Exploring the River Gambia offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of this beautiful, fascinating, and incredibly friendly country. On a two-day tour with Gambia Favourite Tours, we experienced everything from vibrant local markets to picturesque boat rides spotting chimpanzees, hippos, and crocodiles.
This trip, led by the wonderful Malcolm, was packed with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery — an absolute must if you’re visiting The Gambia and looking to support independent local businesses. The trip took us from Serrekunda in the west, and along the northern stretch of the country, to Janjanbureh island, and then back again along the south.
Why We Chose This Tour
Before arriving in The Gambia, we knew we wanted an enriching and authentic experience. Our priorities were to see chimpanzees, explore the National Park, and learn more about Gambian culture and history.
After coming across glowing reviews for Gambia Favourite Tours on Facebook (proof that leaving reviews matters!), we reached out to Malcolm. Malcolm’s quick response and enthusiasm made us feel confident right away. With over 13 years of experience, he is a true expert at showcasing The Gambia’s highlights. He tailored the perfect itinerary for us, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
Our Itinerary
Here’s a brief overview of the two-day tour, but I’ll leave some surprises for you to discover yourself. These magical moments truly make the trip unforgettable, and no two travel experiences will ever be the same, even if you choose to book this particular tour.
Day One
Morning: Pick-up from our hotel and a visit to Senegambia Bridge along the scenic Trans-Gambia Highway. Malcolm explained the significance for trade and transportation.
Farafenni Market: We wandered around this colourful, bustling marketplace as Malcolm introduced us to local foods, ingredients, and customs. The market culture and stallholders were vibrant and welcoming.
Lunch at Kauren River Camp: A scenic stop with panoramic views of the river and countryside. We enjoyed some traditional Gambian cuisine.
Wassu Stone Circles: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history and so iconic that they’re featured on the local currency (Dalasi). A knowledgeable local guide explained their fascinating history and origins.
River Safari: In Kuntaur, we boarded a boat with Captain Niko to explore the River Gambia National Park. We spotted chimpanzees, hippos, and even a crocodile! Malcolm’s extended route allowed us to see more than most tours. Despite this, you are unlikely to encounter more than one or two other boats, making it a very peaceful experience.
Evening Ferry: After arriving in Lamin Koto, we crossed the river via a ferry to Janjanbureh Island (Georgetown), interacting with local communities along the way. We ended the day with a delicious homemade dinner and great conversations with Malcolm and our diver, Yaya.
Day Two
Morning: After a restful night in our accommodation, we got to explore Janjanbureh Island, visiting the Governor’s Residence, Methodist Church, and a local prison. Malcolm gave us deep insights into the island’s colonial history and its role in the transatlantic slave trade — a sobering but vital experience to hear about.
Armitage School: We toured The Gambia’s first secondary school, meeting some students, even though it was the weekend, as it is also a boarding school. We also got to see inside the classrooms and up-close the sorts of subjects they study.
Kankurang Museum: We learned about the Kankurang Festival, which celebrates boys’ transition into adulthood. Although we missed the event by just a few days, the museum’s guide’s explanation made it come alive.
Freedom Tree: This historic landmark for escaped slaves was the backdrop for a powerful drum and spoken word performance by local historian, Takatiti. His storytelling was flawless and deeply moving.
Return Journey: Our leisurely drive back was along the south bank and included a lunch stop and plenty of chances to soak in mesmerising views of the countryside.
Practical Tour Tips
What to Pack: Essential items include mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, overnight essentials (e.g. toothbrush), and a torch. Bring cash for tips and any additional snacks for the road should you want some. A hoodie/jumper may be needed for cooler evenings. Other items we found useful included cameras, binoculars, antibacterial hand gel, and tissues.
Timings: The tour runs from around 7 a.m. on day 1 to around 6 p.m. on day 2 (traffic permitting!). Both days ran smoothly, with Malcolm making you feel at ease at each stop and allowing plenty of time at each location. Nothing felt rushed, and he was always calling ahead to make sure the day ran to schedule.
Accommodation: The overnight stay was basic but clean and comfortable, with a mosquito net, air conditioning, and a fan. The shower had no hot water, but it was perfectly adequate for one night and a cold shower helped wake us up in the morning!
A Priceless Experience
At £175 per person, the tour included overnight accommodation, museum entry fees, all food and drinks (just not alcoholic beverages, which we didn’t have anyway), and Malcolm’s expertise — a priceless resource for understanding Gambian culture and history.
I’d recommend bringing smaller denominations of Dalasi for tipping the guides. We also always highly recommend leaving a healthy tip for Malcolm and your driver too. Speaking of Yaya, our driver, he was outstanding — navigating dirt roads, checkpoints, and all kinds of animal traffic (donkeys, goats, horses, cows etc.) with ease, professionalism, and good humour.
Safety & Security
Western tourists often worry about safety when travelling. Rest assured, we felt entirely safe on our two-day trip. Our belongings were always secure in the car, which was either locked or monitored by Yaya. We carried our cameras and phones with us and had no issues. The Gambia is also a very welcoming destination, and this tour reflects the hospitality and warmth of its people.
A Final Thank You
This two-day tour was a truly unforgettable experience, and we can’t thank Malcolm enough for his knowledge, kindness, and professionalism. Traversing the length of The Gambia was an absolute highlight of our first visit to the country. If you’re planning a visit to The Gambia, I highly recommend booking a tour with Gambia Favourite Tours. You will be in very good hands — just be sure to pass on my best wishes!
And finally, I encourage you to approach this trip with an open heart and mind. Take in the vibrant culture, ask questions, and embrace the depth and complexities of Gambian life, particularly as you venture further out into the countryside and away from more touristy areas. It will make your experience that much more impactful and meaningful.
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
