Just out of interest and in your opinion do you think a novice birder could have an enjoyable trip by just booking a weeks package deal at that hotel and birding the sites within walking distance of the kotu area? I would love a trip to Gambia and have never birded in Africa. Unfortunately I can't really afford the £1500-2500 guided bird tour arrangement at the moment but reports I've read would suggest that perhaps there are enough good spots around the tourist areas to keep you happy if your expectations are not to high. Is this the case?
I went to Gambia a couple of years ago.
Had a wonderful time without using a guide.
If its your first time you will have little trouble getting lifers.
We splashed out on the Sheraton Brufut Heights.
It is more expensive than the bog standard hotels but it has three advantages.
1] It is within walking distance of the Tanji Forest reserve and lagoons as well as the Brufut Woods reserve.
You will have no trouble finding your own birds there.
2] The hotel grounds and surrounding scrubland are teeeming with birds.Over 50 species here alone!
3] We have stayed at many All Inclusives around the world and we still think this one is the best we have ever stayed at.
Once you have paid for your holiday your only extra costs are the minimal reserve entrance fees and taxi costs to place like Abuko,Paradise Beach and any other places you want to visit.
Just come back from our second visit to Cuba,again guideless and had a wonderful bird filled week[ see Vacation Forum on this website]
If you want a copy of my report to give you some idea of what you can see sans guide please let me know.
I will be able to paste it on here.
All the best