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7 Day itinerary in The Gambia, Africa

Discover the Real Gambia

The Gambia is a small West African country, bounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline. It's known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River. Abundant wildlife in its Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve includes monkeys, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and ... Read More

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Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

Driver as a Guide

starting point

Banjul

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Visit markets

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Culture & Arts

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Enjoy a city tour of Banjul

2

Walk through the jungle where you might see monkeys, mongoose and many types of exotic birds

3

Cruise on the river Gambia where dolphins will generally show their presence

4

Visit a Mandingo Village to experience village life.

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Arrival

Upon arrival at Banjul airport, meet your English Speaking Guide and transfer to the hotel in Banjul Banjul is the capital city of the Gambia, a small West African country bordered by Senegal. The city sits on an island where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Its colonial buildings include the National Museum, dedicated to Gambian culture and history. Vendors at the lively Albert Market sell colorful textiles and local produce. The city's main entrance is marked by the immense, columned Arch 22 gateway. The remainder of the day at leisure

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel
Day 2

place Banjul

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your English Speaking Guide and enjoy a city tour of Banjul This fascinating tour to Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, situated at colonial St. Mary’s Island, touches on the life and culture of the people of the country. As we drive into Banjul, we will stop at Arch 22, a landmark commemorating the symbol of the Second Republic of The Gambia. It was built in 1996 to mark the rise to power two years earlier of President Yahya Jammeh. A statue of the Unknown Soldier can be seen near the base of the Arch. The soldier is carrying a baby in one hand, making the peace sign with his other hand, and has a rifle strapped across his back. At 35 meters high, the Arch, which is depicted on the reverse of the 100 dalasi banknote, is one of the tallest structures in The Gambia. The building stands on eight columns and has three floors. Access to the upper floors can be made through several elevators and spiral cases. The gallery on the second floor provides an impressive panorama of the city, with the view extending down to the seaport of Banjul and the mangrove forests of the Tanbi wetland complex. On the top floor is a small textile museum. We will then visit the National Museum of The Gambia on Independence Drive, home to historical documents, old maps, photos, displays, and wood carvings relating to the fascinating history of the country and its road to independence. We then head to Albert Market in Banjul, where you can see how the local people struggle with their daily life. It’s a riot of colors and smells, with its food, vegetable and fish markets, music, fabrics, and crafts. Popular souvenirs include batik, gold and silver filigree jewelry, wood carvings, and leather goods. Tailors can quickly make clothes to order at reasonable prices. The City Tour will end at the quiet seafront Kalipso Beach Bar and Restaurant in Bakau, where you can have lunch, enjoy a quiet walk to the beach, and see the birdlife.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel
Day 3

place Abuko Nature Reserve

Breakfast at the hotel Meet your English Speaking Guide and drive to Abuko Nature Reserve and Brikama Carving Center. The Abuko Reserve is the principal Nature Reserve in the country. Walk through the jungle where you might see monkeys, mongooses,s, and many types of exotic birds. Sometimes crocodiles and antelope can be found. On the return, stop at the village of Brikama, famous for its wood carving market.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel
Day 4

place Juffure

Breakfast at the hotel Meet your English Speaking Guide and drive to Juffere. Jufureh, Juffureh or Juffure is a town in the Gambia, 30 kilometers inland on the north bank of the River Gambia in the North Bank Division near James Island. The town is home to a museum and Fort Jillifree. Juffureh is also the ancestral home of the late Alex Haley, best-selling author of Roots. Grandma Karafa Kinteh, the oldest living relative of Alex Haley, will welcome you for your visit Return to the hotel

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel
Day 5

place Banjul Cruise

Cruise on the river Gambia where dolphins will generally show their presence. Stop at a Mandingo Village to experience village life. You will be entertained by a mini cultural festival. The river meanders its way from Banjul on the Atlantic coast through typical African villages for 300 miles into the interior of Africa. You can travel through the original routes where slave ships sailed and visit exotic historical places like James Island, Albreda Slave market, and Juffure. Return to the hotel

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel
Day 6

place Free day

Enjoy a free day at leisure to relax on the beach, shop, or take an optional tour. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel
Day 7

place Departure

Morning at leisure before departing for your onward flight End of services.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Senegambia Beach Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (6)

Transport expand_less

  • Airport pick up and drop off Banjul Airport

Activities expand_less

  • Banjul City Tour
  • Visit Abuko Nature Reserve
  • Juffure tour
  • Cruise on the River Gambia

Not Included expand_less

  • International Flights
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Optional Activities
  • Tips for Guides and Drivers

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