The Gambia – The River Adventure
Experience authentic river life, wildlife, vibrant festivals and the real Gambia.
10 Days / River – Culture – Wildlife – Beaches – Adventure
The Gambia – The River Adventure (18. Jan - 27. Jan 27)
Day 1 – Arrival in Senegambia
After arrival and check-in at Leybato Beach Hotel, we come together for a welcome circle — a chance to meet the group, share where everyone is coming from and set the tone for the days ahead.In the evening, we have dinner together at a nearby local restaurant.
Day 2 – Serekunda Market → Makasutu Forest
We start the day slowly before heading to Serekunda, the biggest market in The Gambia.We grab a local breakfast and take our time exploring the colourful market, before continuing to Makasutu Forest.Here, we go for a walk through the forest, hopefully spot some baboons and take a short boat ride along the river.Later, we return to the coast and finish the day with sunset at the beach.
Day 3 – Senegambia → Bintang Bolong Lodge
We leave the coast behind and drive towards Bintang Bolong Lodge, a peaceful river lodge that feels like a completely different world.With a local guide, we explore the surrounding area, passing oyster farms, rice fields and women's gardens.Lunch is prepared by two local women from the community — a simple, authentic Gambian meal.The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the lodge before dinner.
Day 4 – The River Journey Begins | Bintang → Kauur
Early start.We drive to Tendaba, board our boat and begin our journey upriver towards Kauur.The entire day is spent on the river, surrounded by nature and changing landscapes.Lunch and dinner are served on board.Tonight, we sleep on the boat — one of the experiences that makes this trip different from a typical tour.For those who prefer a proper bed, an upgrade to a lodge in Kauur is available.
Day 5 – Baboon Islands → Janjanbureh → Kankurang Festival
We continue upriver and pass through the Baboon Islands, home to chimpanzees and hippos.The chimpanzees are part of a local rehabilitation project, giving us a rare opportunity to see them from close range.Hippos are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed — and that's exactly what makes the experience special.We continue to Janjanbureh Camp, check in and take a short guided walk through town.In the evening, we head to the Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival for the warm-up night.The main event is tomorrow.
Day 6 – Stone Circles & Kankurang Festival
We start the morning with a horse-cart ride to the ancient stone circles — one of West Africa's most fascinating and underrated historical sites.The afternoon is free to relax and experience Janjanbureh and the festival atmosphere at your own pace.In the evening, we head to the main night of the Kankurang Festival.Entrance is included and we have good seats secured for the evening.Expect traditional performances, music, dancing and traditions from different communities across The Gambia.
Day 7 – Janjanbureh → Kartong | Back to the Coast
Today we leave the river behind and make our way back towards the coast.Before checking in, we stop for lunch at Doudou's Riverside Restaurant in Kartong.While we wait for lunch, we take a short boat ride to Pelican Island — a small island where hundreds of pelicans spend the European winter.Later, we check in at Tamba Kuruba Lodge.The rest of the afternoon is yours: beach, sunset and a relaxed evening at the lodge.
Day 8 – Tanji Kayaking & A Day with Ida
We start early with a morning kayaking experience in Tanji.Afterwards, we meet Ida at the Tanji fish market and shop for fresh local ingredients together before heading to her home in Tujereng.This is one of the most immersive days of the trip.We cook together, try on traditional clothing, take part in a short introduction to local plant medicine and simply spend time together.It's less about sightseeing and more about sharing a day of everyday Gambian life.In the evening, we return to Kartong and relax at the beach.
Day 9 – Gunjur Fish Market → Sand Mosque → Beach BBQ
A slower morning before heading to the Gunjur fish market.We have a local lunch and pick up the fresh ingredients for our final evening BBQ.On the way, we stop at the Sand Mosque, a unique and peaceful place worth exploring.In the evening, we head to the beach for the perfect final night:Fresh fish BBQ. Drumming session. Campfire. Beach.Simple, local and exactly how this adventure should end.
Day 10 – Kartong → Senegambia | Family Lunch & Departure
Our final morning begins with the journey back towards the Senegambia area.Before heading to the airport, we visit the famous crocodile pool — one of The Gambia's classic experiences.Then we sit down for a home-cooked Gambian lunch with my local family and enjoy a proper final meal together.After lunch, it's time to head to the airport and say goodbye to The Gambia.The adventure ends here.
