See the trail location:
This is one of our more challenging routes but definitely worth the effort. Experience the naturally warm welcome of the villages, the beautiful landscapes and the excellent wildlife. If 19km sounds ambitious for you, we offer the alternative of starting the day with a boat trip from Lamin Koto to Koli Bolong 'Mountain', looking for hippos before picking up the hiking route from there.
We'll start the trip looking for the Green Vervet monkeys around Lamin Koto riverside, and then head East through the bush to Koli Bolong 'Mountain'. After enjoying a late breakfast with great views over the river you'll have the chance to cool down with a swim if you wish. From there, we'll hike through the traditional settlements of Kujew, Yonna, Kunting and Jarra Ji. Along the way, we'll meet with various members of the community to learn more about local life and visit a women's community garden. From there, we'll continue South East to Tankong Kunda, where we will take lunch in a local compound. After lunch we'll greet the village chief and head down to the riverside. We'll set up our tents at a small fisherman camp and head out for an evening walk in the forest. Your evening meal will be cooked on a fire at the riverside.
After breakfast, leave Tankong Kunda and head South West to the village of Dobo. Depart Dobo and head South East to the river. From there, the going is a little tougher as we leave the tracks behind and weave our way through the trees as close to the river as possible, using a cutlass to cut a path at some points. There are no permanent settlements in this area, so the wildlife is as plentiful as anywhere in Gambia. We expect to see more than one large troop of baboons, red colobus monkeys, green vervet monkeys, mongoose and possibly even bush pig. This area also home to a great range of bird-life including various species of kingfishers, bee-eaters and ibis. Arrive to Bushtown and cross the river in a small hand-paddled boat to the dusty town of Bansang where you will spend the night in a local riverside lodge.
After breakfast, you will have the chance to explore the colourful Bansang market before departing to your onward destination.
If 19km of the first day sounds ambitious for you, we offer the alternative of starting the day with a boat trip from Lamin Koto to Koli Bolong 'Mountain', looking for hippos before picking up the hiking route from there.
Shorter hiking routes are also available. Please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
The trip is moderate. There is an alternative with boat trip to make the first day of hiking easier. The elevation change is not much yet high temperatures might make hiking more challenging than usual.
We recommend bringing sun protection (headwear, long, lightweight sport/trekking clothes, sunglasses, sun cream) and mosquito repellents. Make sure you bring enough water and some snacks if you get hungry quickly. Pack everything you need for a two nights stay. We recommend comfortable wear and hiking footwear.
You can find more details about the route on outdooractive.com.
Based in Janjanbureh, we specialise in providing tailor-made, authentically African experiences for solo travellers and small groups looking to get off the beaten track.
We visit areas where the traditional culture is still strong and modernisation has not changed lifestyles.
Our guides are from the local community and they are always happy to share their traditional knowledge of the river, the bush and the villages with you.
And because we are a social enterprise business, you can enjoy your trip safe in the knowledge that you’re making a valuable contribution to sustainable development.
We do believe it's time for another adventure. Don't spend all of your time in The Gambia in one place. Go out and explore! There are so many beautiful experiences waiting for you. Let us help you pick one - and take care of all the rest.