You will visit:
Your adventure begins as you depart for the country’s interior. The journey is filled with scenic stops, allowing you to soak in the landscapes that define this beautiful region.
As you travel, you’ll enjoy a local breakfast, setting the tone for a day of exploration and discovery.
Late in the morning, you’ll arrive at the Wassu Stone Circles, a site often referred to as the Gambian Stonehenge. These ancient megaliths offer a glimpse into the past, shrouded in mystery and rich cultural history.
The afternoon brings a delightful lunch in a nearby village, followed by an exciting visit to River Gambia National Park. Here, you’ll embark on a boat tour that takes you deep into the park’s natural habitat, where you’ll have the chance to observe chimpanzees, hippos, birds, and a variety of other wildlife in their natural settings.
As evening falls, you’ll settle into a comfortable lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing dinner. For those with energy to spare, there’s an *optional night program available, offering further opportunities to explore the area.
The day begins with a hearty breakfast, preparing you for a deep dive into the culture and history of Janjanbureh.
The morning’s city tour takes you through the Kankurang Museum, where you’ll learn about the traditional masks used by the local ethnic groups, each with its own story and significance. You’ll also visit the sacred baobab tree, a site of spiritual importance, as well as the Liberation tree and a silversmith, where you can witness the intricate craft of jewelry making.
As the morning continues, you’ll be treated to a vibrant parade of traditional masquerades, a lively display of the area’s rich cultural traditions.
The afternoon offers a leisurely lunch, followed by free time to relax, explore more of the city, or even take a *kayak out on the water.
As the day draws to a close, an early dinner sets the stage for the evening’s main event—a festival featuring performances by traditional masquerades. This cultural celebration takes place in an open venue, where you’ll be immersed in the music, dance, and mystique of the region’s heritage.
Your final day begins with breakfast before heading out to visit a Fula-Mandinka Community. Here, you’ll gain a unique insight into the daily lives of the villagers, with a tour of the rice fields and a look at the traditional methods of cotton cultivation and processing. This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the agricultural practices that sustain the community.
As the afternoon approaches, you’ll enjoy a lunch on the road, making your way back to the starting point of your journey.
There can be slight changes in itinerary, but you can also decide on a private tour where we can customize your experience according to your needs.
The trip is rated as easy to moderate. The most physical activity required is boarding a boat. It will involve some walking, but no strenuous activity. The most challenging aspects are the long drive and the increasing heat as you travel further inland.
We recommend bringing sun protection, including headwear, long lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as mosquito repellent. Pack essentials for a two-night stay and wear comfortable clothing. Additionally, consider bringing a mask due to possible dust at the festival grounds, and for added comfort, an extra towel and wet wipes can be useful.
Photography is generally allowed, but it’s polite to ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. Some cultural and religious sites may have restrictions on photography, so always check before taking pictures.
The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites. Respect for local customs, traditions, and beliefs is crucial. It’s also customary to greet people with a few words of greeting in the local language.
Internet access can be limited, especially in remote areas like the country’s interior. Some lodges offer Wi-Fi, but the connection may be slow. It’s advisable to prepare for limited connectivity during certain parts of the trip.
The trip is organized by the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) in collaboration with Ninki Nanka Encounters (NNE).
ITTOG focuses on practical training in the travel and tourism sectors, including travel agency operations, tour guiding, events management, sustainable tourism, and business skills.
NNE Foundation, a new Gambian charity and UK community interest company (CIC), is dedicated to developing the Ninki Nanka Trail as a community-based tourist destination. They work with communities, tourism businesses, and local government to create cultural interactions and livelihood opportunities along The River Gambia.
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.
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