6 - Day Gambia: Culture, Tradition & Nature Highlights 

Explore Gambia’s vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty in 6 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 – 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 3 – 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.
Visit a batik factory where artisans create fabrics using traditional wax and dye techniques.
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 4 – 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 5 – Historic Tour: Kunta Kinteh Island, Juffureh & Albreda

Our historical tour begins at the Banjul port, where we will start a river journey about 25 km upstream, enjoying the landscapes of the Gambia River.
The first stop is the villages of Albreda and Juffureh, deeply linked to the history of the transatlantic slave trade. You’ll meet direct descendants of Kunta Kinteh, the character immortalized in Alex Haley's “Roots,” and hear stories passed down through generations. Later, we will visit the Juffureh Museum, dedicated to preserving the memory of those torn from their homeland.
Then, we’ll take a small boat to Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will explore the ruins of the old fort and the cells where enslaved people were held before being sent to America. The atmosphere allows for a deep connection with the past, bringing history to life.
In the afternoon, we return by ferry to Banjul, closing a day full of emotions and historical memory.

Day 6 – Free Day & Departure

Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing on your own before your scheduled transfer. We will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport for your departure. 

Highlights

• Warm welcome to The Gambia and transfer to accommodation in the “Smiling Coast of Africa”

• Abuko Nature Reserve: stroll trails, spot monkeys, birds, and crocodiles, visit wildlife orphanage

• Abuko Animal Market: authentic glimpse into rural life and local traditions

• Lamin Lodge & canoe ride: mangroves, women-run oyster farm, sustainability experience

• Brikama Craft Market: wood carvings, textiles, jewelry, traditional drums, live artisan demonstrations

• Serekunda Market & Batik Workshop: colorful fabrics, spices, and local crafts

• Bakau: Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Bakau craft and fish markets

• Bijilo Forest Park: walk among green and vervet monkeys

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

• Galloya Art Village: open-air murals, local artists, cultural immersion

• Historical river journey visiting Albreda, Juffureh, and Kunta Kinteh Island — UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Meet descendants of Kunta Kinteh and explore slave trade history at the Juffureh Museum

• Free Day & Departure: last-minute shopping or relaxation

What You Need to Know

• Duration: 6 full days, including airport transfers and all planned activities

• Price: €390 per person with a minimum booking of 2 people

• Solo traveller price: €410

• 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 6 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.