Meeting at the airport, flight to Banjul. Arrival, transfer to the hotel, dinner, overnight in Banjul.

DAY 2 – BANJUL – ZIGUINCHOR- CAP SKIRRING (FB)

After breakfast, departure towards South Senegal through the western part of the province of Casamance. It is the greenest and most fertile area, full of palm forests and rice fields. Casamance is considered the most beautiful natural part of Senegal. The fabulous bends of the river of the same name (bolongi) give life to a rich ecosystem full of fish and oysters. On the way, we will pass through the town of Ziguenchor, the capital of the region. The city, inhabited today mainly by the Diola tribe, was once one of the main points for the export of slaves. Today it is an important port and a place from which peanuts are exported. Relax in a riverside restaurant and continue to the kingdom of Oussouye. A visit to the local market where you can buy fresh seasonal fruit. A visit to a palm straw tableware manufactory. Then we will drive to the Koukangoume Women’s Activation Center, where we will have a delicious lunch consisting of typical dishes of the cuisine of the Diola people. We will have the opportunity to see how local batiks and other handicrafts are made. Further on, drive to Cap Skirring, dinner, overnight.

DAY 3 – MLOMP – CARABANE – KOLDA (FB)

After breakfast, take a dip in the ocean or take a morning walk along one of West Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Around noon, westbound to Elinkine. Crossing to the island of Carabane, which is a former trading post. Walking around the island, you get the impression that time has stopped on it. In colonial times, it was a kind of gate to the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, the old church and the casemates of slaves have been preserved. On the way back, we will visit the tower houses in Mlomp. In the afternoon, drive along the river’s course through the second capital of the Casamance region – Kolda Late in the evening, check in at a hotel in Kolda or the surrounding area, dinner, overnight stay.

DAY 4 – TAMBACOUNDA – NIOKOLO KOBA PARK – KEDOUGOU (FB)

After breakfast, departure towards the so-called Oriental Senegal. Around noon, we will arrive at Niokolo Koba Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an endangered biosphere reserve. It is one of the largest naturally preserved national parks in West Africa with an area of over 9000km². Located at the source of the Gambia River, it is located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Guinea. Almost 80% of the gallery forests of the entire Senegal are found here. Most of the park is covered by savannahs and semi-desert areas. In addition to its rich flora, there are also many species of animals. There are 20 species of amphibians, 38 species of reptiles, about 80 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds. A dozen or so species of antelopes live here, such as the swarthy kob, kudu or eland, as well as chimpanzees, red gerezes, crocodiles, warthogs and hippos. However, it should be remembered that animals live here in the wild and seeing them is not always easy. The park is a lowland area reaching a height of 311 m above sea level at its highest point. We will move around the park under the care of a guide. In the late afternoon we will depart for the vicinity of Kedougou. Accommodation, dinner, overnight stay. (route about 420 km)

DAY 5- BANDAFASSI – IWOL (FB)

After breakfast, departure to “Bassari Country” and “Bedik Country”. The number of inhabitants of these tribes is small, 7,000 and 1,500 respectively. They are very friendly people towards strangers and respect other cultures. It is a safe, and at the same time the wildest and most authentic corner of Senegal, a real piece of the dying primitive West Africa. The tribes living here speak their own languages and have developed their own culture. They practice animism with elements of Christianity. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will reach the village of Bandafassi, which is the “entrance gate” to the “Land of Bedik”. Most of the villages in Bedik located in the hills. That is why from Bandafassi we will start an intensive uphill climb (440 m a.s.l.) to the extremely picturesque Iwol. We will meet the chief of the village, the residents, learn about the history of the Bedik people, walk among traditional huts and old baobab trees, and at the end we will have the opportunity to buy traditional jewelry of the Bedik people and figurines made of baked earth, products not found in other regions of Senegal. Then we will drive through the area inhabited by the Bassari people. In one of the villages we will stop for lunch (paid additionally 6 EUR/person) combined with an artistic performance. Return to the hotel near Kedougou, dinner, overnight stay (route 150km).

DAY 6 – DINDEFELLO WATERFALL – TAMBACOUNDA (FB)

Early in the morning, after breakfast, departure to the Dindefello waterfall, south of Kedougou. Not too difficult, an hour-long trek (you should bring airy, comfortable shoes). Then we will find ourselves at the junction of two countries, Senegal and Guinea, from where you can admire the magnificent landscapes of the Futa Jalon mountain range – the land of neighboring Guinea. From the Futa Jalon region flow the great rivers of West Africa: The Gambia, Senegal and Niger. In addition, we will see beautiful, natural gallery forests. Next, drive to the largest city in eastern Senegal – Tambacounda. Again, we will pass the area of the Niokolo Koba park. Arrival at the hotel late in the evening, check-in, dinner, overnight. (route approx. 280 km).

DAY 7- FATHALA – BANJUL – (AIRPORT) (FB)

After breakfast, we will drive to a typical African market, where you can admire textiles and other products of local artistic craftsmanship. A stroll down the bustling avenue of Leopold Sedar Senghor, the first president of independent Senegal. We guarantee a colourful atmosphere. Drive in the direction of Kaolack to the village of Toubacouta, in the Saloum Delta. This is another charming place inscribed on the UNESCO list. Check-in at the hotel, free time for an afternoon of relaxation. For those interested, a speedboat cruise on the Saloum River, where you can see clusters of mangroves and oyster colonies. As part of the trip, we will go to the Baobab Island, famous for its centuries-old trees, from where there is a beautiful panorama of the Saloum River Dinner, and an overnight stay. (Route approx. 350 km).

DAY 8 – FATHALA – BANJUL – (AIRPORT) (FB)

After breakfast, there is an optional opportunity to take part in a walk with lions in the Fathala reserve. Senegal is one of only five places in the world that offers this opportunity. Then there is a ferry crossing from Barra to Banjul and then a tour of the city, the capital of the smallest country in Africa. We will see, among others, Arch 22, from where there is a wonderful view of the city. We will have the opportunity to admire local handicrafts at the local grand bazaar. Then transfer to the airport. For customers choosing to stay in the Gambia, transfer to the hotel of their choice.

DAY 9 – Departure Day and End of Services  

Breakfast in the hotel. Leisure time to enjoy hotel services. Visit the art village to buy some souvenirs. Lunch. At convenient times, transfer to the airport for the international flight.

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Early pick up from the hotels and drive to Banjul to cross the river by Ferry boat to Barra on the North Bank of The River Gambia. Travel Inland approx. 4 hours along a reasonably good stretch of road. We will stop at the Wassu Stone Circles before we arrive at Kuntaur where the boat is waiting for us. From here you travel on a traditional Gambian pirogue. A cooked lunch is served on board as we gently sail through the freshwater habitat of the River Gambia National Park. On our way we will pass the Baboon Islands, home of the longest running chimpanzee rehabilitation project in Africa. The islands are highly protected areas, and we are not allowed to enter although you may see some chimps from the boat. On these relaxing 5 hours cruise you are likely to see hippos, dog faced baboons, Red Colobus and green vervet monkeys and crocodiles. Birds may include Hadada Ibis, Rose ringed Parrakeet, Grey Headed Kingfishers and African Fish Eagle. You arrive at Jangjang Bureh Camp around dusk, a wonderful peaceful location on the banks of the river. Accommodation is in traditional round huts overlooking the river. Here you can sit back and let the wildlife come to you! Dinner and overnight will be at Jangjang Bureh camp.

DAY 2

We start early after breakfast for a morning trip to the Kunkilling nature Park.
Bird watchers can look out for various species of birds. After ½ hour on the boat we will reach the park for 2 hours walk through the bush. If you are lucky, you will see different kind of monkeys. Even bush picks are available in this park. The guide will explain you the different species of birds and plants. After lunch at Jangjang Bureh Camp we will visit a small village not far from the camp.
Here we meet the members of a skill centre. The women will introduce us to their projects. You can try and participate in their daily activity. Arrive at the camp for dinner and after joy the local drumming and dancing entertainment around the campfire and kick up the duster under the African night sky after enjoying your dinner by the river side. Overnight will be at the Jangjang Bureh camp.

DAY 3

After breakfast we drive by South Bank to Tendaba. At Tendaba Camp we will stop for lunch and relaxation. After lunch we drive to Foni the village mainly occupied by the jolas in western Division. Here we will spend our night at Abca’s Lodge located in Bwiam- Foni. Dinner is served.

DAY 4

After breakfast, we drive to Makasutu Cultural Forest. Makasutu is a Palm Forest situated on the banks of a beautiful meandering tributary of The Gambia River, encompassing many different eco-systems including dense forest, savanna and mangrove regions. The area is a home for a variety of birds, monkeys and monitor lizards. A visit to the Marabou is organized. Lunch is provided whilst traditional drumming and dancing is enjoyed under the Baobab tree. This is a real African Experience. From Makasutu, a stop is made on the way at Brikama Crafts Market before proceeding to your hotels.

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Arrive to Banjul International Airport and transfer to a middleclass hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2

After breakfast, depart for a city tour of the capital Banjul. This tour takes you to the highlights of this city, visiting the National Museum, the St Albert’s market being the oldest market in Gambia, and the Arch 22. After, you’ll visit the market of Serekunda, which is the biggest in the Gambia. This market shows the Gambian people in full colors, with women wearing colorful cloths, carry baskets on their heads and children on their backs. After the market visit, you will visit the Batik Factory of Musu Kebbah Drammeh where you can also participate in making the batik. From Serrekunda, driving continues to Enjoy lunch on Kotu beach in a nice beach restaurant. After lunch, drive back to the hotel for dinner and overnight at the Senegambia Beach hotel or similar.

DAY 3

After breakfast, depart to Senegal. Drive to Banjul, and cross the ferry from Banjul to Barra. The experience of the crossing is interesting as you see people crossing to do their works on the other side of the river, including traders, moving their goods, or cattle. A very interesting experience. Crossing the ferry is approx. 1 hour. After arrival in Barra, at the north bank of the river, driving continues to cross the boarders into Senegal. After passport and customs formalities, you will continue to drive to Hotel Keur Saloum. This hotel is located in the heart of one of the most beautiful eco systems in Africa – Saloum Delta. This area is unique in its natural and wild beauty and is UNESCO World Heritage. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and continue in the afternoon to enjoy a boat trip on the Saloum River. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight at Keur Saloum Hotel or similar.

DAY 4

After Breakfast we drive back to Gambia. On the way before arriving at the boarders for the formalities, we’ll have a stop at Fathala Game Reserve. At Fathala, an ex-army 4 x 4 truck will be waiting for us to start a 2 hours safari. In the reserve, you can enjoy the natural environment of bush and, get the chance to spot animals as zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, buffalos, bush pigs, monkeys… Here you will enjoy a game drive and picnic lunch in the park. After this visit, cross the border with Gambia and continue to drive to Jerreh Camp in Sitanunku. This camp with a beautiful location on the riverside, is facing Dog Island. This small island is named after the sound made by the resident baboons, which from a distance sounds like dogs barking. Walk around the camp and in the evening enjoy dinner in the African style and overnight at Jerreh Camp or similar.

DAY 5

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to this lovely place. The coming days you will explore the interior of the Gambia and the majestic River Gambia – the main characteristic feature of the country. Drive to visit Juffureh and Albreda with a short cruise by pirogue to visit Kunta Kinteh Island. This visit will give you a lot of information about the history of slavery. Return for lunch at a local restaurant in Albreda before departing to Jangjang Burreh which was known as McCarthy Island. On the way visit the stone circles in Wassu. These stones are thousands of years old with a history. After arriving at Jang Jang Burreh camp; a very basic traditional camp, built in African huts style and beautifully situated on the bank of the river, Dinner will be served and overnight at Jang Jang Burreh camp or similar.

DAY 6

Breakfast at Jang Jang Burreh, then Depart by boat for 4 hours on the river Gambia. Enjoy your lunch while sailing along the river and be lucky enough to spot hippos, monkeys and crocodiles. Possibility to spot chimpanzees from a distance but this is not guaranteed. After 4 hours of cruising, arrive at Kuntaur, where you will continue the trip by bus to Sindola lodge. This lodge is built in the village Kanilai which is the birth place of the second president of the Gambia. Dinner and overnight at Sindola lodge or similar.

DAY 7

Breakfast and depart from Sindola lodge to visit on the way Brikama Crafts market. This market is the biggest market for the production of Arts and Crafts. You can bargain for good buys to take back home some good souvenirs. After the market visit, driving continues to Sanyang beach for a nice lunch on the beach. Sanyang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Gambia. From Sanyanag after lunch, driving continues to visit Tanji Fishing village; one of the most colorful and authentic places to visit in The Gambia. The market is usually bustling with the fishermen and the locals hauling the fresh catch in big buckets to make the sale. From Tanji, driving continues to your hotel in Senegambia Beach in Kololi. Dinner and overnight stay at Senegambia Beach Hotel or similar.

DAY 8

After breakfast, free at leisure until airport transfer departure time, or transfer to an extension hotel.

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DAY 2:
Start Location: Kololi
End Location: Saloum Delta – Senegal
Distance travelled in km: 70
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: ALer breakfast, depart to Senegal. You’ll cross the boarders from the North Bank (FERRY?) into Senegal. And you will continue to head for Keur Saloum. This lodge is in the heart of one of the most beautiful eco systems in Africa – Saloum Delta. This area is unique in its natural and wild beauty and is UNESCO World Heritage. In the afternoon you will enjoy a boat trip on the Saloum River.
Dinner and overnight Keur Saloum Hotel or similar.

DAY 3:
Start Location: Saloum Delta – Senegal
End Location: Sittanunku
Distance travelled in km: 58
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: Breakfast. Today we drive back to Gambia again. On the way we’ll have a stop at Fathala Game Reserve. This area consists of approximately 6000 hectares of original and protected forest, providing visitors with the opportunity to visit a stretch of the African wilderness in its original condition.
Here you will enjoy a game drive and picnic lunch in the park. After this visit, cross the border with Gambia and continue to drive to Jerreh Camp in Sitanunku. This camp with a beautiful location on the riverside, is facing Dog Island. This small island is named after the sound made by the resident baboons, which from a distance sounds like dogs barking.
Dinner and overnight at Jerreh Camp or similar.

DAY 4:
Start Location: Sittanunku
End Location: Georgetown / Janjanburreh
Distance travelled in km: 232
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to this lovely place. The coming days you will explore the interior of the Gambia and the majestic River Gambia – the main characteristic feature of the country. Drive to visit Juffureh and Albreda with a short cruise by pirogue to visit Kunta Kinteh Island.
This visit will give you a lot of information about the history of slavery. Return for lunch at a local restaurant in Albreda before departing to Jangjang Burreh. On the way, visit the stone circles in Wassu.
You will stay in Jang Jang Burreh camp; a very basic traditional camp, built in African huts style and beautifully situated on the bank of the river.
Dinner and overnight at Jang Jang Burreh camp or similar.

DAY 5:
Start Location: Georgetown
End Location: Alla Kunda
Distance travelled in km: 205
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: Breakfast at Jang Jang Burreh. Depart by boat for 4 hours on the River Gambia. Enjoy your lunch while sailing along the river and be lucky enough to spot hippos, monkeys and crocodiles. After 4 hours arrival at Kuntaur, where you will continue the trip by bus to Sindola Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Sindola Lodge or similar.

DAY 6:
Start Location: Alla Kunda
End Location: Kololi
Distance travelled in km: 126
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: Breakfast and depart from Sindola Lodge to visit on the way Brikama Crafts Market. Then continue to Sanyang beach for a nice lunch. SanYang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Gambia. Also visit Tanji Fishing village; one of the most colorful and authentic places to visit in The Gambia. The market is usually bustling with the fishermen and the locals hauling the fresh catch in big buckets to make the sale. Then continue to your hotel in Kololi.
Dinner and overnight stay at Senegambia Beach or similar.

DAY 7:
Start Location: Kololi
End Location: Kololi
Distance travelled in km: 0
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: Breakfast. This morning city tour of Banjul and visit of Serrekunda market; the biggest one in the Gambia. Lunch stops at a beach restaurant. Afternoon free. Relax at the pool or beach or enjoy along walk over the beach. The hotel has a location directly at the lively Senegambia Strip with restaurants, bars and shops. Especially during the night, it’s worth to stroll around and enjoy a drink at one of the terraces.
Dinner and overnight at Senegambia Beach or similar.

DAY 8:
Start Location: Kololi
End Location: Banjul International Airport
Distance travelled in km: 20
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☐ Dinner: ☐

Description: Breakfast. Free time until transfer to Banjul Airport

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Start Location: Banjul International Airport
End Location: Kololi
Distance traveled in km: 20
Meals included: Breakfast: ☐ Lunch: ☐ Dinner: ☒

Description: Arrival at Banjul International Airport. Transfer to first hotel of the tour in Kololi.
Dinner and overnight Senegambia Beach or similar. *Dinner included – pending on arrival time flight.

DAY 2: KOLOLI

Start Location: Kololi
End Location: Bintang
Distance traveled in km: 90
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☐ Dinner: ☒

Description: After breakfast, depart for a city tour of the capital Banjul. This tour takes you to the highlights of this city. After, you’ll visit the market of Serekunda market, which is the biggest one in the Gambia. This market shows the Gambian people in full colors, with women wearing colorful cloths, carry baskets on their heads and children on their backs.
Enjoy lunch on a beach in Kotu. After, drive to Bintang Bolong Lodge. This lodge has a quiet location and is surrounded by a mangrove forest. In this tranquil and setting you can fully immerse yourself in the nature surrounding you. The perfect place to unwind.
Dinner and overnight stay Bintang Bolong Lodge or similar.

DAY 3: BINTANG

Start Location: Bintang
End Location: Janjanbureh
Distance traveled in km: 233
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: Breakfast. Today we head for Georgetown. At Farrafenni we cross the Gambia River to the South Bank. We drive east and pass small villages along the road. You will get a good impression of how the people live in the countryside.
Before we reach our camp for the night, we will visit The Wassu Stone Circles. This is the only cultural monument in Gambia. No one knows exactly how the stones got here and what they were used for. After arrival in Janjanbureh, formerly known as Georgetown, we will go on a city tour to explore this fascinating town. Janjanbureh is nestled on an island in the middle of the Gambia river and boasts colonial architecture, lush vegetation and a friendly local community. The history of this town is closely intertwined with the transatlantic slave trade that occurred in West Africa during the colonial era. In the Old Prison Museum, you will learn more about the city’s history.
Dinner and overnight Baobolong Camp or similar in Janjanbureh.

DAY 4: JANJANBUREH

Start Location: Janjanbureh
End Location: Niokolo Koba – Senegal
Distance traveled in km: 260
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: After breakfast, cross the borders with Senegal and drive to the city of Tambacounda, called Tamba. Here you’ll have lunch at hotel Relais du Tambo and do a short city tour. You’ll visit the market and train station.
After the tour, continue the drive to Campement Du Wassadou (close to Niokolo Koba National Park).
Dinner and overnight at Wassadou Camp or similar

DAY 5: NIOKOLO-KOBA — SENEGAL

Start Location: NiokoloKoba – Senegal
End Location: NiokoloKoba – Senegal
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☐ Dinner: ☒
Description: Breakfast. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera today, as you will depart towards the Parc National du NiokoloKoba, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the largest national park in Senegal and West Africa. A home for birds, antelopes, gazelles and monkeys. The park is also home to jackals, leopards, hyenas and African Wild dogs.
But because the park is so huge, the chance that you will see these shy animals is small. Tired but satisfied from this safari, you drive back to the camp.

Dinner and overnight at Wassadou Camp or similar

DAY 6: NIOKOLO-KOBA— SENEGAL — JANJANBUREH

Start Location: Niokolo Koba – Senegal
End Location: Janjanbureh
Distance traveled in km: 260
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: After breakfast, start driving back to Gambia to Bansang. Here you will embark on a boat for a relaxing trip over the river to JanjanBurreh (simple lunch included). Experience the tranquility of the river and the nature surrounding you.
The diversity of bird life is impressive and you may spot baboons and other monkeys along the riverside. If you are lucky you may even see hippo’s. After the boat trip, you will continue to Jang Jang Burreh Camp. This very simple camp is located on the north bank of the Gambia River and has no electricity. In the evening, the camp is atmospherically lit by oil lamps and candles.
Dinner and overnight stay in Jang Jang Burreh Camp or similar.

DAY 7: JANJANBUREH

Start Location:  Janjanbureh

End Location: Alla Kunda

Distance traveled in km: 204

Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☒ Dinner: ☒

Description: Breakfast. Through typical Gambian villages you drive towards Tendaba Camp. This camp is located near the entrance of Kiang West National Park. With an area of 11,000 hectares, this park is one of the largest in The Gambia.

The park is home to many species of birds, about 300 in fact! So don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Here you will enjoy a boat trip in the National Park. Enjoy the lush mangroves, riverine forests, and abundant birdlife. After lunch at Tendaba camp, continue the trip to Alla Kunda where you will spend the night.

Dinner and overnight in Sindola lodge or similar.

DAY 8: ALLA KUNDA

Start Location: Alla Kunda
End Location: Banjul International Airport
Distance traveled in km: 20
Meals included: Breakfast: ☒ Lunch: ☐ Dinner: ☐

Description: Breakfast. Free time until transfer to Banjul Airport. On the way to the airport short stop at Brikama Craft market.

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