The Gambia: The Smiling Coast of Africa – Day Five Discovering Marakissa, Darisalami, and Brikama Craft Market

Heading to Marakissa

As the sun rose, I eagerly awaited another day of adventure. At 07:00 sharp, Mustapha arrived to pick me up, as always on time and ready for a new day of exploration. With his warm smile and contagious enthusiasm, we set off on our journey towards Marakissa, one of the most intriguing destinations on our itinerary. The anticipation of what the day would bring was already palpable as we drove through the early morning calm.

The road to Marakissa was lined with the lush greenery of The Gambia's countryside, offering glimpses of the vibrant local life. As we headed deeper into the rural landscapes, the excitement of new horizons ahead made the drive feel like an adventure in itself. Known for its tranquil rice fields and expansive farmlands, Marakissa is a picturesque area that is far from the bustling city life of Banjul. While the scenic views were undoubtedly stunning, for me, the true allure of Marakissa lay in the wildlife and the exceptional birdwatching opportunities that awaited us.

Every turn brought us closer to the wildlife-filled fields and wetlands, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building as we approached the heart of Marakissa. I knew that today would be another unforgettable chapter in my Gambia adventure.

Exploring Marakissa's Wildlife

Marakissa proved to be every bit as captivating as I had imagined. We spent several hours leisurely wandering through its expansive rice fields, each step revealing something new in this vibrant ecosystem. The fields were alive with the symphony of birdsong, as various species flitted between the tall grasses and the trees that lined the area. The air was thick with the sounds of the wild, and with every new sighting, it felt like we were discovering a hidden treasure in this remote corner of The Gambia.

During our exploration, we encountered a group of local boys who were on their way to fish in the nearby river. Their carefree chatter and the rhythmic sound of their footsteps in the grass added a peaceful and authentic touch to the scene, further enhancing the charm of this quiet, rural area. It was a reminder of the simplicity and harmony between the people and nature in this part of the world. Their presence was subtle, yet it underscored the sense of community that thrives in these tranquil surroundings.

As we ventured deeper into the fields, it became clear that Marakissa's landscape was a haven for a variety of bird species, especially predators. Among the tall grasses and around the edges of the river, we observed several birds of prey, their sharp eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement. It was fascinating to witness the way they maneuvered through the air with such grace and precision, perfectly adapted to their environment.

One of the most memorable moments was watching a pair of raptors glide effortlessly above the fields. Their synchronized flight and the way they used the wind currents to their advantage were a testament to their incredible hunting skills. It was as if they were showing off, displaying their mastery of the skies while keeping a watchful eye on the ground below for potential prey. The wide open spaces of Marakissa, dotted with patches of lush green areas and sprawling farmlands, provided an ideal backdrop for these magnificent birds. The landscape itself felt like the perfect setting for a predator to hone its skills.

Darisalami: A Peaceful Birdwatching Retreat

After Marakissa, we made our way to Darisalami, where we spent time at a lodge that had a purpose-built bird hide. This hide offered the perfect vantage point to quietly observe the surrounding wildlife, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the area without disturbing the birds.

From the hide, we watched as various bird species moved through the lush surroundings, their activities providing a constant source of fascination. The stillness of the environment, paired with the vibrant birdlife, created a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It was a perfect chance to slow down, relax, and appreciate the tranquility of nature in its purest form.

The bird hide itself was a thoughtfully designed space that allowed us to feel part of the environment, without intruding on the natural behavior of the birds. We could observe their interactions, movements, and subtle gestures with a sense of quiet reverence, knowing we were witnessing something rare and beautiful. It felt as though we were sharing this moment with the birds, becoming an unnoticeable part of their world for a short while.

Time seemed to slow as we watched the birds come and go, their colors adding splashes of life to the landscape. Each moment in the hide was different from the last, with new species making an appearance and the natural world continuing to unfold around us. The experience in Darisalami was a reminder of the importance of quiet spaces in nature, where the only sounds are the calls of birds and the rustling of leaves, offering a true escape from the noise of the world.

Canoeing at Kingfisher's Lodge

From Darisalami, we made our way to Kingfisher's Lodge, a peaceful retreat nestled along the river in Marakissa. The tranquility of the location was immediately apparent as we set off on a leisurely canoe trip along the winding river. This break from our birdwatching adventure provided a much-needed moment to slow down and take in the surrounding beauty at a more relaxed pace. As we paddled, the riverbanks unfolded around us, revealing lush vegetation and a variety of birdlife that lined the edges of the water, adding to the serenity of the experience.

The calmness of the water was reflected perfectly in the stillness of the surroundings, with the occasional ripple caused by our paddles cutting through the surface. The sound of the canoe gliding through the water was soothing, creating a rhythm that seemed to match the natural flow of the environment. It felt like a moment suspended in time, with no rush or urgency, just the gentle pace of the river guiding us along.

As we drifted downstream, the river seemed to offer new perspectives with each bend. The towering trees, thick undergrowth, and sporadic glimpses of wildlife on the shore created a truly immersive experience. I was lucky to capture one particularly memorable moment when a Giant Kingfisher perched on a branch with a large fish in its beak. The fish, unusually large for the bird, added a humorous touch to the moment—almost as though the Kingfisher had gone for the biggest catch it could manage! It was an impressive sight, and the photo I captured of the bird holding the fish became one of my favorite shots from the day.

The canoe trip at Kingfisher's Lodge turned out to be more than just a relaxing paddle—it was an opportunity to experience the rhythm of the river and the subtle wonders of the natural world. The combination of peaceful moments on the water and the excitement of seeing wildlife up close made this part of the journey especially memorable.

Brikama Craft Market: A Cultural Stop

Our final stop for the day was the bustling Brikama Craft Market, a lively and colorful hub of local culture. As is often the case when visiting a country with a strong tradition of mask-making, I couldn't resist picking up a piece of that culture. This time, I bought an antique Mandinka mask. The Mandinka people, being the largest ethnic group in The Gambia, have a deep connection to masks, often using them in ceremonies and rituals. The mask I purchased felt like a meaningful souvenir—an authentic representation of the country's rich cultural history.

Walking through the market was an experience in itself, with the air buzzing with activity. Each stall was filled with handcrafted goods, from intricately carved wooden figurines to colorful woven baskets and textiles. The craftsmanship on display was impressive, with each item telling a story of tradition and artistry. The market was alive with the sounds of haggling, laughter, and music, creating an atmosphere full of energy and charm. Vendors proudly displayed their work, offering everything from traditional clothing to decorative pieces that reflected the vibrant colors and textures of The Gambia.

As I wandered through the maze of stalls, I couldn't help but feel connected to the spirit of the country. The market encapsulated the essence of Gambia—warm, welcoming, and full of life. It was a fitting conclusion to the day's exploration, offering not just a chance to buy a souvenir but an opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of Gambian culture.

Returning to the Hotel and Reflecting on the Day

After an enriching day of birdwatching and cultural exploration, I returned to the hotel, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. The photos I had taken throughout the day were waiting to be edited, and as I settled in to work, I couldn't help but reflect on how incredible this experience had been.

Each destination, from the bird hides of Darisalami to the canoe ride along the river and the vibrant Brikama Market, had brought something unique to the table. I felt immensely lucky to have had such diverse experiences, and yet, there was a tinge of bittersweetness—tomorrow would be my last day exploring wildlife in The Gambia.

As I edited my photos, I thought about the many wonderful moments I'd experienced here—nature, birds, the local culture, and the people I had met. It had been an unforgettable adventure, and I couldn't help but feel excited to see what the final day of my journey would bring.