National Park Delta of Saloum (West), in the estuary of river Casamance (South) and National Park Niokolo-Koba (Est).

Some Nationals Parks close during the rainy season because the tracks are impracticable or inundated.

After all this, as a birdwatcher that I’m and after six years living and working as a tourism adviser in Western Africa, I’ve decided to open new trips exclusively to the Nature’s lovers and the birdwatchers in Senegal.

Ours trips are developed exclusively for birdwatchers looking forward to visiting the most important sites. The itinerary can change depending on the season. We don’t offer touristic travelling for this trip for it is thought exclusively for true ornithologist and the nature lovers. I hope you enjoy it.


TRIP OF 11 DAYS

Day 1: Origin – Dakar: Depart to destination Dakar (Senegal). Arrival to the Dakar airport. Transfer to hotel. Night in hotel.

Day 2: Dakar - Goree - M'Bour: We will take the ferryboat to Goree Island. It is a little island facing the Dakar coast, and was pronounced by UNESCO as Humanity Heritage, also it was one of the more important sites concerning slave trade to America and Europe. Lunch on Goree. In the afternoon, back to Dakar, and we will go to Mbour  to approach the Sine and Saloum. Arrival in Mbour and  visit to he port looking for the arrival of the canoe fishermen in the harbor. Dinner and overnight at the hotel Bougainvillees. (H.B).

Day 3 : M'Bour – Saloum Delta:  Early in the morning  pick up the direction of the village of Ndangane, the Sine and Saloum, located facing the river. We stop on the way in the villages, for a first contact with various species of birds in the region. Free lunch en route and arrival at Hotel Le Pelican afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Pelican (H.B) Night in a hotel.

Day 4 and 5: Saloum Delta : During these two days we will go with canoes and on foot inside the delta to observe the abundant bird life. Take the opportunity to stroll along the Sea Island Lodge to observe species present on the island. Possibility picnic lunch.Night and dinner at the hotel Pelican (F.B)

Day 6 : Saloum Delta – Langue de Barbarie : Morning departure towards the colonial city of Saint Louis. In French colonial times, Saint Louis was the capital of Senegal and throughout West Africa under French rule. As a result, many houses were built and were adorned with colorful bougainvilles. Lunch on the way, before arriving in Saint Louis, we turn to the village of Gandiol to take a canoe to leave us at Camp The lighthouse in la langue de Barbarie. Dinner and overnight at the Lighthouse. (H.B)

Day 7: Langue de Barbarie - Djoujd N.P. We will spend the day to birding in la langue de Barbarie. We will go with canoe inside the park. The Langue de Barbarie is a sandy strip situated between the river Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean, formed by the action of wind on the sediments carried by the river. The maximum concentration of birds occurs between the months of November to April. After the tour and lunch, we will go to the National Park of the Birds of Djoudj. Dinner and night at the Hostellerie Park (F.B.)

Day 8 and 9: Djoud N.P: Located 60 km. to Saint Louis, between the meanders of the river Senegal, is the world's third largest reserve of birds. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. View thousands of pelicans, cormorants, flamingos, herons, ducks, shorebirds, eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, etc ... up to 350 species. Will travel for two days inside the park by canoe. Night at "Hostellerie de Djoudj". (F.B.)

Day 10: National Park of Djoudj - Saint Louis : After enjoying the morning for the last time in the park, we will approach the city of Saint Louis. Food at the hotel and horse carriage ride in the evening for Saint Louis. Free dinner. Overnight at hotel Siki
(H.B.)

Day 11: Saint Louis - Dakar: Early departure from Saint Louis to the capital Dakar. On arrival visit the city, its beaches and its markets for last-minute shopping before transfer to airport for your return flight. Free Lunch. (B&B).



PRICE


Group of 5 people minimum.

1.350 € pax in double room.

Supplement single room: 200 €.


INCLUDED: Lodging in hotels and tourist camps in double room. Transport in vehicle 4x4 or coach pending all the trip. Ferry-boat to Goree Island. Right entry to museum and Nationals Parks. Trasfer airport – hotel – airport. Guide french/english language.



NOT INCLUDE: Airplane ticket. Beverages. Travel insurance. Tips and services no specified previously.