In Gambia and Senegal

Bird watching with Modou Jarju

Birds have been my passion since I was a teenager !

I am an experienced guide for the past 29 years.

The Gambia hosts over 600 species of birds.

Whether you are an expert or novice in bird watching, I can show you many species in Gambia and Senegal.

Expert in identifying and imitating bird songs, I know the habitats where I can find the birds you would like to see.

I can also show you and document you about trees, plants and other animals including insects such as butterflies and also about marine life in the area.

My services

Transport

Transportation to and from the hotel is provided.

Binoculars

You can borrow binoculars free of charge.

Excursions

Prepared and customized according to your wishes at the right price.

Atmosphere

Travel in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the best possible experience.

Thanks to my extensive experience, I organize tours in the coastal area, inland or up-river, where you can observe rare species as well as other wildlife. Senegal is also a very interesting country.
The choice is yours !

Development

New habitats

I use my own resources to create watering holes for birds and other wildlife because, for them, finding water is often a big problem !

Gambia Bird Guide Association

With all modesty, I can say that I am one of the best bird guides in The Gambia and my professionalism has been recognized and endorsed by the Gambia Bird Guide Association.

See all photos

Reviews

In November 2021, I had the pleasure of going on a birdwatching tour in The Gambia with Modou Jarju. Modou´s knowledge was truly impressive. He could identify hundreds of bird species by both sight and sound, including some very rare sightings. We visited several pristine birding spots, from the Tanji Bird Reserve to the mangroves around Tendaba. Each location was chosen with great care, offering us the chance to see diverse habitats and species. Modou was always on time, organized, and easy to talk to. His passion for birding was contagious, and he was patient, always making sure we got the best views of each bird. One unforgettable moment was when Modou spotted an Nightjar. He noticed it almost instantly, something I would have missed on my own! I was impressed by his dedication to birdwatching and the well-being of birds: he finances the construction of drinking places for birds and helps with the construction of these himself. We were able to see this with our own eyes. Overall, I highly recommend Modou Jarju to anyone visiting The Gambia, whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out. His expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication made this one of the best birdwatching experiences I’ve ever had.

Birding with Modou is a very cool experience. He sees and hears everything ! He even can call out certain birds by making his signature sound. If you are going to Senegal or the Gambia, for watching birds Modou is your man !

I have been birding with Modu many times in the Gambia. The guy is the Best Guide. I have ever used in all my visits always goes the extra mile to get the best results for his clients. Always on time, never let's you down. I have seen many rare species while in the company of such a great guide ! Absolutely top notch birding brilliant.

I did a Gambia trip with Modou and a few other photographers in January 2023. It was great!! Modou is well experienced in birds and other animals and also in Gambian and other African culture. When he is with you, you never feel lost. Furthermore he has the eyes of an eagle and the ears of an elephant. He sees and hears everything you want to have on camera. He takes care of you like you are family. I hope I will have time in the near future to visit Senegal or Gambia again. Kind regards, Huibert, from Holland.

We arrived in Banjul in mid-June during a cruise and had the pleasure of enjoying a full day guided tour by Modou. He told us a lot about the wildlife in The Gambia and showed us and explained numerous bird species. He is one of the most experienced naturalists in Gambia and responds to all our wishes. He is very professional and friendly and we can highly recommend him to anyone. We would therefore like to thank him once again for this wonderful day. Hubertus R., Germany

My name is Dima and I am from Russia. I have been birding with Modou Jarju, but I am more interested in photographing animals like monkeys, baboons, hippos etc and also birds. Modou is a great birder and a very good guide who I think is the best in the Gambia. He knows his birds and other wildlife. He also knows plants, insects, animals, fauna and flora. Modou is a good guide who take care of his customers and always want to make them happy.

Strong recommendation, very professional nature guiding and very good customer care and well suitable and exact also for more demanding taste. The money was very well spent.

I was birding in Gambia with Modou twice for a weekend trip from Banjul and back. During both of the trips Modou presented us over 100 diffferent bird species and other animals. He is a real nature guide, who is able to spot a turaco who is sleeping inside a tree while driving 80kmh, these skills combined with nature knowledge have been astonishing.

One trip was during the dry season and the other one during the rain season. The nature locations have been very well selected including nature reserves but also other different spots on the road. The time on the trips was spent actively but without stress, as Modou also considers the needs for coffee breaks etc, as the weather might get quite hot. Modou also takes as good care of the housing, eating etc as possible considering the changing circumstances.

I'm from Finland, my nature enthusiasm was reborn after travelling with Modou, bought binoculars and started birding and dreaming of becoming a nature guide myself xD ! Hope to make another trip with him soon. :)

I have made countless birding trips with Modou, over a period of over 20 years and I can confirm that he is the best guide you could wish for. A few years ago he even managed to show me northern carmine bee eaters, which topped my list of most wanted species (which leaves pel's fishing owl on the nr.1 spot). I also had the privelidge to do some birding trips with Modou in the Netherlands and even in places where I know every hideout and fine place, he manages to spot and identify all he sees. He is a true birding- magician and comes highly recommended !!!

Modou has taken me on birding trips every year since 2012. He is very knowledgable and friendly. He can see a bird even when it is hiding by leaves and branches. It is always a pleasure to go birdwatching with him. He knows all the right spots close to the coastline and also up country. He is the best.

I know Modou for 15+ years and after many naturewalks and expedities over the years I consider him a friend. His knowledge of gambian wildlife is undisputed. I can recommend him as an honest and valuable guide.