Bansang Quarry
An abandoned quarry beside Bansang town, its cliffs riddled with red-throated bee-eater nests, one of the best birding spots on the upper Gambia River.
Bansang Quarry lies at the edge of Bansang town, about 20 minutes' drive southeast of Janjanbureh. The earthen cliffs are full of red-throated bee-eater nest burrows. During the dry-season breeding period, over a hundred brightly colored bee-eaters swirl in front of the cliff face, making it a great photo spot. At the base of the quarry, a small pool that never dries up draws pigeons, finches, and birds of prey coming to drink. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Birding guides usually lead the visit, which can be combined with the Bansang market. There are no facilities at the site, so keep well clear of the cliff edges.
Opening hours
All day (no facilities)
Nearby sights
- Kunkilling Forest Park
- Janjanbureh Old Town (MacCarthy Island)
- Freedom Tree
- Slave House
- Kuntaur
- Wassu Stone Circles
- River Gambia National Park (Baboon Islands)
- Kerr Batch Stone Circles