7 am. Departure
10 am: Brief stop in Jarra Soma for breakfast.
Start your day early with a drive to Kerewan Samba Sira for the sustainable cotton project.
Activities
Experience the traditional techniques used for growing and harvesting cotton, and learn about the environmental impact of sustainable farming.
Join a cotton spinning workshop, where you will observe the process of transforming raw cotton into thread. Participate in the hands-on experience of spinning cotton, learning about the significance of this craft in local culture and commerce.
Visit the rice fields, where you can observe the traditional farming methods used to cultivate rice.
Afterward, head to the milling centre to witness how rice is processed, from harvesting to milling. Learn how rice cultivation is a key part of the local economy and food culture.
Traditional Home Cooking Experience:
Head to a local home in Kerewan Samba Sira for a traditional home cooking experience, where you will prepare and enjoy a delicious meal of Gambian cuisine.
Learn how local dishes such as benachin (a flavorful rice dish) and domoda (peanut stew) are cooked in the traditional way, with a chance to participate in meal preparation.
Be welcome by the village Kaneyelleng group.
Choose your accommodations at the Red Colobus Project Camp, where you can choose between rooms or tents for your accommodation. This eco-friendly site offers an immersive experience in nature.
Embark on a boat trip into the River Gambia National Park. This excursion will take you deep into the park's waters, where you will have the opportunity to spot chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles, and various species of birds.
7 am: Safari to Spot Red Colobus and Other Primates:
Begin your day early with a safari to spot the rare red Colobus monkeys and other primates in the area. The forest is home to various species of monkeys, and you may also see birds and other wildlife as you explore.
9 am Back to camp for Breakfast
10 am: Visit the School:
Visit the local school in Misira to interact with the children and learn about the education system in this rural village. Engage with the community and understand the importance of education in this region.
Tree Nursery Visit:
Head to the tree nursery, a key component of the Red Colobus Protection Project, to see the efforts being made to reforest the area and restore biodiversity. You may even have the chance to plant a tree to support the ongoing conservation efforts.
German Viewpoint Over River Gambia:
Drive to the German Viewpoint, a scenic overlook offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the River Gambia. Take in the beautiful landscape, watch for wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
Return to the Coast:
Begin your journey back to the coast, stopping along the way for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant or in a scenic spot.
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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