Tendaba Eco Lodge, The Gambia

I visited the local beach before we left Banjul for the interior of the country. The way to the beach was over a main road and down a path between some shops and a hotel. But in the middle of the dual carriageway was an odd statue seemingly without any explanation plague or reference to the surroundings.

But the beach was an open expanse of sand and virtually deserted.

We left Banjul for a three hour drive into the interior, taking the main road east fron=m the capital along the south side of the river. After just an hour, there was hardly any other traffic on the road but the were more police check points than traffic in either direction. Then we crossed one of the tributaries and turned down a side road to reach a village on the main river.

We passed several road side signs warning of Irish Crossing. An interesting name but just a local name for a ford which consisted of a concrete lined dip in the road to allow flood water to flow into the river. Many were partially filled in as there has ben a drought here for three years.

We arrived at the Tentaba Eco Lodge and campsite, a premier location for safaris to see the wildlife including a baobab tree in the grounds.

One of the fruits from which a drink is made. The fruit is about the size of a slightly squared grapefruit.

The eco lodge is on the shores of the river and in the mud and mangrove swamps are mud skippers such as these two photos.

The local pier from which the fishing boats leave from and land their catch for transfer to the local markets.

One of the many birds that search the mud flats for food.

Sunset and a dog staring at me as if it is the object of the photo.

And a cute goat.

This was the aim of a walk into the local jungle, a large termite mound.

And a selfie of me showing that the termite mound is over my head so it must stand at 2.5metres high. It might look like a sand castle but it was rock solid.

Some one's idea of a joke. The sign reads Tendaba Airfield Terminal 3 next to a path that leads off into the jungle and ultimately to some mud flats.

 One of the safari vehicles used for large groups to get into the jungle.

Ans just a couple more photos of birds as this is a major bird watching area frequented by ornithologists with over fifty birds to see at only one time. Just a few of the many.