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Gambian guide recommendations (2 Viewers)

Tony Knight

Well-known member
United Kingdom
The site was reluctant to allow me to post to the lengthy thread below as its been so long since the last post - so I've started a new one !

I used the services of Yankuba Tamba in Feb 2010 and, because I was so impressed, again in Feb 2012. With his help I know I saw many birds that I would not otherwise have seen. His knowledge of what can be seen where, along with his eyesite and ability to call birds down, eg Pearl-spotted owlet near Tujering, proved invaluable. Many of the photos on my flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54189378@N02/sets/72157628259557281/) were taken while with Yankuba and i wouldn't hesitate to recommend his services to anyone travelling to The Gambia. Unlike some of the other guides I've seen he isn't "full of himself" and doesn't constantly prattle on, instead keeping pretty quiet while he gets on with his job of finding birds.

We didn't go upriver due to limited time but i know that was an option with him.
His contact details are;

[email protected]
mobile from uk - 002209954017
He also has a website under-development which "needs a bit of work" at http://birding.webklik.nl/page/birding
 
I used Hassan Gindeh who operates from the hut opposite the Senegambia. He was excellent, knows everyone and is respected by them, a good conversationalist and doesn't put you through any awkward unscheduled side trips. I'm grateful for him putting together a Brufut/Tanji trip which enabled me to see some superb birds (Bronze winged Courser, 3 Owls etc) whilst still keeping my non-birding wife entertained with the local sites.

He was extremely affordable too.

There are some pretty average guides in Gambia so it's well worth taking recommendations. Hassans number is 7040618, just get your hotel to call him. Website -
http://gambiabirdman.blogspot.co.uk/
 
I've used Mustapha Manneh on both trips to the Gambia and he's been very good . He has all the contacts if you are after specific birds and knows good sites away from the well known ones. We made the unfortunate decision to use Ebou Barry for one particular trip - he knows the birds but has major disregard for his customers .
 
I ued Ebrima Sidibeh and Ebrima Korita, and was very happy with both. They worked hard to get me good birds.
 
I recommend Yaya Barry of Kingbirders: http://www.geopictures.net/kingbirders/
He arranged all of my 3 week trip last month, January 2014 (see separate thread).
I went out with him to Kartong, Mandinaba & Farasuto, Lamin Bolong and fields, then Tujereng Woods.

Yaya has been bird watching & leading tours for over 18 years. He has excellent knowledge, great eyes and ears, plus he has a lovely personality and sense of humour. He has his own large 4X4, well maintained and kept in good clean condition, big enough for 5 passengers. He's also steady, safe driver.

Yaya is also manager of the excellent Gambia Bird Lodge, in Tanji Village: http://www.gambiabirdlodge.com/, where he lives with his wife and delightful young daughter.

I can't recommend Yaya highly enough!
 
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Bird Guide Recommendation

Hi.
I would like to recommend the Bird Guide we used this year when we visited The Gambia. He was very knowledgable and excellent at both spotting birds, identifying them and attracting them with his owl calls. His name is Modou Saidy and is stationed at Kotu Bridge Bird Guides Association station.

Here are his contact details:

00220 - 7971545
[email protected]
www.gambia-and-senegal-birdstours.com

And here is the blog of my trip:

the-gambia-birds-kairaba/

o:)
 
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