BIRDING TOUR TO SENEGAL

Overview

Welcome to the new Birding The Strait Senegal Tour, a comprehensive 15-day exploration of the birds of Senegal and an excellent introduction to the birdlife of Western Africa. Designed for birders and nature enthusiasts, this trip offers an opportunity to observe the rich avian diversity of the region, from the remote Sahel to the wetlands of the Saloum Delta.

Our journey will take us across a variety of terrains, including the baobab-dotted savannas, the arid landscapes bordering the Sahara, the riverine habitats of Djoudj National Park, and the rugged hills of Kedougou. Key species to look out for include the striking Abyssinian Roller, the elusive Golden Nightjar, and the colorful Bearded Barbet. Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by experienced guides with extensive knowledge of local ecology and bird species.

This tour offers a thorough introduction to the birdlife of Senegal and Western Africa, making it suitable for both seasoned birders and those interested in exploring the region’s natural environment. Each day provides a new opportunity to encounter a wide variety of birds in diverse and stunning settings.

We invite you to join us in this exploration of Senegal’s natural world, where each day offers a chance to observe and appreciate the region’s unique biodiversity.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Thiès

Our journey begins with your arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) in Dakar, Senegal. After landing, we will transfer to the town of Thiès, where we will check in to the Hotel Massa Massa. This evening we will have a briefing and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Journey to Podor

Today, we will set off early from Thiès, driving northwards and then eastwards, passing through the historic towns of Saint-Louis and Richard Toll on our way to Podor. As we travel, we will witness the landscape changing dramatically. The baobab-dotted and well-wooded acacia savannas of the Dakar region gradually give way to the sparse thorn scrub of the Sahel, a semi-arid region on the edge of the Sahara. 

Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for birds such as Yellow-billed Kite, Hooded Vulture and Pied Crow. We might also spot our first Abyssinian and Rufous-crowned Rollers and Blue-naped Mousebirds. Around the small villages of thatched huts, we can expect to see Long-tailed Glossy and Chestnut-bellied Starlings.

We’ll pass by Saint-Louis, the old French colonial capital of both Senegal and Mauritania. As we leave behind the irrigated sugar cane plantations of the Senegal River valley, the landscape becomes drier and more sandy. We’ll arrive to Podor in the afternoon, just in time for some initial exploration.

Day 3: Exploring Podor

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the arid landscapes around Podor, ever mindful of the Sahara’s nearby presence. Early in the morning, the open acacia savanna and sparsely vegetated grasslands are still and pleasant. Our focus will be on finding some of the area’s special birds. The charming Cricket Warbler thrives in this harsh landscape, and we have a good chance of spotting it. We’ll also search for other Sahelian specialties such as the Little Grey Woodpecker, Sennar Penduline Tit, and restless flocks of Sudan Golden Sparrows. With a bit of luck, we may find the Golden Nightjar!

In addition, we will look for the distinctive Black Scrub Robin, African Collared Dove, and White-rumped Seedeater. Western African endemics like Vieillot’s Barbet, Senegal Eremomela, and Senegal Batis are also on our radar. The diverse birdlife of the region includes Lanner, Red-necked Falcons, and many more.

After a full day of birdwatching and exploring, we’ll return to our hotel in Podor for the night.

Day 4: Journey to Djoudj National Park

After a morning of birdwatching around Podor, we’ll travel to Djoudj National Park. En route, we’ll look for species such as Yellow-billed Oxpecker and Abyssinian Roller. Djoudj, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is crucial for migratory birds from Europe. 

In the scrub and woodland areas, we’ll look for Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Black Crowned-Crane, Senegal Batis, and Quailfinch. We’ll return to Campement Djagabaar for dinner, sharing our sightings and preparing for another exciting day in Djoudj National Park.

Day 5: Djoudj National Park and Transfer to Saint-Louis

The Djoudj National Park, located in the lower reaches of the Senegal River, is a haven for waterbirds. This morning, we will witness vast flocks of wildfowl and other waterbirds. The sight of thousands of Great White Pelicans feeding in the lagoons is especially breathtaking. We will also look for the endangered Arabian Bustard and River Prinia.

As the day progresses, we’ll see numerous other waterbirds, including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, White-faced Whistling Duck, Garganey, and Spur-winged Geese. In the afternoon, we will drive to Saint-Louis, where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Travel to Kaolack

Our journey today takes us south to the town of Kaolack for an overnight stay. As we drive, we’ll make several stops to observe vultures and other bird species. We may see gatherings of Lappet-faced Vulture, Rüppell’s Griffon, and White-backed Vulture. As we travel further south, we’ll encounter impressive areas of baobab woodland and search for speckled-fronted Weaver and Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark in the arid grassland and bush country as well as the unique Quail-plover! We’ll spend the night at a hotel in Kaolack.

Day 7: Journey to Wassadou

Today, we will head towards the regional center of Tambacounda and then continue to Wassadou in southeastern Senegal. This area is rich in birdlife, and we’ll make stops along the way to spot species like Piapiac, Sahel Paradise Whydah, and Green-winged Pytilia. We’ll stay in Wassadou for two nights.

Day 8: Wassadou

We have one full day at Campament Wassadou and will take two boat trips, where we will search for the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl along the riverbanks. Other notable species include African Finfoot, Egyptian Plover, which we may spot along the larger rivers, and the White-backed Night Heron. Mammals such as the Guinea Baboon and Hippopotamus may also be encountered. Overnight at Wassadou Camp.

Day 9: Drive to Kedougou

The southeastern region of Senegal, especially around Kedougou, offers some of the best birdwatching in the country. We will focus on specialties such as the Mali Firefinch, Adamawa Turtle Dove, and Fox Kestrel. The rocky hills and remote areas are home to Neumann’s Starling and Gosling’s Bunting, among others. With each day, we will delve deeper into the rich biodiversity of this region, making the most of our stay. Overnight in Kedougou.

Day 10: Kedougou

We’ll spend the day birdwatching in the diverse habitats around Kedougou. The area’s rocky outcrops and woodland are perfect for spotting the Stone Partridge, Violet Turaco, Red-throated Bee-eater, and Bearded Barbet. Other birds to look out for include Lanner, Sun Lark, Dorst’s Cisticola, and the lovely Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver. Overnight in Kedougou.

Day 11: Journey to Tambacounda

Today, we leave Kedougou and head towards Tambacounda. As we drive through the diverse landscapes, we’ll keep an eye out for interesting bird species along the way. The journey offers opportunities to spot species like Bateleur, Grasshopper Buzzard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, and the occasional Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. We might also see flocks of Helmeted Guineafowl and Northern Carmine Bee-eaters. Upon arrival in Tambacounda, we’ll check into Hotel Relais de Tambacounda.

Day 12: Travel to Toubacouta

Our journey continues west to Toubacouta, located in the Saloum Delta. The drive will offer chances to spot species like the Sahel Paradise Whydah and Green-winged Pytilia. We’ll arrive at Hotel Keur Saloum and settle in. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the mangrove-lined waterways, where we might see the White-crested Tiger Heron and Mouse-brown Sunbird, endemic to Western Africa. The delta’s birdlife is abundant and diverse, promising a rich birdwatching experience. Overnight in Toubacouta.

Days 13-14: Exploring the Saloum Delta

Over the next two days, we will fully immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of the Saloum Delta. We’ll explore the mangrove-lined waterways, coastal mudflats, and the surrounding forests and savanna. The delta is teeming with life, and our primary targets include the elusive White-crested Tiger Heron, the vibrant Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, and the rare Four-banded Sandgrouse.

We will also search for various waterbirds such as the West African Crested Tern, Goliath Heron, and Royal Tern. The delta’s mudflats may reveal flocks of waders including Marsh Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, and Curlew Sandpiper. In the mangroves, we’ll be on the lookout for species like the Allen’s Gallinule and Blue-breasted Kingfisher.

In the surrounding woodlands and savannas, we might spot the stunning Yellow-crowned Gonolek, the colourful Quailfinch, and the Double-spurred Spurfowl. The delta is also home to various raptors, including African Fish Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle and Osprey.

During these days, we’ll take two boat trips along the waterways to get closer to the birds and wildlife. We’ll also enjoy walks through the forests and along the coastal areas to maximize our birdwatching opportunities. Overnight in Toubacouta.

Day 15: Return to Dakar

After a final morning in the Saloum Delta and a leisurely lunch, we will return to Dakar. Our tour concludes this evening at the airport, marking the end of an incredible birdwatching adventure through Senegal.

Species of interest

• White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
• Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
• Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
• Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus)
• Double-spurred Francolin (Pternistis bicalcaratus)
• Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
• Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor)
• Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
• Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
• Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca)
• Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)
• Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
• African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
• Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
• African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
• Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius)
• Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos)
• Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)
• Rüppell’s Griffon (Gyps rueppelli)
• Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
• African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
• Grasshopper Buzzard (Butastur rufipennis)
• Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus)
• Shikra (Accipiter badius)
• Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates)
• Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
• Wahlberg’s Eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi)
• Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
• African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster)
• Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostra)
• Senegal Thick-knee (Burhinus senegalensis)
• Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis)
• Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius)
• Kittlitz’s Plover (Charadrius pecuarius)
• African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
• Four-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles quadricinctus)
• Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
• Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata)
• Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)
• Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)
• Black-billed Wood Dove (Turtur abyssinicus)
• Blue-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur afer)
• Bruce’s Green Pigeon (Treron waalia)
• Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea)
• Western Plantain-eater (Crinifer piscator)
• Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis)
• Klaas’s Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas)
• Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius)
• Standard-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longipennis)
• Long-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus climacurus)
• African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus)
• Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina)
• Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)
• Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima)
• Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
• Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica)
• Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis)
• Abyssinian Roller (Coracias abyssinicus)
• Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster)
• Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus)
• Green Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus)
• Black Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus aterrimus)
• Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus)
• African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus)
• Western Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus kempi)
• Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius)
• Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator)
• Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor)
• Fine-spotted Woodpecker (Campethera punctuligera)
• Cardinal Woodpecker (Chloropicus fuscescens)
• Grey Kestrel (Falco ardosiaceus)
• Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicquera)
• Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
• Piapiac (Ptilostomus afer)
• Yellow-billed Shrike (Lanius corvinus)
• Northern Puffback (Dryoscopus gambensis)
• Brubru (Nilaus afer)
• Senegal Batis (Batis senegalensis)
• Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegalus)
• Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis)
• African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)
• Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus)
• White-billed Buffalo Weaver (Bubalornis albirostris)
• Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus)
• Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus)
• Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba)
• Lavender Waxbill (Glaucestrilda caerulescens)
• Orange-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda)
• Mali Firefinch (Lagonosticta virata)
• Bar-breasted Firefinch (Lagonosticta rufopicta)
• African Silverbill (Euodice cantans)
• Bronze Mannikin (Spermestes cucullata)
• Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
• African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp)
• Northern Crombec (Sylvietta brachyura)
• Brown Babbler (Turdoides plebejus)
• Senegal Eremomela (Eremomela pusilla)
• Familiar Chat (Oenanthe familiaris)

What’s included

The package of this tour includes:

• All accommodation from day 1 until day 15 (14 nights).
• All meals, starting with lunch on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 15. This includes 1 drink with every meal and water during the whole duration of the trip.
• Transportation in a comfortable vehicle for 6pax.
• Programmed entrance fees as in the itinerary.
• A specialised birding guide fluent in English with extensive experience in Senegal.
• Welcome package with itinerary, travel information and checklist of the birds of the region.

Items not included in the package:

• Flights.
• Extra drinks.
• Tips in hotels, service and guides.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Personal items.

For further details on bookings and cancellations, you can check out our general Terms and Conditions.

If at any time you have questions about this trip, payments, or other related topics please feel free to contact us.