Morning to early afternoon • Nature • Culture • Mangroves • Baboons • Birds • Canoe trip

Makasutu Cultural Forest – Nature, Culture & Mangroves

Step into the green heart of Makasutu Cultural Forest, where mangroves, wildlife, local traditions and a peaceful canoe trip come together in one memorable experience. A local guide accompanies you and explains the trees, plants, wildlife and traditional practices of the area. Enjoy a canoe trip through the mangroves, walk through the forest and look out for the many birds and other animals. One of the highlights of Makasutu is the chance to see free-roaming baboons in their natural surroundings. They are often easy to spot and can sometimes come surprisingly close. You also learn about local traditions, including palm wine tapping and local crafts.

Marabout & local traditions

There is usually an opportunity to meet a Marabout during the tour. You can hear more about local traditions and, if you wish, have your palm read.

The Marabout visit is optional. Any associated costs are at your own expense.

Lunch

Around lunchtime you enjoy a traditional Gambian lunch in the green surroundings. Free-roaming baboons are often nearby and can sometimes come surprisingly close.

During the high season there is often traditional music at lunchtime.

After lunch the tour normally comes to an end.

Included

· return transport

· experienced local guide

· entrance to Makasutu Cultural Forest

· canoe trip through the mangroves

· traditional Gambian lunch

· water and soft drinks during the tour

Practical information

· Duration: morning to early afternoon

· Tour type: private tour or small group

· Focus: nature, culture, mangroves, baboons, birds and local traditions

· Lunch: included

· Marabout: optional; any costs are at your own expense

· Music: often traditional music during lunch in the high season

· Programme: may vary slightly depending on local conditions

Why choose this tour?

Makasutu combines a surprising amount in a relatively short tour: mangroves, free-roaming baboons, birds, local culture, a canoe trip and traditional practices.

Together with the local guide’s stories and lunch in the forest, it is a relaxed and varied introduction to Gambian nature and culture.

A relaxed and memorable way to experience the nature, wildlife and traditions of The Gambia.

Full day • History • Culture • ROOTS • Juffureh • Albreda • UNESCO World Heritage

Roots & Kunta Kinteh Island – A Journey into Gambia’s Past

Visit Juffureh, Albreda and Kunta Kinteh Island and discover the story behind ROOTS, Kunta Kinteh and the history of slavery that made these places known around the world. You are picked up early from your accommodation and driven to the ferry in Banjul. After crossing to Barra, you continue by open jeep towards Albreda and Juffureh, travelling through villages and landscapes of the North Bank.

Juffureh, Albreda & ROOTS

In Juffureh and Albreda you discover the story of Kunta Kinteh, known worldwide through Alex Haley’s book Roots and its famous film and television adaptations.

You visit historic places and learn more about the transatlantic slave trade, life in these villages and the significance of Kunta Kinteh in Gambian history.

Slavery Museum & Flag of Freedom

During the tour you visit the slavery museum and learn more about the history of Albreda and Juffureh.

You also visit the Flag of Freedom, a historic site commemorating the abolition of slavery and those who regained their freedom.

Kunta Kinteh Island – UNESCO World Heritage

From Albreda you travel by boat to Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly known as James Island. On the island you explore the historic ruins and learn about the role this location played in the transatlantic slave trade.

Kunta Kinteh Island and related historic sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites.

Lunch & return journey

A local lunch is included. Afterwards you travel back across the North Bank to Barra and take the ferry back to Banjul.

Combine with Fathala Wildlife Reserve

This tour can also be combined with a visit to Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal. It is a special way to combine history and culture with nature and wildlife in one day via the North Bank.

Ask us about the Roots & Fathala combination tour.

Included

· transport throughout the tour

· Banjul–Barra ferry and return

· open jeep on the North Bank

· experienced local guide

· boat trip to Kunta Kinteh Island

· entrance fees and museum visit

· local lunch

· water and soft drinks during the tour

Practical information

· Duration: full day

· Tour type: private tour or small group

· Route: Banjul, Barra, Albreda, Juffureh and Kunta Kinteh Island

· Transport: ferry, open jeep and boat

· Focus: history, culture, slavery heritage and local life

· Programme: may vary slightly depending on local conditions

Why choose this tour?

This tour brings the story of Kunta Kinteh and ROOTS together with the real historic places connected to that history.

A meaningful journey into the history and culture of The Gambia.

Full day • Safari • Open jeep • Nature • Wildlife • Senegal

Fathala Wildlife Reserve – Safari in Senegal

Cross the border into Senegal for a full-day safari adventure at Fathala Wildlife Reserve, combining the ferry, the North Bank and an exciting game drive in an open safari jeep. You are picked up early from your accommodation and driven to the ferry in Banjul. After crossing to Barra, continue in an open jeep via the North Bank towards the Senegal border. At Fathala Wildlife Reserve you transfer to the reserve’s safari jeep for the game drive.

Safari in Fathala Wildlife Reserve

During the safari you travel through the reserve in an open jeep looking for giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalo and other wildlife.

Your guide tells you more about the animals and landscape. Every safari is different, and part of the excitement is never knowing exactly which animals you will encounter along the way.

Lunch

Lunch is included during this full-day tour. Afterwards the return journey begins via the border, the North Bank and the ferry to Banjul.

Combine Fathala with Roots & Kunta Kinteh Island

Because Fathala Wildlife Reserve and Roots & Kunta Kinteh Island are both reached via the North Bank, the two tours can also be combined.

This creates a special mix of history, culture and safari in one day, from Juffureh, Albreda and Kunta Kinteh Island to the wildlife of Fathala in Senegal.

Included

· pick-up and return to your accommodation

· Banjul–Barra ferry and return

· open jeep on the North Bank

· Fathala Wildlife Reserve safari jeep

· experienced local guide

· Fathala Wildlife Reserve entrance

· lunch

· water and soft drinks during the tour

Practical information

· Duration: full day

· Departure: early morning from your accommodation

· Route: Banjul – Barra – North Bank – Senegal border – Fathala Wildlife Reserve

· Transport: car, ferry, open jeep and reserve safari jeep

· Lunch: included

· Passport: required for the Senegal border crossing

· Yellow fever: vaccination is recommended. In practice, a valid vaccination certificate may be requested at the border, so we advise carrying it and checking current requirements before departure.

· Programme: may change slightly depending on ferry schedules, border formalities and local conditions

Why choose this tour?

Fathala is a great choice for travellers who want a real safari experience in Senegal during their stay in The Gambia.

A memorable day combining travel, adventure and wildlife in Senegal.

Full day • Culture • Local life • Market • Beach • Fishing community

South Gambia 4-in-1 – Culture, Local Life & Nature

Discover the colourful south of The Gambia on this varied full-day tour, where local life, markets, traditions and the coast all come together. Visit Kachikally, lively Serekunda Market and the cattle market near Abuko, enjoy a relaxed stop at Paradise Beach and finish in Tanji as the fishing boats return at the end of the day.

Kachikally Crocodile Pool

We begin at Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a well-known cultural and spiritual site in Bakau. Crocodiles live in and around the sacred pool, and you hear more about local traditions and the significance of this special place.

Serekunda Market

Next you visit lively Serekunda Market, one of the largest and busiest markets in The Gambia. Experience everyday local life among colourful stalls, fresh produce, clothing, spices and small shops.

Abuko cattle market

Then visit the cattle market near Abuko, where local traders come together to buy and sell cattle, goats and sheep. It is a lively place that shows a very different side of daily life and the local economy.

Paradise Beach

We make a relaxed stop at Paradise Beach, with time for a drink, an optional lunch, a swim in the ocean or simply enjoying the coast.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Tanji fishing village

We finish the day in Tanji, one of The Gambia’s most colourful and lively fishing villages. In the late afternoon fishing boats return from the sea and the beach becomes a vibrant scene full of activity.

Watch the fresh catch being unloaded, sold and processed as fishermen, traders and families work together on the beach, while smokehouses fill the air with the scent of smoked fish.

Tanji is pure Gambia: colourful, busy, authentic and full of local life.

Included

· transport throughout the tour

· experienced local guide

· entrance fees according to the programme

· water and soft drinks during the tour

Not included: lunch and personal expenses.

Practical information

· Duration: full day

· Tour type: private tour or small group

· Route: Bakau, Serekunda, Abuko, Paradise Beach and Tanji

· Focus: culture, local life, markets, beach and fishing community

· Lunch: possible at Paradise Beach, not included

· Programme: order may change slightly depending on local conditions

Why choose this tour?

South Gambia 4-in-1 combines different sides of the country in one day: traditions, markets, local enterprise, beach and the lively fishing community of Tanji.

A colourful and lively day that brings you closer to everyday life in The Gambia.