OLDER ISSUES
See: Kerewan Samba Sira primary school, home of alkali, village, football field
Learn: about Kerewan Samba Sira village through the visit by two alkalos of the village representing two tribes living in harmony, about the history of the village, the importance of streetlights, life in the village, the role of alkalo in the village
Share: solar light installation, gifts for Kerewan Samba Sira school, gifts for football academy
Feel: the cheerful welcoming, the gratitude of the villagers, the joy of playing with children, dance moves and rhythm of drums
Accommodation: Guest House Brikama Ba
See: typical Fula village and mud huts, stone circle, river and fields, birds
Learn: about Fula traditional breakfast, Fulani Riti, traditional clothing, different masks, the history of stone circles, the decoration of calabash, the process of cow milking and how they store it, traditional Gambia lunch recipe and how to eat with hands, how to make calabash bowl
Feel: the joy of dancing with the whole community, the taste of traditional Fulani breakfast, the entertaining cheerfulness of football fan club, the mysterious energy of Mandinka masking tradition, delicious traditional lunch, the melody of riti and happiness of community coming together to celebrate life
Share: support to the local community through income generation, your dancing knowledge with villagers
Accommodation: Guest house Brikama Ba
See: Baboon Island, Wassu Stone Circles, hippos, chimpanzees, colourful birds
Learn: about the river Gambia National Park, the Chimpanzees Rehabilitation Project, about monolithic ancient burial ground, masking tradition of The Gambia
Feel: the magnificence of hippos, the interesting behaviour of chimpanzees, the spiritual powers of stone circles, the exciting atmosphere of the festival, the mysterious energies of masquerades
Share: support to the local communities through income generation, support to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project
Accommodation: Baobolong Annex
See: Kankurang museum, sacred baobab site, silversmith’s shed, liberation tree, governor residence, nature and creek, carnival
Learn: masking traditions of The Gambia, importance of sacred baobab site, history of slavery in Janjanbureh, colonial influence, traditional skills of silversmith
Feel: the mysterious energy of the masquerade of The Gambia, the amazing festival atmosphere, the power of drumbeats, the protection of silver bangle
Share: support to the local communities and performing groups through income generation
Accommodation: Baobolong Annex
See: community women’s gardens, oyster collection and processing site, local bakery, alkalo
Learn: how to make tapalapa, about Jola lifestyle and traditions, how to dye material with natural tie&dye techniques, how to produce salt from the muddy creek water in a traditional way, about the role of alkalo – village chief
Feel: the salty taste of freshly harvested oysters, delicious freshly baked bread, the importance of fading tradition of natural fabrics dyeing
Share: your willingness to help the ladies of the community with watering their crops, support to the local community by creating extra income for the oyster collectors, cooks at the local restaurant, tie&dye and salt production workshop teachers, bakers, alkalo and local guide
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.
This trip is suitable for families with kids older than 12 years. We have very positive experiences with families coming for this type of travel. The kids were the ones who enjoyed the most.
The trip is easy to moderate. The most activity expected from you is when you have to board a boat. It will include some walking, but there will be no serious activity. The most demanding part is the long drive and the heat, which intensifies as you move deeper inland.
We recommend bringing sun protection (headwear, long, lightweight clothes, sunglasses, sun cream) and mosquito repellents. Pack everything you need for a two-night stay. We recommend comfortable wear.
Your contribution is highly welcome. Please click HERE to learn more about the project.
With the heritage of making a change in The Gambia for the past 12 years, Volunteer Trails is the creation of a new vision that will improve the quality of lives of Gambians in a sustainable and self-sufficient way.
We are the voice for responsible volunteering and eco-, rural- and community-based travel in The Gambia.
Everyone involved in our projects is fairly paid and encouraged. Hand in hand with communities, we create job opportunities as we don’t believe that (just) giving is beneficial to the people and their future. Our mission is to minimize or completely remove dependency on instant cash donations. Instead, we believe there must be an exchange of services and/or products for earnings.
Education, exchange, sharing, accepting and making an impact is our mission. And we invite like-minded people to join us.
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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