Gambia bird watching tours

Planet

Soloman will start our Gambia bird-watching tours with a briefing giving details of the trip, pointing out the need not to disturb the ecology and wildlife, and the need to take all of your rubbish home with you. The lodge where you will spend the evenings is probably the most ecologically friendly compound in The Gambia. It is solar-powered, providing all of our electricity. The toilets are self-composting, so no water is used. Washing and bathing water is collected as grey water and used on the gardens. An organic garden provides the vegetables and fruit for the lodge. Bread and other items are sourced locally from Gunjur village. The offices in The Gambia and England are paperless; 90% of our work is online. Our guides emphasize respectful wildlife viewing, minimal noise, and staying on marked paths. We support local conservation projects and community initiatives, benefiting nature and local people too. Enjoy!

People

The daytime bird watching is under the supervision of Solomon, our self-employed local guide with ten years of experience. The lodge employs only local staff, mainly from the village of Gunjur, all of whom are retained throughout the year, even during the off-peak vacation season. Staff receive wages well above the national average, ensuring economic stability for their families and reducing seasonal unemployment. Everyone on duty is provided with a nutritious meal during their shift, and the lodge pays for medical and dental treatment as part of a comprehensive benefits package. Training and career development are offered, with opportunities for skill-building in hospitality, guiding, and conservation work. The management fosters a supportive, respectful workplace culture that values local knowledge and traditions. By prioritizing fair pay, healthcare, and continuous employment, the lodge strengthens the community’s well-being and helps retain experienced employees, and contributes to sustainable rural development in the Gunjur area directly.