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Ninki Nanka Trail - Jola | 2 DAYS

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Ninki Nanka Trail - Jola | 2 DAYS
from
6,500 GMD
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ABOUT Ninki Nanka Trail - Jola | 2 DAYS

This getaway in the Jola community is part of the Ninki Nanka Trail experience. It allows a deep insight into the daily life of the village not only by witnessing but also participating, engaging and tasting.
communities
responsible travel
tradition and culture
skills

Itinerary

Arrival

  • The starting point is Senegambia.
  • Pick-up at your location can be arranged for an additional cost.
  • Accommodation before the tour start can be arranged for an additional cost.

See the location of the activities:

Day One

The complete Jola Village Experience

In the morning, we embark on a 2-hour journey into the country's interior, passing through picturesque countryside dotted with local villages. Along the way, you’ll observe thatched roofs, fences made of stakes or reeds near the mosque, and authentic sub-savanna vegetation, offering a glimpse of traditional African life.

Upon arrival at Ndemban, the Jola village community, you will be warmly welcomed by the village guide, who will provide an introduction to the homestay and essential information for your stay.

Your day will be filled with immersive activities that allow you to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Jola people.

The first stop will be a visit to the village chief, a revered figure in the community. This customary greeting is an important tradition that underscores the respect given to local leadership.

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a Tapalapa (traditional bread) making workshop at a local bakery. Tapalapa is a staple in the local diet, and this hands-on experience will give you insight into the traditional baking methods used by the villagers.

After the workshop, you’ll return to the village’s riverside restaurant for a traditional meal. Following lunch, you’ll participate in a workshop on traditional crafts such as tie-dye fabric dyeing and soap making, both of which are integral to the village’s cultural practices.

You’ll then observe the process of traditional salt production, where seawater is evaporated to extract salt. This demonstration provides a fascinating look at the methods used by the village to produce this essential mineral.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to engage in oyster collection along the village’s estuary. This activity offers a hands-on experience of the traditional methods used to collect oysters, highlighting their importance to the local economy.

To round off the day, you’ll embark on a 2-hour kayaking adventure through the scenic creeks surrounding the village. This peaceful excursion allows you to explore the natural beauty of the area from a unique perspective.

Day Two

Living like a community member

After enjoying breakfast with your host family, you’ll begin a day of work and learning in the community.

Your first activity will be a visit to the village’s vegetable garden, where you’ll learn about local agriculture and sustainable farming practices. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in farming activities such as planting, weeding, and harvesting, gaining insight into the hard work that sustains the community.

Following your time in the garden, you’ll join a family or group of villagers in preparing a traditional lunch from start to finish. This cooking experience is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local cuisine, including the use of traditional ingredients and cooking utensils. You’ll discover the various dishes commonly prepared in the village and gain an appreciation for the spices and seasonings that flavor the local food.

After enjoying a well-deserved lunch, it will be time to pack your belongings, bid farewell to your hosts and new friends, and begin the journey back to the coastal area.

End of tour

  • The finishing point is at the pick-up location, Senegambia.
  • Accommodation after the tour can be arranged for an additional cost.
  • Drop-off at your location can be arranged for an additional cost.

RATES

Please note the minimum number of tour. Your departure is 100% guaranteed once the minimum number of travellers book the tour. Rates are per person and might vary depending on the availability, requests for changes and number of travellers. For more information, send an inquiry. You can also book a private and customized tour, where a minimum number of guests is not required. For an exact quotation for the number of travellers, please send an inquiry.

PRICES

Group tour (*min. 2 travellers)
11,900 GMD pp
Group tour (*min. 4 travellers)
7,900 GMD pp
Group tour (*min. 6 travellers)
6,500 GMD pp

inclusions

What is included

  • All means of transport and road taxes
  • Meals: lunch and dinner first day, breakfast and lunch second day
  • Accommodation in a homestay for one night
  • All activities
  • Professional guides
  • Guide tips
  • Community contributions

What is excluded

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Costs of Pick-up and Drop-off at your selected location
  • Some meals (breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, drinks with meal, travel insurance, visa fees)
  • International flights to and from The Gambia
Basic accommodation
You will be accommodated in a homestay
Customization Option
You can request minor changes to the tour.
Can start any day
Depending on availability, the tour can start in any day of the week.
Family Friendly
Tour is suitable for families with kids more than 6 years old.
3 days trip
This is a two days and one night trip.
Light to moderate activity
This trip requires light to moderate activity.
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FAQ

Can I adjust my trip?

Activities in the village can be adjusted or rearranged according to the group preferences. 

How demanding is the trip?

The trip is easy to moderate. The most activity expected from you is during the workshops, home cooking and visit to the gardens. The trip will also include some walking. 

What should I bring with me?

We recommend bringing sun protection (headwear, long, lightweight clothes, sunglasses, sun cream) and mosquito repellents. Make sure you bring enough water (you can also buy it on the way) and some snacks if you get hungry quickly. Pack everything you need for a two days stay (we recommend bringing powerbank as well). We recommend comfortable wear. 

The land of the mystic creature, Ninki Nanka

By the oral legend, Ninki Nanka is a mythical dragon said to reside in the creeks of the River Gambia. It is said that whoever saw this mythical creature got seriously ill and died after some days. The only thing that can kill it is its own reflection in the mirror, so to protect oneself while exploring deep river creeks of the River Gambia, one should always carry a mirror with. People say Ninki Nanka has the head of the giraffe; others mention crocodile. The body should be one of a dragon, and some say hippo.
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GET A DEEPER INSIGHT INTO YOUR ADVENTURE

Learn more about the activities in Ndemban village.
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LET'S PLAN YOUR ACTIVITY TOGETHER

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Trips and Activities Contact Form (#11)

How it works?

Fill-in the contact form on your left and your personal assistant from My Gambia team will:
    • Get in touch with our partners.
    • Respond to you in 24 hours with the rates and availability.
    • Once you confirm the offer, we will ensure everything will be set for your trip or activity.

Do you need more than just adventure?

Run through our questionaire and we will prepare the wholesome experience that suits your travelling character.
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OFFERED BY

ITTOG & NNE

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.

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