full gambia: 12 Days of Culture, Coastlines & Wildlife 

12 - Full Gambia Culture, Coastlines & Wildlife  

Reference Package: P.16

Explore Gambia’s vibrant culture, rich history, stunning natural beauty, and meaningful community projects over 12 unforgettable days. From wildlife reserves to traditional villages and volunteer experiences, this journey offers an authentic and immersive adventure on the “Smiling Coast of Africa.”

Day 1 – Welcome to The Gambia

Upon arrival in Gambia, we will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation . This will be your first contact with the renowned "Smiling Coast of Africa," a place full of energy and warm smiles that will welcome you to the country. After settling in, you will have time to start soaking up the local atmosphere. If you wish, I will accompany you to exchange money, buy a local SIM card, or even go out for dinner at a nearby restaurant so that your Gambian experience begins in the most comfortable and authentic way possible.

Day 2 – Safari in Fathala & Delta of Sine-Saloum

We begin with pick-up from your accommodation and a ferry crossing over the Gambia River to enter Senegal.

Our first stop is the Fathala Wildlife Reserve, a sanctuary of over 2,000 hectares of forest and savannah. Aboard a 4x4 safari vehicle and guided by a local expert, you’ll encounter iconic animals such as giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, and the rare giant eland antelope.

For the adventurous, there is the option to book a safe “Lion Walk” (optional), a unique opportunity to walk alongside these majestic animals.

After the safari, we continue to the peaceful village of Toubakouta, where you’ll discover the essence of rural Senegalese life through its streets, markets, and traditions. This is a chance to connect with the daily rhythm of the community.
We recommend accommodation at La Teranga Toubakouta, a comfortable lodge with pool and fresh local cuisine, though you are free to choose the lodging that best suits your preferences.

In the afternoon, embark on a magical boat tour through the Sine-Saloum Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Visit Shell Island, crowned by an ancient baobab tree, offering panoramic views of mangroves and nearby villages.

• Glide through lush mangrove tunnels, listening to the unique crackling sound of oysters attached to the roots.

• Reach Bird Island, where at sunset hundreds of birds return to their nests — a breathtaking natural spectacle.

As the sun sets, we return to Toubakouta, where you’ll enjoy a serene evening surrounded by nature and local hospitality.

Day 3 – Juffureh, Albreda & Gambia River National Park

The day begins  visiting the historic villages of Juffureh and Albreda, where you will explore museums and monuments dedicated to the history of slavery. Then, take a boat ride to Kunta Kinte Island, immersing yourself in the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Next, continue inland, crossing Farafenni village on the Trans-Gambia highway, with a stop at the mysterious Wassu Stone Circles to learn about their historical significance.

The highlight of the day awaits at the Gambia River National Park, one of the most important protected areas in West Africa. This park is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, including chimpanzees—one of the few places in the region where you can observe them in the wild. On a two-hour guided boat trip, glide along the tranquil river waters surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. You’ll have the chance to spot hippos wallowing in the river, stealthy crocodiles basking on the banks, lively troops of baboons, and a stunning array of colorful birds including kingfishers and hornbills. This immersive experience offers a unique window into the rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems of the Gambia River.

Overnight at Kairo Garden in Kuntaur, or at accommodation of your choice.

Day 4 – Janjangbureh Island & Tendaba Camp 

Today, explore Janjangbureh Island (Georgetown),  where the poignant remnants of the transatlantic slave trade come alive. Visit the slave house, the freedom tree, and the ruins of the slave market, gaining a profound understanding of this chapter of history. 

On your return, pause at Tendaba Camp for a relaxing day and a scenic boat ride along the river, soaking in the tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife. 

Overnight at Tendaba Camp or your preferred nearby accommodation.

Day 5 – Baobab Island & Coastal Return 

After breakfast, you will drive for about two hours to Baobab Island, a pristine nature reserve in the Gambia River famous for its populations of wild baboons, exotic birds, and beautiful mangrove ecosystems. 

Enjoy a day filled with a forest walk and a boat ride with an engine boat around the island, offering unique opportunities to observe the island’s wildlife and natural beauty. Later, you’ll return to your hotel near the coast, completing a journey filled with discovery, reflection, and connection.

This is more than just a tour — it’s an invitation to experience West Africa’s wild wonders, resilient history, and vibrant cultures in a way that will stay with you forever.

Day 6 – Colors, Crafts, Crocodiles of Bakau & Monkey Forest

Start in Serekunda, the largest and busiest market, full of fruits, aromatic spices, colorful fabrics, and local crafts.
Head to Bakau, a coastal town. Visit the sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool, where reptiles peacefully coexist with visitors — pet “Charlie,” the friendliest crocodile, if you dare!
Explore the Bakau craft market and the lively fish market by the sea, full of the day’s fresh catch and vibrant coastal life atmosphere.
End with a walk through Bijilo Forest Park, home to playful green and vervet monkeys. The sound of the ocean adds serenity to this natural setting.

Day 7 – Nature, Culture and Tradition in Gambia

The day will begin at Abuko Nature Reserve, the country’s first protected area. We’ll stroll along lush trails to spot monkeys, vibrant birds, and crocodiles, while learning about important local conservation efforts. At the small wildlife orphanage, you’ll see hyenas and baboons up close, gaining a deeper understanding of the Gambian ecosystem.
Next, we’ll visit the lively Abuko animal market, where goats and sheep are traded for traditional celebrations and rituals — a truly authentic glimpse into rural life.
Our adventure continues at Lamin Lodge, a charming rustic structure perched on stilts amidst the mangroves. From there, we’ll take a traditional canoe ride through peaceful waterways and visit a small women-run oyster farm, a shining example of sustainability in the region.
Afterwards, we’ll explore the famous Brikama craft market, a vibrant hub bursting with local creativity. Here, you’ll find beautifully handcrafted wood carvings, colorful textiles, intricate jewelry, and traditional drums — and you’ll even get to see artists working live in the woodcarving workshop.6

Day 8 - Full-Day Lazy River Cruise: Relax, Nature & Culture

Enjoy a full-day Lazy River Cruise along the peaceful Gambia River aboard a traditional African pirogue. Begin at Denton Bridge and settle on plush deck mattresses as gentle currents carry you through scenic landscapes and lush riverbanks. Spot vibrant birds, fish, and native flora while soaking in the serene environment. Savor freshly prepared Gambian meals on deck, celebrate local flavors, and take a refreshing swim in the river. Interact with children and riverside communities, creating memorable cultural connections. This slow-paced cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxation, nature, and authentic Gambian life. 

Day 9 – Immersive Jola Village Experience 

In the morning, we will embark on journey inland, passing through rural landscapes dotted with traditional villages. Along the way, you will see thatched roofs, cane fences around small mosques, and the characteristic vegetation of the sub-savannah, offering an authentic view of traditional African life.

Upon arrival, the Jola community will welcome us with warm hospitality. A local guide will greet us and explain the village’s rules and customs. We will start the day with a visit to the village chief (Alkalo), a highly respected figure whose reception shows respect for local authority.

Next, we will participate in a hands-on workshop making Tapalapa, the traditional Gambian bread. You will learn the artisanal baking method used by the locals, a simple but very meaningful experience. Then we will enjoy a local lunch before continuing with cultural activities: tie-dye fabric workshops, soap making, and demonstrations of traditional salt production.
In the afternoon, we will learn about the oyster harvesting process in the village estuary, a vital activity for the local economy.

After this insightful experience, we will bid farewell to the community and return to your hotel in the afternoon, carrying with us the warm hospitality of the Jola people.

Day 10 – Makasutu Cultural Forest & Galloya Art Village Tour

We begin at the Makasutu Cultural Forest, where nature, wildlife, and tradition coexist in harmony. Depending on the tide, we’ll start with a canoe ride through mangroves or a guided forest walk learning about medicinal plants and traditional environmental uses.
You’ll spot playful baboons, exotic birds, and other free animals. We’ll meet a palm climber who shows how to extract juice to produce palm wine, which you can taste fresh as “jungle juice.” A local palm reader may offer a brief future reading — a fun Gambian tradition.
In the afternoon, we continue to the village of Galloya, an open-air gallery with colorful murals telling stories of daily life and local spirituality. You’ll connect with the artists and feel the creative pulse of authentic Gambia.

Day 11 – Kayaking & Tanji Fishing Village

This full-day tour invites you to explore calm mangrove waters by kayak and dive into the vibrant rhythm of Tanji Fishing Village, perfect for nature lovers, culture seekers, and those curious about authentic local life.

Start with approximately three hours of kayaking through the serene mangrove channels of Tanji. Along the way, spot colorful kingfishers, graceful herons, and playful otters. This tranquil journey offers a unique connection with the rich coastal ecosystem and its lively wildlife. Halfway through the kayaking experience, we will pause for a delicious breakfast, recharging before continuing the adventure.

Next, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Tanji Fishing Village and Market. Watch fishermen unload their fresh catch and observe traditional fishing methods. Explore the vibrant market, filled with local crafts, fresh seafood aromas, and colorful stalls—perfect for finding unique souvenirs and experiencing the authentic spirit of Gambian coastal life.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Tanji Museum, a hidden gem dedicated to preserving Gambian cultural heritage. Walk through traditional-style houses, explore exhibits showcasing ethnic crafts, musical instruments, and historic artifacts, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich traditions and way of life before returning to your accommodation.

Day 12 – Masquerade Culture Day – Mandinga Tradition, Village Life & Home Cooking Experience & Departure Day

Experience one of Gambia’s most powerful cultural traditions with the Mandinga Masquerade on this full-day immersive journey. Begin with a visit to a local village school, learning about daily life, education, and community values. Participate in Tapalapa bread-making, discovering its role in Gambian family and village life. The day’s highlight is the Masquerade celebration, featuring sacred masks, vibrant costumes, live drumming, chanting, and dance, representing community protection, storytelling, and ritual. Conclude with an authentic home cooking experience, preparing a traditional Gambian meal with a local family, and enjoy the attaya tea ceremony, a symbol of friendship and storytelling. The day ends with drumming, dance, and cultural exchange, creating lasting memories of Mandinga heritage, community, and connection.

We will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport for your departure in the afternoon.

Highlights

• Welcome to The Gambia: Airport pickup, transfer to accommodation, first taste of local life and culture

• Fathala Safari & Sine-Saloum Delta (Senegal): Giraffes, rhinos, zebras, optional Lion Walk, mangrove boat tour, Bird & Shell Islands at sunset

• Historic River & National Park Tour: Juffureh, Albreda, Kunta Kinteh Island (UNESCO), Gambia River National Park, chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles, exotic birds

• Janjangbureh Island & Tendaba Camp: Slave house, Freedom Tree, scenic boat ride, river wildlife

• Baobab Island & Coastal Return: Forest & mangrove walks, baboons, exotic birds, river exploration

• Banjul, Bakau & Bijilo Forest: Arch 22, National Museum, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, craft & fish markets, monkeys in Bijilo Forest Park

• Nature, Culture & Village Experiences: Abuko Nature Reserve, Lamin Lodge, Makasutu Forest, Galloya Art Village, Lazy River Cruise, Jola Village, My Farm NGO, kayaking & Tanji Fishing Village

• Mandinga Masquerade & Home Cooking: Tapalapa bread, traditional dance & drumming, village school, attaya tea ceremony, cultural immersion

• Fathala Wildlife Safari (Senegal) & Baobab Island: Wildlife encounters, optional Lion Walk, mangroves, birdwatching, oyster harvesting

• Gambian Culinary Experience: Serekunda market, batik workshop, cooking with locals, traditional meals, cultural exchange

• Overnight in  Toubakouta Village. Accommodation recommended at La Teranga Toubakouta with pool and local cuisine (optional)

• Overnight in  Kuntaur Village. Accommodation recommended at Kairo Garden with local cuisine (optional)

• Overnight in  Tendaba. Accommodation recommended at Tendaba Camp with local cuisine (optional)

What You Need to Know

• Duration: 12 full days, including airport transfers and all planned activities

• Price: €1.040 per person with a minimum booking of 2 people

• Solo traveller price: €1.320

• Includes: Transportation within The Gambia and Senegal, ferry trips, entrance fees, local guides, selected activities (canoe rides, craft workshops, cooking classes, safari). Airport pick-up and drop-off included.

• Not included: Accommodation, meals, personal expenses and travel insurance.

• Accommodation Assistance: Stays are not included, but we can help arrange reservations at recommended lodges and hotels for clients who wish. 

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccine recommended, plus routine vaccinations

• Passport & Visa: Valid passport required; visa may be needed depending on nationality — check with your local embassy

Ready to discover the rich culture, stunning nature, and warm hospitality of Gambia in 12 unforgettable days?  
For more details, availability, group prices, and preparation tips, please contact me directly through the contact form. I’ll personally help you plan your visit to ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip.