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River cruise holiday in Gambia

country:Gambia
departures:This trip can be arranged any time to suit you and can be adapted to your requirements as necessary.
price:£590 (8 days) excluding flights, group size 4 - 6 people
vouchers:Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday
 
the amazing things you'll be doing
A tour through the country on the river Gambia. On this tour you will see the varied animals and plants that Gambia has to offer from this great view point.

We commence our river journey first visiting James Island and the village of Juffreau made famous by Alex Haleys Book, "Roots" A chance to visit the slave museum before leaving civilization as we know it behind. We pass swamps and mangroves on the way and travel through over hanging jungle scenery making our way to our first nights lodgings at Bintang Bolong. Sit back relax, soak up the African sunshine or do some fishing as we journey on.

We arrive at Tendaba Camp, set on the river banks between bush and marsh lands. An ideal place to see the abundant wildlife and bird life. The camp is typical of the accommodation outside of the tourist areas, simple but adequate for the jungle explorer. We will also visit Kiang National Park and travel down river back to Denton Bridge.
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your coastal resort accommodation. In the evening there will be a brief meeting to advise you on what to expect during your adventure on the river.
Day 2:We meet our African Pirogue at Denton Bridge near Banjul. A two storey boat with ample space and mattresses to sunbath on the top deck. We commence our river journey first visiting James Island and the village of Juffreau made famous by Alex Haleys book, "Roots" A chance to visit the slave museum before leaving civilization as we know it behind. We pass swamps and mangroves on the way and travel through over hanging jungle scenery making our way to our first nights lodgings at Bintang Bolong. A basic lunch of sandwiches and fruit is served on board. We arrive at Bintang Bolong in the early afternoon, a tranquil haven on the waterside. Our rooms are water bungalows all en-suite and with mosquito nets over the beds. Time to explore the area and chat to the owner before our 3 course dinner is served.
Day 3:We depart after breakfast and proceed up river to Tendaba Camp, a journey of approx 5hrs. Sit back relax, soak up the African sunshine or do some fishing as we journey on. We arrive at Tendaba Camp, 170 kms up river in time for a late lunch or have a picnic lunch on board. Tendaba Camp is set on the river banks between bush and marsh lands. An ideal place to see the abundant wildlife and bird life. The camp is typical of the accommodation outside of the tourist areas, simple but adequate for the jungle explorer. All rooms are basic, en-suite and the camp has a small pool, restaurant and bar. During dinner we may well be entertained by local cultural dancers.
Day 4:After breakfast there will be a visit to Kiang National Park before returning back to our boat and travelling back down river to the beautiful Bintang Bolong for our 2 night stay arriving in time for dinner.
Day 5:Watch the sun rising over the waters of the bolong before breakfast after which there will be a guided tour of the village including the two schools and the woman's garden project as well as a visit to the Alkarlo (chief). We return to the lodge to enjoy a buffet lunch and a well earned rest, maybe take a cooling swim. After dinner we return to the village to be entertained by the local dancers and drummers, (a small donation may be sought from you).
Day 6:After breakfast we rejoin our boat and commence our return journey down river back to Denton Bridge where our vehicles will meet us to take us onto our resort hotels. We arrive at the hotels around 6pm. The evening is free to explore the tourist area.
Day 7:The option of taking the crocodile, crafts and culture tour which visits Serekunda, Batik factory, Banjul city tour and Charlie the crocodile at the 'sacred crocodile pool.' This tour allows you time to buy any souvenirs you may wish to take home with you tomorrow.
Day 8:Time to relax or further explore the resort area before being transferred the airport for your return flight home.
how this holiday makes a difference
Responsible tourism is our concern, we want to be keeping as much money in this beautiful country so it's economy may benefit. We want to employ as many local people as possible. We currently employ 6 full time and 3 part time local people but the numbers will of course grow as we grow and develop and we will only employ Gambians. We have joined with two British charities who are based in Gambia and actively work to promote the wellbeing of the Gambian people and their communities. We do this by offering you expeditions in small groups, right into the very heart of the Gambian Culture.

This package takes you amongst the local people into the more remote areas of the Gambia. Your accommodation throughout the expedition is in locally owned and run lodges, local people are preparing your food and local guides are used throughout. – so you are paying their salaries which in turn they tend to distribute throughout their extended families.

The whole of Bintang Bolong Camp directly benefits the village of Bintang. While you are there you will see much evidence of this, for instance, when the generator is on for your benefit, it also supplies free lighting to the village itself. The same is true for the water supply. It is for these reasons that we chose such venues to be incorporated into your expedition. We actively seek out those communities who have set up such projects as this and do all we can to actively support them by offering them to our guests and paying fair prices for services.

We aim to offer you that something “extra” whilst supporting the local communities which we visit including schools and clinics in the semi remote parts of this wonderful and exciting country. By travelling with us you help support the above projects and directly help local people in their efforts to alleviate themselves from poverty. You also help conserve the environment, and have a great time while you are doing it. We supply you with a responsible tourism alternative to mass packaged holidays with travel ethos that co-operate with the local communities to improve their economy, and protect their local environments.

Tourism is a vital part of The Gambia’s economy and the primary area for employment growth within the country's previously disadvantaged communities. Thus, revenues and taxes generated are vital to government spending in areas such as health and education. By booking through us you are contributing to the rebuilding and rebalancing of the country's economy. You can also help us by bringing donations of medical / first aid supplies, leave your toiletries and any other items you are not taking back home with you and we will ensure they are distributed to those in most need.

Malaria kills hundreds of people in The Gambia every year. The vast majority of people in these rural areas just can not afford the £5 to buy a treated Mosquito net. £5 which could literally save the lives of a whole family sleeping together, a very small price indeed. We are asking our guests if they feel able to donate a mosquito net to this, our mosquito net appeal in The Gambia. In turn, we will ensure these nets are distributed to the villages in need.

Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people.

We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel.

'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

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