This trip is specifically designed for anyone who needs to clear out these two top Sub-Saharan African specialties: Quail-Plover and Golden Nightjar.

 

What are the reasons for joining our quest for the elusive Quail-Plover? To maximize our photo opportunities with the birds during the tour, we will conduct a pre-tour assessment of the Quail-Plover site. To ensure continued observation of this unique bird's exceptional behavior (see included video), we will approach the birds while minimizing disturbance.

 

However, during that trip, we will also target other West African Sub-Saharan or Sahelian regional specialties, which can be difficult to find elsewhere: Arabian and Savile's Bustards, Temminck's Courser, Scissor-tailed Kite, Little Grey Woodpecker, Cricket Warbler, River Prinia, Desert Cisticola, Sennar Penduline Tit, Black Scrub-robin, Sudan Golden Sparrow, Atlas Wheatear, and a variety of other common African species. We will also not leave Africa without visiting the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a staggering number of both local and migratory water birds.

 

5th February, Day 1
Arrive and transfer to Popuguine Lodge for overnight.

 

6th February, Day 2

Drive to Njafan and overnight in Kaolack; make a few birding stops along the way; aim for late afternoon and evening to see the unique Savile's Bustards and Scissor-tailed Kites roost.

 

7th February, Day 3

Drive to Tip area for the Quail-Plover photography session, and spend the night at nearby Touba.

 

8th February, Day 4

Morning in the Tip area for Quail-Plover if still needed. Then travelling to Podor area, for a still daylight visit of a roosting Golden Nightjar; staying overnight in Podor.

 

9th February, Day 5

Morning along the savannahs east and west of Podor, aiming for species such as the Little Grey Woodpecker, Cricket Warbler, Desert Cisticola, Sennar Penduline Tit, Black Scrub-robin, Sudan Golden Sparrow, and Atlas Wheatear. Then drive to Djoudj, making a few birding stops along the way. Overnight in Djoudj.

 

10th February, Day 6

morning safari at the park (Arabian Bustards) followed by an afternoon boat trip.

 

11th February, Day 7

Drive back to Popuguine and spend the afternoon birding at the park before spending the night there.

 

12th February, Day 8

A morning birding walk near the lodge, followed by an airport transfer.

 

Tour Dates: Thursday 5th – Friday 12th February 2027

Tour Price: £1,895

Deposit: £1000 per person

Minimum Number: 6 people; maximum Group Size: 8 people

 

Included in cost: Accommodation, ground transport, all meals, all entrance fees, boat trip, and bottled water.

Not included in cost: International airfare, travel insurance, drinks other than water and any airport/visa fees 

Single Supplement: £ 200 

Transportation type: A/C Minibus

Difficulty status: easy to moderate