The Gambia truly deserves its reputation as the birdwatcher's paradise. The country's outstanding variety of avifauna offers an exciting introduction to African Birdwatching and is also an ever popular destination for more experienced Birders, many of whom flock back year after year.

The area around MacCarthy Island is particularly rich ornithologically: the fresh water riverine habitat, forest, grasslands and rice fields host many species that are either difficult or impossible to find on the coast. Bird Safari Camp's ideal location on the northwestern banks of the island means that many birds - Violet Touraco, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Verreaux's Eagle Owl, Stone Partridge, Red-throated Bee-eater and Four-banded Sandgrouse, to name but a few - are frequently seen within the camp's grounds.

The Gambia's most famous bird, the gloriously patterned "Egyptian Plover" or "Crocodile Bird", is most likely to be seen only a short drive from the camp (in Basse - 66 km) where you may also be lucky enough to spot the delightful Carmine Bee-eater, another birders' favourite.

A prerequisite for a birdwatching holiday is a good field guide. One of The Gambia's leading ornithologists, Clive Barlow, (together with Tim Wacher and Tony Disley) has published a highly acclaimed book called Birds of The Gambia and Senegal which you may wish to purchase before your departure.

Since creating Bird Safari Camp in 1998, we are now offering our own birding and wildlife tours to The Gambia which are led by some of the best guides in the country. For further information on planning your birdwatching holiday, please visit our UK web site at www.hiddengambia.com.