Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge?
The Egyptian Plover is often the biggest draw for visiting birders (photo: Karanta Camara).
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Our lodge is Morgan Kunda Lodge in Jarjari Village, North Bank Region, The Gambia. It was set up in 2009.
How best to travel to your lodge?
Morgan Kunda Lodge is on the north bank of The Gambia, close to the Farafenni Bridge crossing, and can be reached via the Banjul ferry to the North Bank or via the South Bank road and the Senegambia Bridge.
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
We offer expert-led birding tours, a bird viewing tower/platform, and help with arranging local excursions, including nature walks, boat trips, and other wildlife-focused outings.
What makes your lodge special?
Morgan Kunda Lodge is a birding lodge set in a rural community beside the Bao Bolong Wetland Nature Reserve, with strong local ties and a clear conservation and community-support mission through the Morgan Clark Foundation (photos: Richard Williams).
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
Some of the most exciting birds around the lodge include Egyptian Plover, White-crested Tiger Bittern, Martial Eagle, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Carmine Bee-eater, Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture, African Fish Eagle, African Golden Oriole, African Grey Hornbill, African Jacana, Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, Black-headed Lapwing, Brown Babbler, and various bustards, sunbirds, and kingfishers.
Abyssinian Roller (Photo: Ebrodelta Birding)
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
The best time is generally during the cooler, drier birding season, when bird activity is strong, and conditions are comfortable for exploring the wetlands and surrounding savannah. The lodge is especially attractive to birders seeking both resident and migratory species.
Splendid Sunbird
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Yes. Any surplus income from the lodge supports the Morgan Clark Foundation, which funds community projects including a local school, nursery, training centre, and maternity support for the surrounding area.
Beautiful Sunbird (Photo: Kitty Walshy)
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Bring binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, lightweight clothing, sun protection, and a field guide. A scope can also be useful, and birders should be prepared for early starts to get the best sightings.
Village Weaver (Photo: Kitty Walshy)
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
Yes. Non-birders can enjoy boat trips on the river, nature walks, fishing trips with local fishermen, visits to nearby communities, and wider wildlife excursions in northern Gambia.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
They can contact us by email at contact@morgankunda.com or by phone at +44 333 122 5329, or by submitting a form on our website: morgankunda.com
Great Cormorant
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Morgan Kunda Lodge offers a rare combination of excellent birding, rural village life, and direct community benefit, making a stay here both rewarding and meaningful.
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