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Upon your arrival in village, the air will be filled with the jubilant beats of village ladies drumming on bowls, inviting you into their world. Feel the pulse of the community as these beats intertwine with the infectious energy of dance, welcoming you with open arms to join in the celebration!
Prepare to be humbled as you're welcomed into the presence of our revered village chief. It's an emotional experience steeped in respect and admiration, a symbolic gesture embodying the age-old customs and deep-rooted values of our community. Learn about the foundation of this small village of an extended family, only counting 9 family homes forming a humble community.
Engage in the essence of village heritage by delving into the tradition of herding, learning the intricacies of milking cows, and witnessing the ancient craft of baobab rope making. These experiences carry the weight of generations past, connecting you emotionally to the rich cultural legacy.
Engage in the essence of village heritage by delving into the tradition of herding, learning the intricacies of milking cows, and witnessing the ancient craft of baobab rope making. These experiences carry the weight of generations past, connecting you emotionally to the rich cultural legacy.
Walk through our village, where each step unveils emotional tales. Discover the history behind gum tattoos, the significance of traditional clothing, beautification techniques using fudan, and the deep symbolism within the vibrant beads adorning community—a poignant journey into the heritage.
Embrace the soul of the community as you tie traditional rapas and engage in meal preparation. From gathering firewood to cooking over open flames, every moment shared is infused with the emotions of camaraderie and unity.
Sit down to a heartfelt lunch featuring the flavorful vegetable domoda paired with kus, served in calabash bowls. This meal isn't just food; it's a shared emotional experience, a taste of our cultural identity.
Engage in an emotional workshop crafting cultural accessories, decorating calabashes with vibrant beads. It's not just about the craft; it's about connecting emotionally to the artisanal heritage passed down through generations.
As the day concludes, it's time to bid farewell to Sinchu Wellingara. Gather to respectfully acknowledge the village chief and community leaders, signifying gratitude for the shared experiences.
Wave goodbye to the villagers, acknowledging the bonds formed during your visit. This moment encapsulates the unity experienced, fostering a sense of connection and leaving with the promise of cherished memories. Depart with gratitude for the insights gained and the warm hospitality of Sinchu Wellingara, a village that has left a lasting impression.
You can adjust your trip as a private tour. With the group tour, slight adjustments are possible.
The trip is easy to moderate. However, the area can be quite hot and a lot of the activities are taking place outdoors.
We recommend bringing sun protection (headwear, long, lightweight clothes, sunglasses, sun cream) and mosquito repellents. We recommend comfortable wear.
The trip is organised by the Insitute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) in collaboration with Ninki Nanka Encounters (NNE).
ITTOG specialises in hands-on training mainly in the Travel and Tourism sectors with special emphasis on travel agency, tour operations, tour guiding, ground operations, events management, entrepreneurship/business skills development, responsible/sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, and general tourism business management.
NNE Foundation is a small, new Gambian charity and UK community interest company (CIC) working towards the responsible development of the Ninki Nanka Trail as a community-based tourist destination.
They work on projects with communities, tourism businesses and local government to develop experiences, products and community-based tourism designed to create inspiring, cultural interaction between travellers and local people and use tourism to create livelihood opportunities for host communities 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.