Gambia: Culture, Nature & Authentic Coastal Adventures  

7-Day Gambia: Culture, Nature & Authentic Coastal Adventures 

Reference Package: P.11

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 - Markets, Sacred Crocodiles & Coastal Adventure

This full-day tour takes you through the heart of Gambian culture, tradition, and coastal life. Begin at Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau, a sacred site where crocodiles live peacefully and local rituals are shared. Explore Serekunda Market, bustling with fresh produce, spices, and colorful fabrics, and visit Brikama, famous for its artisan crafts and live woodcarving workshops. In the afternoon, relax on the golden sands of Sanyang Beach before discovering Tanji Fishing Village, where traditional fishing practices, fish-smoking areas, and the vibrant local market offer an authentic glimpse into coastal Gambian life, culture, and community.

Day 3 – 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 4 – 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 5 – 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 6 – 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 7 – 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

• Warm welcome to The Gambia and transfer to accommodation

• Kachikally Crocodile Pool (Bakau): sacred site, crocodiles, local rituals

• Serekunda Market & Brikama Craft Market: vibrant fabrics, spices, artisan crafts, live woodcarving

• Sanyang Beach & Tanji Fishing Village: golden sands, swimming, traditional fishing, local market

• Fathala Wildlife Reserve (Senegal): safari spotting giraffes, rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, optional Lion Walk

• Sine-Saloum Delta boat tour: Shell Island, mangrove tunnels, Bird Island at sunset

• Juffureh, Albreda & Kunta Kinteh Island: historic villages, museum, UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Gambia River National Park: guided boat trip, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, birds

• Janjangbureh Island & Tendaba Camp: slave trade history, scenic river boat ride

• Jola Village Immersion: Tapalapa bread-making, local lunch, tie-dye, soap and salt workshops, oyster harvesting

• Mandinga Masquerade & Village Life: sacred masks, drumming, dance, home cooking, attaya tea ceremony

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

• Price: €700 per person with a minimum booking of 2 people

• Solo traveller price: €935

• 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.

• 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, 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.