The Gambia is set to become a focal point for bird enthusiasts, thanks to Megan McCubbin’s new collaboration.
In partnership with The Gambia Experience, McCubbin will host birdwatching tours next January.
Megan McCubbin, a well-regarded wildlife presenter, has announced her collaboration with The Gambia Experience for exclusive birdwatching tours. This partnership is poised to attract bird enthusiasts to Gambia, a country known for its remarkable avian biodiversity. These tours, scheduled for January 2025, promise an immersive experience into Gambian birdlife, supported by the expertise of both McCubbin and local ornithologist Malick Suso.
Home to over 600 bird species, Gambia is increasingly gaining recognition among birdwatchers. The tours offer both novice and seasoned birders an exceptional chance to observe a plethora of bird species in their natural habitat. During prior events, attendees marvelled at sighting 154 different species in a mere three days. Such statistics underscore Gambia’s potential as a burgeoning birding destination in West Africa.
McCubbin’s love for Gambia is deeply personal, tracing back to childhood visits with her stepfather, Chris Packham, a fellow TV presenter and wildlife expert. Her return to Gambia, thus, is not just professional but also sentimental. These tours aim to share McCubbin’s unique insights and experiences, presenting Gambia’s lesser-known facets to a global audience eager to explore its natural wonders.
The scheduled three- and four-night expeditions are designed to provide participants with a comprehensive glimpse into Gambia’s avian landscapes. Participants will be based at the Bakotu Hotel, a family-run establishment that aligns with the immersive and authentic experience promised by these tours. Karen Durham, product manager for The Gambia Experience, emphasized the meticulous arrangement of these tours, ensuring they offer educational yet enjoyable experiences.
A seven-night package, priced from £1,580, encompasses accommodation at Hotel Bakotu in a standard room and includes a three-night guided tour with McCubbin. The package is comprehensive, covering flights and hotel transfers, ensuring a seamless experience for participants. This offering makes the expedition accessible to international tourists, reaffirming Gambia‘s appeal as a destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Feedback from previous participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with Megan McCubbin herself sharing her enthusiasm. “The joy of witnessing such diversity in bird species is unmatched,” she remarked. The tourism sector anticipates a strong turnout for these tours, backed by the growing recognition of The Gambia as a key player in ecotourism. Organisations are hopeful that such initiatives will bolster the local economy while promoting conservation.
The Gambia Experience and McCubbin’s partnership heralds a promising venture in ecotourism.
Such initiatives not only enhance Gambia’s global appeal but also encourage sustainable tourism practices.
