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Exploring The Gambia

Family West African Adventure

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in The Gambia

Arrive in the afternoon at Banjul Airport, where our driver will meet you for your transfer (45 minutes) to the Ocean Bay Hotel. This fabulous hotel opens onto a wide sandy beach in Cape Point, a small resort by the mouth of the River Gambia. As well as, two excellent onsite restaurants, a range of further eateries are on your doorstep catering for a wide variety of tastes.

Days 2 to 4 - Time at leisure

There are plenty of activities at the hotel to keep everyone happy, or you may prefer to simply relax by the beach or the large swimming pool.

Alternatively, head out and explore the local craft market, meet the crocs at Kachikally Crocodile Pool or visit Banjul, the Gambia’s capital and the Royal Albert Market. Here you’ll find a maze of stall lined alleyways where everything from live chickens to second-hand bras is for sale (Taxi and guide payable locally).

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We also offer a great range of excursions, including private as well as group trips. ‘Six Tours in One’ is a great introduction to The Gambia, while older children might enjoy kayaking at Tanji Creek.

Day 5 - Go wild in Senegal

Start the day early with a private transfer to Banjul’s ferry port from where you’ll cross the River Gambia. This is an adventure in itself with a colourful collection of vehicles, people, and often animals streaming onto the ferry. Your guide will look after you all the way. From here it’s just a short drive across the border to Senegal and Fathala Wildlife Reserve. Staying in luxury safari tents, with air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom, you certainly won’t be roughing it!

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That afternoon join a guided sunset game drive through the African bush for the chance to see the rare West African giant derby eland as well as giraffes, zebra, rhino, buffalo, warthogs, several species of monkeys and numerous bird species amongst the giant African mahogany trees.

Day 6 - Discover Senegal

Visit a traditional Senegalese market and bakery and learn about local life. You’ll have the chance to meet local artisans and to taste baobab juice and be back at Fathala in time for lunch.

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In the late afternoon join a guided walk through the Africa bush to learn about the plants and smaller animals that live on the reserve. This is an excellent opportunity for bird photography. There’s no guarantee what you may see, but frequently sighted bird species include the Abyssinian roller, the rose-ringed parakeet, the western red-billed hornbill, the long-tailed glossy starling and many more.

Day 7 - Back to The Gambia

It’s time to return to The Gambia and your last night in the Ocean Bay Hotel.

That afternoon enjoy the pool and beach or visit the local craft market on the hunt for some souvenirs.

Day 8 - Bid farewell to West Africa

After a leisurely breakfast, leave the Ocean Bay Hotel around mid-morning to check-in for your flight home.

Details -

This itinerary costs from £1,397 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing and includes private transfers and return international flights from Gatwick Airport (Birmingham or Manchester itineraries are also available).

What's included?

Included:
  • Prices start from £1,397 per person
  • 4-nights accommodation on B&B basis at Ocean Bay Hotel (standard room), 2-nights accommodation on B&B basis at Fathala Wildlife Reserve and 1-nights accommodation on B&B basis at Ocean Bay Hotel.
  • Return flights with 20kg luggage allowance and in-flight meals
  • Transfers (including ferry crossing)
  • Fathala Wildlife Reserve game drive, village visit and bushwalk.
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
Make a booking

The Gambia is a fabulous place to explore whatever your age with a vibrant culture, wonderful wildlife, and welcoming English-speaking locals. Add French-speaking Senegal and the Fathala Wildlife Reserve into the mix and you’ve got an even more exciting adventure. Fly from Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester.

Ngala Lodge
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Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
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Leo's Beach Hotel
This intimate, contemporary eco-friendly hotel boasts excellent sea views from it’s elevated position by a quiet golden sand beach. More
White Horse Residence
An eco-friendly, tranquil retreat with seven thatched lodges in a lush green tropical garden overlooking the ocean and a beautiful sandy beach. More
Ocean Bay Hotel
A well-established, family-friendly hotel by one of the best beaches in The Gambia. More
Mandina Lodge
A unique, tranquil hideaway, these stunning eco-lodges on a tributary of the River Gambia, lie deep in the heart of Makasutu Forest. More
Fathala Wildlife Reserve
See zebra, giraffes, monkeys, rhino and more while glamping at this wildlife reserve in Senegal, just across the border from The Gambia. More
African Princess Beach Hotel
A unique and contemporary hotel by a beautiful beach in South Kotu. We particularly love the swim-up ground floor rooms. More

Your adventure starts here!

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Award-winning and fully-protected holidays
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