RFI: Gambia in September (1 Viewer)

[Jynx]

Hi

having enjoyed Gambia greatly in Febraury this year we find we have a week to use in September.

What are the pros/cons of visiting in September?

I know it is the rainy season with high humidity, which we could cope with, but how bad is the mozzie problem then.

Any thoughts from birders who have done a September visit would be greatly appreciated.

TIA
Mike

 

[Steve G]

Not been in September but have done an early October visit (2nd week in October,2008).
Certainly more Mozzies than later in the year but not a horrendous problem. I did find the humidity and heat to be a problem at night.

The birding is very worthwhile with breeding plumage Red Bishops everywhere as well as a few Yellow Bishops. Levaillant's, Dideric and Klaas's Cuckoos all fairly common and both Pygmy and Woodland Kingfishers seemingly everywhere! Some of the sunbirds such as Red chested seem to be more obvious and Broad-billed Rollers are also quite common but there seemed to be no Blue cheeked or White throated Bee eaters around.

If the rains have been good many of the usual birding sites may be difficult to access due to flooding of tracks and it may be impossible to walk the circuit around Abuko.
On the other hand the gates at Pirang are often open as the shrimp harvest hasn't begun - access to the site could give a lot of good waterbirds and Black Crowned Cranes are much more likely than later in the season.

 

[colcro]

Pros: increasing numbers of Paleartic migrants through the month esp warblers and waders. Afrotrop rainy season breeders in great plumage. The chance to see some summer specials. A great time to find insects and snakes. Few birders. Local Bird guides always available. Ramadan is over, and best of all, no British tourists.

Cons: As Steve says getting places cannot be taken for granted. September gets the heaviest rain, it can rain for days and you will lose some time because of this. Mossies should not be a problem taking the right precautions. Most of the 'tourist services' will be shut apart from those catering for the small numbers of Spanish tourists who come at this time.

It's a pity the flights are so expensive at this time of year as birders are often put off by the cost. This is a shame because its an excellent month for birding.

 

[Merlin]

Hi Mike

We went in early September 2010.

It did rain frequently and boy did it rain, we alked around an empty Abuko in what can only be described as a Monsoon. It was really hot and clammy which made the cold beer even more welcome, didn't have any problem with the Mozzies and despite the rain and the heat we did see some amazing birds.
We visited the Senegambia Hotel where I had stayed before and although the shop and bar were open, it and most other places looked like a shanty town.
In conclusion it was still a great trip with some great birds!

regards
Merlin (ex Bristol Birder)

 

[Jynx]

Thanks for your comments. Seriously thinking about it but resort check-in is Friday and flights are only on Tuesdays. Brilliant! I'll let you know.