Trip Report for February 2006
Departure Day
With our flight home at just before 5pm we knew we had a whole morning for birding. We wanted to see some birds but not get too hot or tired so the Senegambia Hotel seemed like the perfect choice. We had stayed there in the past and had been thoroughly spoiled by the wonderful gardens, the enormous variety of birds and the easy and close views. As it was just up the road from Bijilo it was very handy.
Our visit was a shock and disappointment. The gardens had been cleared, the hide and pool gone, the birds were few and far between and as a birders' hotel it offered little to attract visitors.
We had expected to spend most of the morning birding but in the end just relaxed with a cool drink before saying goodbye to Mustapha, who had been a wonderful guide and good company throughout our week-long visit.
The disappointment of the morning couldn't overshadow the incredible week we had spent birding in The Gambia and our last few hours were wonderfully relaxed in the Halcyon grounds, enjoying the birds and chatting about our experiences and memorable sightings throughout the week.
It was with great regret we gathered our bags and said our “goodbyes” before setting off for the airport at Yundum and our short flight home.
