Senegal’s Best Birding Locations

Explore Senegal’s remarkable birdlife across major wetlands, Atlantic coast, mangrove deltas and inland savannah. These destinations combine naturally with The Gambia for a varied West African birding holiday. November to April is the best general season for migratory birds and concentrated waterbirds. For seasonal advice, see Best Time to Visit Senegal for Birdwatching.

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Senegal River Delta, Djoudj protects more than 16,000 hectares of seasonal floodplains, reedbeds, lakes and channels. It is a major winter refuge for migratory waterbirds.

Highlights

• Great White Pelicans
• Flamingos and African Spoonbills
• Yellow-billed Storks
• Arabian Bustard

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Langue de Barbarie National Park

Near Saint-Louis, a sandy peninsula separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Senegal River. Mudflats, estuary channels and coastal dunes support important concentrations of coastal birds. Visits often include a pirogue crossing.

Highlights

• Caspian and Royal Terns
• Grey-headed Gulls
• Coastal waders
• Herons and egrets

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Saloum Delta National Park

A UNESCO-listed and Ramsar wetland of mangrove channels, islands, salt flats and coastal woodland. This 76,000-hectare delta lies on the East Atlantic Flyway and is best explored by guided pirogue.

Highlights

• Goliath Herons and Royal Terns
• Eurasian Spoonbills
• Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
• Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers

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Niokolo-Koba National Park

In south-eastern Senegal, this remote UNESCO World Heritage Site protects Sudanian savannah, open woodland and gallery forest along the Gambia River. Plan a guided multi-day vehicle visit; the dry season offers the easiest access.

Highlights

• Egyptian Plover
• Bateleur and Martial Eagle
• Blue-bellied Roller
• Northern Carmine Bee-eater

Explore Niokolo-Koba National Park