30 Days and 30 Nights

Your 30 Days and 30 Nights Gambian adventure begins upon arrival at Banjul International Airport (BJL), where our representative will greet you after passport control and luggage claim for a seamless transfer to Balafon Beach Resort. After settling in, enjoy your first West African evening with dinner options at the hotel or nearby. The following day offers a perfect opportunity to unwind at Balafon Beach Resort. Spend your time by the inviting pool, basking in the African sunshine, or take a short trip to the nearby beach with its golden sands and tranquil waters.

Discover Gambia’s coastal charm and natural wonders with a morning visit to the sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau and the insightful National Museum. Afterwards, venture to a local tie-dye workshop for a colourful cultural experience. The late afternoon offers relaxation back at Balafon Beach Resort, where you can unwind by the pool and enjoy the resort’s amenities.

Begin your Gambian experience by wandering through the sacred groves of Makasutu Culture Forest, where tradition fills the air. Be captivated by vibrant music and dance, and uncover the fascinating world of medicinal plants and local ways of life. This wonderful eco-tourism haven offers a deeply personal and enriching connection to The Gambia’s natural beauty and soul.

From this cultural immersion, you will then be whisked away to the peaceful tranquillity of Mandina Lodge, a unique eco-retreat nestled beside a serene mangrove creek. Each individually designed lodge blends beautifully with the natural landscape, offering stunning vistas and a truly serene atmosphere. Here, you can spend your days exploring the waterways by canoe, observing incredible birdlife, and fully immersing yourself in the local culture. Mandina Lodge provides a genuine and relaxing Gambian escape, a peaceful haven away from the crowds.

Discover the natural beauty surrounding Mandina Lodge. Join insightful guided walks to learn about the local flora and fauna, enhancing your connection with the environment. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at Mandina Lodge.

Your southward journey takes you towards Kartong, with a fascinating stop at the bustling Brikama Market. Continue to the renowned Marakissa River Camp, a haven for birdlife and photography, offering an optional visit to a nearby snake farm. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Halahin River, bordering Senegal, before arriving at your overnight destination: Halahin Lodge. Nestled near Kartong, this charming eco-lodge offers a peaceful escape in simple, comfortable African-style huts right by a secluded beach. Savour fresh local cuisine and the laid-back atmosphere, with opportunities for drumming and birdwatching excursions.

Discover the tranquil charm of Kartong, a coastal village nestled in the southwest corner of The Gambia. Here, the pace slows down, allowing you to truly connect with nature and local life. Explore pristine, often deserted beaches fringed by swaying palms, witness the vibrant birdlife in the surrounding wetlands, and savour fresh seafood at laid-back restaurants. Kartong offers a refreshing glimpse into authentic Gambian culture and a peaceful retreat for those seeking a more intimate and natural travel experience.

Escape the coast’s bustle and delve into the vibrant heart of Gambian culture with a visit to a traditional village. Witness the rhythm of daily life, admire traditional crafts, and connect with welcoming families – an authentic experience far from typical tourist trails. Your day concludes at AbCa’s Creek Lodge, a charming and peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Relax in comfortable accommodations, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the authentic Gambian atmosphere with options for birdwatching and mangrove boat trips

Escape the every day with a full day of blissful relaxation at AbCa’s Creek Lodge. Immerse yourself in the tranquil riverside setting, where the soothing sounds of nature create a perfect escape. Unwind amidst the beautiful natural surroundings, letting the peaceful atmosphere rejuvenate your mind and body.

Following a hearty breakfast, a scenic drive brings you to the welcoming Sindola Country Lodge, where a delicious lunch awaits. Your afternoon is dedicated to exploring Gambian history with a guided tour of the former president’s residence. The tranquil Sindola Country Lodge provides your overnight retreat, offering comfortable accommodations nestled in nature, delicious local cuisine, and a peaceful ambiance – the perfect starting point for experiencing the authentic Gambia.

This less-visited area offers a chance to connect with nature, boasting lush landscapes and diverse birdlife. While wildlife sightings can be more subtle than in larger parks, the reserve provides a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and those seeking a quieter Gambian experience amidst natural beauty.

Fuel up with breakfast for a scenic journey to Tendaba Camp, your gateway to the Kiang West National Park. Settle in and prepare for an enchanting afternoon boat trip across the Gambia River, a prime location for spotting diverse wildlife and vibrant birdlife along the opposite banks. Your overnight is spent at Tendaba Camp, a unique eco-lodge nestled within the park’s serene mangroves. Offering rustic yet comfortable accommodations that blend seamlessly with the natural environment, Tendaba Camp provides stunning river vistas and unparalleled birdwatching opportunities. Explore the intricate waterways by boat and discover the tranquillity of this special West African location on guided nature walks.

Morning safari in the Kiang West National Park. This inland gem offers a taste of authentic Gambian landscapes, from mangrove creeks teeming with birdlife to dry woodland dotted with baboons and perhaps even a glimpse of the elusive West African manatee. Explore its diverse ecosystems by boat or on foot, immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and rich biodiversity far from the usual tourist trails. Return to Tendaba Camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast, your journey takes you to Soma town for a short visit before crossing the Transgambia Bridge towards Farafenni. En route, enjoy opportunities for birdwatching as you head inland to the captivating Wassu Stone Circles, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back over a millennium. Explore these ancient megaliths, pondering their mysteries, and visit the museum for historical context. Your day culminates with arrival and overnight stay at the Silla Kundah Multi-Purpose Centre in Georgetown. This tranquil island town, situated at the meeting point of the Niani and Gambia Rivers, offers a unique blend of history with its colonial remnants and natural beauty through its birdlife and mangrove ecosystems, best experienced by boat.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided exploration of Georgetown. In the late afternoon, take a boat trip to observe hippos, crocodiles, and chimpanzees on Baboon Island. Baboon Island, nestled within the River Gambia National Park, offers a unique and captivating wildlife experience. While access to the island itself is restricted to protect its primate inhabitants, boat trips along the surrounding waterways provide fantastic opportunities to observe the playful troops of baboons in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for other fascinating wildlife like red colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and diverse birdlife, making this a memorable and enriching excursion for nature enthusiasts visiting The Gambia.

Lunch, dinner, and overnight in the Silla Kundah Multi-Purpose Centre in Georgetown.

Your journey today takes you from Georgetown, across the Gambian border at Farafenni, and on to Kaolack, Senegal. Discover the workings of a salt factory and marvel at the Grand Mosque of Medina Baye, a significant landmark of Senegalese Islamic artistry and faith. Your final destination for the day is Toubacouta, a tranquil retreat nestled on the Sine-Saloum delta. Here, you can explore the winding waterways by boat, teeming with birdlife within the mangrove forests, and experience the peaceful local culture. Your overnight is spent at Fathala Lodge.

Following breakfast in Toubacouta, immerse yourself in local life with a boat trip to Sipo Island, observing the daily routines of fishermen and women. The afternoon then transitions to the thrill of a safari at the Fathala Wildlife Reserve. Explore this privately owned haven on guided walks or drives, seeking out giraffes, red colobus monkeys, and various antelope. Your overnight is spent at Fathala Lodge, an eco-friendly sanctuary nestled within the wildlife reserve. Here, comfortable safari-style accommodation blends seamlessly with the immersive nature experiences, allowing you to wake to the sounds of the African bush and relax in a truly unique setting.

After breakfast, drive towards the Gambian border and on to Juffureh, a village deeply intertwined with the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Your visit includes a poignant boat trip to Kunta Kinteh Island (James Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore the ruins of Fort James, a holding point for enslaved Africans like Kunta Kinteh. You’ll also visit the family compound in Juffureh and the museum in Albreda, offering a comprehensive and moving perspective on this historical narrative. Lunch, dinner, and overnight will be at the Kunta Kinteh Camp in the Juffureh area, allowing time for reflection on this significant site.

Following breakfast, embark on a local ferry to Banjul, immersing yourself in the city’s atmosphere. Enjoy a brief tour featuring key landmarks, including the towering Arch 22. Ascend this historical monument for stunning panoramic views of Banjul and the Atlantic Ocean. Your overnight awaits at Leo’s Beach Hotel in Brufut, an intimate, adults-only boutique escape. Indulge in breathtaking sea views, a tranquil ambience, relaxation by the pool with a jacuzzi, delectable Mediterranean dining, and direct access to a peaceful beach, all complemented by personalised service.

Savour these days at your leisure at Leo’s Beach Hotel. Choose from available activities, explore the local area independently, or simply relax and enjoy the hotel’s wonderful amenities. Unwind, breathe in the sea air, and embrace the tranquil surroundings. Spend your days by the inviting pool, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and let the gentle rhythm of the nearby ocean soothe you. Leo’s Beach Hotel’s serene atmosphere and warm hospitality create the perfect relaxing Gambian escape. On Day 28, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. Bon Voyage.