Gambia Discovery: Culture, Nature & Community Life 

7-Day Gambia Discovery: Culture, Nature & Community Life 

Reference Package: P.09

Explore Gambia’s vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty in 7 days. From wildlife reserves to traditional villages, this journey offers an authentic and immersive experience in 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 – Banjul, Bakau Market & Kachikally Crocodile Pool 

Unveil the Colors and Culture of Gambia’s Capital

Your adventure begins with a full-day exploration of Banjul, the vibrant capital of The Gambia, where everyday life, history, and tradition come together.

Start your day at Arch 22, the iconic 35-meter-high monument commemorating the 1994 political change. Climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views over Banjul and the River Gambia, gaining insight into the city’s layout and its historical importance.

Continue to the National Museum of The Gambia, where carefully curated exhibitions reveal the country’s pre-colonial and colonial past, ethnic diversity, and cultural evolution.

Afterwards, travel to Bakau, a lively coastal town. Visit the sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a revered spiritual site believed to bring fertility, protection, and healing. Here, crocodiles live peacefully alongside humans, and visitors may even touch one of these gentle creatures.

Time permitting, enjoy the Bakau craft market and the nearby fish market by the sea, where vibrant colors, sounds, and daily local life offer an authentic cultural experience.

Day 3 – 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.

Day 4 – My Farm NGO Volunteer Experience

This day is dedicated to discovering My Farm, a local NGO that promotes education, sustainability, and community development. You’ll tour the gardens where moringa and vegetables are grown with innovative techniques, and visit the workshops where women produce natural soaps, creams, and oils that support their livelihoods.

A highlight is the visit to a local school, where you can interact with children, share games, or help with simple activities — moments that create lasting memories. You’ll also explore the animal farm and learn how small projects build resilience and self-sufficiency. By the end of the day, you will have lived an authentic experience of community empowerment, leaving a positive footprint in The Gambia.

Day 5 – 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 6 - Coastal Nature & Village Life Experience – Bijilo · Tanji · Sanyang

This full-day coastal experience takes you along Gambia’s most vibrant natural and cultural coastline, combining wildlife, fishing traditions, and beach relaxation. The day starts at Bijilo Forest Park, where you walk through nature trails and spot green monkeys, red colobus, and diverse birdlife. Next, visit Tanji Fishing Village, one of the country’s most important fishing centers, to witness traditional fishing methods, colorful boats, and daily community life by the sea. The journey continues to Sanyang Beach, famous for its golden sands, palm-lined coast, and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for swimming, lunch, and unwinding. This experience offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and ocean vibes, showcasing the beauty of coastal Gambia in one unforgettable day.

Day 7 – Gambian Home Cooking Experience & Departure Day

Today you’ll dive into the flavors of Gambian cuisine. The morning begins at Serekunda market, where you’ll select fresh vegetables, spices, and ingredients for your meal. Along the way, you’ll also stop at a batik workshop, witnessing the colorful art of wax-dye fabric making.

With your basket full, you’ll join a local family to prepare a traditional dish such as domoda, benechin, or yassa. Cooking side by side, you’ll learn the secrets of Gambian recipes while sharing stories and laughter. After enjoying the meal together, the day ends in true local style — relaxing under a mango tree, with drumming, conversation, and a warm sense of cultural exchange.

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

Highlights

• Warm welcome and transfer to your accommodation

• Banjul: Arch 22 and National Museum

• Bakau: Kachikally Crocodile Pool, craft and fish markets

• Abuko Nature Reserve: forest trails, monkeys, birds, crocodiles

• Lamin Lodge & Mangrove Canoe Ride: women-run oyster farm

• Brikama Craft Market: woodcarvings, textiles, jewelry, and live artisans

• My Farm NGO: sustainable gardens, local school, animal farm visits

• Makasutu Cultural Forest: forest walk or canoe ride, wildlife spotting, palm wine tasting

• Galloya Art Village: murals, local artists

• Bijilo Forest Park & Tanji Fishing Village: monkeys, birds, traditional fishing life

• Sanyang Beach: golden sands and ocean relaxation

• Serekunda Market & Batik Workshop

• Gambian Home Cooking Experience: cook with a local family, drumming, and lunch

What You Need to Know

• Duration: 7 full days, including airport transfers and all planned activities

• Price: €455 per person with a minimum booking of 2 people

• Solo traveller price: €510

• Includes: Transportation within The Gambia, ferry trips, entrance fees to parks and cultural sites, local guides, selected activities. Airport pick-up and drop-off included.

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

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccine recommended, along with routine vaccinations

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

Ready to discover the rich culture, stunning nature, and warm hospitality of Gambia in 7 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.