Ashley and I first met Tamba back in 1998 on our first trip to the Gambia. At that time we had limited knowledge of the area and felt a guide was essential. We are both keen birders and hoped our experience would be a great one.
We’d travelled with The Gambia Experience, who provided the guide, who of course was Tamba. From the outset, it was clear he was an excellent choice. I was impressed with his knowledge of the bird calls/song, where he could quickly identify and hone in on something from the slightest noise.
We were both impressed by Tamba’s passion and enthusiasm, even for the commonest species. His knowledge of species identification, songs and calls is excellent.
He took us to several well-known sites along with some lesser-known ones, which don't even exist today. We’ve remained in touch ever since our first meeting and returned to The Gambia on three further occasions, where we have also spent time with Tamba.
His passion and enthusiasm remain, and he is now involved in protecting the local environment for the sake of not only the biodiversity but also the local communities. Steve & Ashley Fairburn – United Kingdom
We’d travelled with The Gambia Experience, who provided the guide, who of course was Tamba. From the outset, it was clear he was an excellent choice. I was impressed with his knowledge of the bird calls/song, where he could quickly identify and hone in on something from the slightest noise.
We were both impressed by Tamba’s passion and enthusiasm, even for the commonest species. His knowledge of species identification, songs and calls is excellent.
He took us to several well-known sites along with some lesser-known ones, which don't even exist today. We’ve remained in touch ever since our first meeting and returned to The Gambia on three further occasions, where we have also spent time with Tamba.
His passion and enthusiasm remain, and he is now involved in protecting the local environment for the sake of not only the biodiversity but also the local communities. Steve & Ashley Fairburn – United Kingdom
Steve & Ashley Fairburn
United Kingdom
I first came across Tamba when he was little more than a fledgling bird guide, still learning about his country's birds, their songs and different plumages. Almost 30 years later, he has become not just highly competent in bird identification but also extremely skilled in finding them. He has developed this expertise through spending countless hours in the field and by having an undisguised and infectious enthusiasm for his subject. Importantly, he is also fun to be with and is highly experienced in dealing with groups of visiting birders. Tamba is now a highly respected member of the Gambian birding community, an advocate for the birds in difficult times when they are under what seems to be constant threat from development and habitat loss. He can also cook and can be relied upon to conjure up a very tasty Yassa, Domoda or Benachin!
Peter Dedicoat
Former Tour Leader and Bird Guide