The Gambia: The Smiling Coast of Africa – Day Three of Wildlife on the River and a New Guide

After an incredible second day exploring the history and wildlife of The Gambia, I woke up to a quiet morning at Kairoh Garden. However, today would bring some unexpected news. Yankuba, my trusted guide throughout this adventure, received a phone call early in the morning informing him that his mother's health had worsened. He had no choice but to travel to Dakar, Senegal, the next day to take her to the hospital. Despite the sudden turn of events, Yankuba had already arranged for a new guide, Mustafa, to take over from the following day, ensuring my journey would continue seamlessly.

Though I hadn't yet met Mustafa, I trusted Yankuba's arrangements and prepared myself for the day's new adventure on the River Gambia.

Another Day on the River Gambia

Once we settled the new guide situation, Yankuba and I headed out for another wildlife and birdwatching expedition on the River Gambia. The lush, green riverbanks and the rhythm of the boat gliding through the water set the perfect tone for a day in nature.

The true highlight of the day was spotting the rare African Finfoot. Known for its elusive nature, the African Finfoot is notoriously hard to see in the wild. These shy birds tend to remain hidden in dense vegetation along the water's edge, perfectly camouflaged by their muted plumage. Their solitary nature and secretive behavior make them a rare sight for even the most experienced birdwatchers. Seeing one quietly slipping through the river's calm waters felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It's a bird that's as mysterious as it is beautiful, and this sighting was easily one of the highlights of my entire trip to The Gambia.

A Quick Detour to Farasuto Forest

Before heading back to Bakau, we made a quick detour to Farasuto Forest in hopes of spotting some of The Gambia's owls. With a bit of luck on our side, we were fortunate enough to find a Verreaux's Eagle-Owl. This large owl, with its distinctive pink eyelids, was a magnificent sight perched high in the trees. It was a rare treat to see such an impressive predator in the wild, adding yet another highlight to the day's adventures.

The Long Journey Back to Bakau

After our owl-spotting success, it was time to make the long drive back to Bakau—a journey that took around 7 to 8 hours. Given the rough night I had before with very little sleep, I ended up dozing off for most of the way. But the rest was much-needed and allowed me to recharge for the next day, when I'd meet my new guide, Mustafa, and embark on the next leg of my Gambian adventure.