8 - Day Gambia: Culture & Nature Highlights 

Explore Gambia’s vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty in 8 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 – 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 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 – 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 6 – Immersive Jola Village Experience

Travel inland to a traditional Jola village, passing rural landscapes with thatched roofs and cane fences.
Meet the village chief (Alkalo) and learn about the community’s rules and customs.
Participate in a workshop making Tapalapa, traditional Gambian bread, followed by a local lunch.
Enjoy cultural activities: tie-dye fabric workshops, soap making, and traditional salt production demonstrations.
In the afternoon, learn about oyster harvesting in the village estuary, vital to the local economy.
Conclude with heartfelt farewells, carrying with you the warm hospitality of the Jola people.

Day  7– Fathala Wildlife Park Safari

Today we set off on an exciting cross-border journey into Senegal, combining nature, culture, and adventure in the heart of West Africa.

From Banjul, we take the ferry to Barra, a lively crossing where you can observe daily life at the port — fishermen unloading their catch, vendors selling snacks, and travelers mingling in a colorful atmosphere.

From Barra, we continue by road to the Senegalese border, passing rural villages, majestic baobab trees, and glimpses of everyday life. At the border, you’ll notice the blend of Gambian and Senegalese cultures in the greetings, languages, and vibrant fabrics.

Soon, we arrive at the Fathala Wildlife Reserve for an unforgettable safari. In this semi-wild environment, spot giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, rhinoceroses, and more. The golden savannah and open landscapes create perfect photo opportunities.

For the adventurous, there’s the optional “lion walk” — a safe, guided experience to walk alongside these majestic animals while learning about their behavior and conservation.

After the safari, we return to the Gambia, crossing the river on the evening ferry to Banjul, ending a day rich in wildlife, landscapes, and the unique chance to explore two countries in one day.

Day 8 – 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

• Explore Abuko Nature Reserve with monkeys, colorful birds, crocodiles, and a wildlife orphanage

• Experience the authentic Abuko animal market and traditional canoe ride through mangroves at Lamin Lodge

• Visit a women-run oyster farm promoting sustainability

• Discover the vibrant Brikama craft market with live artisan workshops

• Cross the river to Senegal for a safari at Fathala Wildlife Reserve, spotting giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more

• Immerse yourself in local village life at Toubacouta

• 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

• Explore Serekunda market and visit a traditional batik factory

• Meet friendly crocodiles at Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau

• Visit Bakau craft market and the vibrant fish market by the sea

• Walk through Bijilo Forest Park with playful green and vervet monkeys

• Authentic cultural experience in a traditional Jola village, including bread baking, tie-dye, soap making, and oyster harvesting

• Discover the natural beauty and wildlife of Makasutu Cultural Forest with canoe rides and palm wine tasting

• Explore Galloya Art Village with its colorful murals and vibrant street art

• Free day for relaxing or last-minute shopping before departure

What You Need to Know

• Duration: 8 full days, including airport transfers and all planned activities

• Price: €595 per person with a minimum booking of 2 people

• Solo traveller price: €675

• 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 8 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.