Gambia · Culture

8-Day Gambia Tour from Banjul with Kunta Kinteh Island Cruise

8 Days Round trip from 88VX+H38 Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the Batik Factory and the Never Again Memorial Arch in Banjul
02 Explore Kunta Kinteh Island and the slavery heritage of Juffureh
03 Travel through Abuko Nature Reserve to discover birds and wildlife
04 Stroll through craft, fish, and animal markets for a glimpse of local life
05 See the mysterious Wassu Stone Circles
06 Cruise along the River Gambia to spot birds, monkeys, and mangrove oyster collectors

Embark on an 8-day journey through the major highlights of The Gambia, from Banjul and Juffureh to Georgetown and South Gambia. Visit the Wassu Stone Circles, explore Kunta Kinteh Island and its slavery history, and discover local life in markets, villages, and cultural sites. Spot wildlife near River Gambia National Park, cruise through the river's backwaters, and unwind at Paradise Beach. This tour combines history, culture, nature, and scenic river experiences across the country.

Embark on an 8-day journey through the major highlights of The Gambia, from Banjul and Juffureh to Georgetown and South Gambia.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Brikama, Serre Kunda, Banjul, Barra, Bakau, River Gambia National Park, Farafenni, Kunta Kinteh Island

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Banjul International Airport

Arrive at the airport, meet your tour guide, and transfer to your choice of hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Day 02

Banjul City Tour and Serre Kunda Market

Pick up from your hotel at 8 am after breakfast and enjoy a visit to the local batik factory in Serre Kunda, where you can stock up on great souvenirs from the market.
Then, proceed to the capital city of The Gambia - Banjul, situated on an island called Saint Mary's Island and founded in the 19th century.
Visit the Arch Monument, now called the Never Again Memorial Arch, which provides a fabulous panoramic view of the city.
Next, go to the National Museum for arts and culture, as well as the Royal Albert Market, where many local residents in Banjul do their daily shopping.
Stroll through the tourist craft market, which offers anything from spices to shoes.
Later, head for lunch and relaxation at Alibaba Restaurant or a similar venue.
By the end of the day, you will arrive at your hotel at 3 pm.

Meal included in the cost - Lunch

Day 03

Fort Bullen, Juffureh and Kunta Kinteh Island

Pick up from your hotel early in the morning at 7 am and drive to Banjul to catch the ferry.
After crossing the River Gambia at Barra, your day begins with a guided tour of Fort Bullen, an anti-slavery monument established by the British in 1823 and situated on the riverbank.
Then, continue driving through numerous villages on the way to Albreda.
Upon arrival in Juffureh village, a guided tour will be conducted to the slave statues and the Museum of Slavery.
Meet the lady chief of Juffureh village and other descendants of Kunta Kinteh and Alex Haley.
Next, move by wooden canoe boat to the ruins of Fort James Island, now called Kunta Kinteh Island, where slaves were imprisoned.
Later, have lunch at Rising Sun Bar and Restaurant before heading back to Barra to catch the ferry to Banjul.
You will arrive at your hotel at 5 pm.

Meal included in the cost - Lunch

Day 04

South Gambia Markets, Nature and Coast

Pick up from your hotel at 7 am to explore the famous crocodile pool and museum in Bakau, and dip in the pool water to enable your wishes to come true. Touch a friendly crocodile with the help of the pool guide.
Go to Serre Kunda Market to experience daily local market life in The Gambia.
Next, move to Abuko Nature Reserve to discover birds, wildlife, plants, and trees.
Stroll through Brikama Craft Market to see the best wood carvers and the animal market.
Proceed along the way to visit a rural school and learn about the prevailing educational challenges in The Gambia.
Afterwards, go to Paradise Beach for relaxation and lunch, and witness the weekly traditional wrestling festival held every Sunday.
Later, head to Tanji Fishing Village, the biggest fishing harbour in The Gambia.
You will arrive at your hotel at 5 pm.

Meal included in the cost - Lunch

Day 05

Wassu Stone Circles and River Gambia National Park

Pick up from your hotel at 7 am and drive to Banjul to join the local ferry crossing to Barra.
Following the north bank of the River Gambia, make a market stop at Farafenni for a lunch and drink break, then visit the mysterious stone circles at Wassu and learn what is known about them.
Cross further down to River Gambia National Park, where you might catch the sights and sounds of hippos, crocodiles, baboons, monkeys, and birds that live in the reserve.
Return after the boat ride and head to Lamin Koto for a small ferry crossing to Georgetown.
Overnight accommodation, dinner, and breakfast are at Baobolong Riverside Camp.

Meals included in the cost - Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Day 06

Georgetown Heritage Tour

After breakfast, go to Georgetown to discover the majestic sights and visit the Freedom Tree Monument and the ruins of old colonial building structures.
Sightsee the underground slave station and the British cannon facing the River Gambia.
Later, move to catch the ferry back on the return journey and head to Farafenni again for lunch and relaxation.
Afterwards, proceed to Barra crossing to Banjul.
By the end of the day, you will arrive at your hotel at 4 pm.

Meals included in the cost - Breakfast and Lunch

Day 07

River Gambia Cruise and Backwaters

Pick up from your hotel at 8 am and drive to Denton Bridge Riverside to join the cruise boat.
Sail along the River Gambia, witnessing splendid natural sights and experiencing the country's natural resources.
Focus your time on finding different species of birds and monkeys. See fishers and local women oyster collectors on canoe boats harvesting oysters attached to the roots of the mangroves.
Have some rest and chill out, swim in the crystal waters, or spend some relaxing time on the boat.
In the afternoon, have a delicious buffet lunch with tea, coffee, biscuits, and refreshments, all included.
Then, cool off with a swim and admire the beautiful scenery while sailing through the backwaters of the River Gambia.
You will arrive at your hotel at 5 pm.

Meal included in the cost - Lunch

Day 08