Share what you did in Gambia so others can do the same
Ideas on what to do
itinerary for a family of four with children aged 14 and 17 planning a trip to The Gambia from London:
Day 1: Arrival in Banjul
Upon arrival at Banjul International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in the capital city of Banjul. Take some time to settle in and rest before heading out for a leisurely walk to explore the city center.
Day 2: Tour of Banjul and Serrekunda Market
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour of Banjul. Visit the bustling Albert Market, the historic Arch 22 monument, and the National Museum. After lunch, head to Serrekunda Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, where you can haggle for souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 3: Day trip to Jinack Island
Take a day trip to Jinack Island, a secluded and peaceful island off the coast of Gambia. Explore the island’s unspoiled beaches, mangrove creeks, and fishing villages. You can also go birdwatching and spot some of the 540 species of birds that live in The Gambia.
Day 4: Visit to Kachikally Crocodile Pool and Abuko Nature Reserve
Start your day with a visit to the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a sacred site where you can see crocodiles up close and even touch them. Afterward, head to the Abuko Nature Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and a wide range of bird species.
Day 5-6: Beach holiday in Kololi
Head to the coastal town of Kololi for a two-day beach holiday. Relax on the golden sands, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy the local beach bars and restaurants.
Day 7: Day trip to Juffureh and James Island
Take a day trip to Juffureh, the ancestral home of author Alex Haley and the setting of his book “Roots.” Explore the village, visit the local museum, and take a boat ride to James Island, where you can see the ruins of a former slave trading fort.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer back to Banjul International Airport for your flight back to London.
This itinerary includes a mix of cultural experiences, nature and wildlife encounters, and beach relaxation, which is suitable for a family with teenagers. Of course, the itinerary can be customized according to your preferences and interests.
Group of 8 visits from London To Gambia
Four couples plus 4 kids, two boys and two girls ages 13 – 17. This is what can be done:
Day 1: Arrival in Gambia
- Upon arrival at Banjul International Airport, you will be picked up by a private transfer and taken to your accommodation.
- Check in to Kombo Beach Resort & Spa, a luxurious beachfront resort with a full-service spa.
- Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the resort’s amenities.
Day 2: Beach Day & Water Activities
- After breakfast, spend the day at the beach, located just steps away from your accommodation.
- Participate in water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. These activities can be arranged by the resort or by a local tour operator.
- For lunch, try some local cuisine at one of the beachfront restaurants.
- In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and traditional African dance performances.
Day 3: City Tour & River Cruise
- After breakfast, take a guided tour of the capital city, Banjul. Visit the National Museum, the Arch 22 monument, and the bustling Albert Market.
- In the afternoon, take a relaxing river cruise on the Gambia River. See the lush mangrove forests and spot local wildlife like crocodiles and monkeys.
- Return to the resort for dinner and evening spa treatments for the adults.
Day 4: Village Tour & Cooking Class
- Take a guided tour of a local Gambian village to learn about the culture and way of life.
- Participate in a traditional Gambian cooking class, where you will learn how to prepare local dishes like yassa chicken and domoda stew.
- Return to the resort for an afternoon of relaxation, with optional spa treatments for the adults.
Day 5: Watersports & Beach Barbecue
- Spend the day participating in watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
- Enjoy a beach barbecue in the evening with fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Day 6: Kachikally Crocodile Pool & Shopping
- Visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a sacred site where crocodiles roam freely and are considered sacred by the local people.
- Visit the craft market to shop for local handicrafts like baskets, pottery, and jewelry.
- Return to the resort for a final evening of relaxation and spa treatments for the adults.
Day 7: Departure
- After breakfast, check out of the resort and transfer to Banjul International Airport for your flight back to London.
This itinerary includes plenty of water activities for the children and spa treatments for the adults, as well as cultural experiences like a village tour and cooking class. It can be customized to suit your preferences and interests.
Another version of the itinerary includes a spa day for the adults and water activities for the children:
Day 1:
- Arrive at Banjul International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing by the pool.
Day 2:
- After breakfast, head to the Tanji Fishing Village for a morning tour to see the local fish market and learn about traditional fishing methods.
- In the afternoon, visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool and Nature Reserve to see the resident crocodiles and learn about their cultural significance.
Day 3:
- Enjoy a day trip to the Abuko Nature Reserve, where you can spot a variety of animals and birds in their natural habitat.
- In the evening, head back to your hotel for a relaxing spa session for the adults.
Day 4:
- Spend the morning at the beach, where the children can enjoy water activities such as paddle boarding and snorkeling.
- In the afternoon, take a sunset river cruise on The Gambia River, where you can see local wildlife and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Day 5:
- Visit the Makasutu Cultural Forest for a full-day tour, where you can learn about traditional Gambian culture, see local wildlife, and participate in activities such as drumming and dancing.
Day 6:
- Take a day trip to the Wassu Stone Circles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 8th century.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Gambian dinner with live music and entertainment.
Day 7:
- Spend the day relaxing at your hotel, enjoying the pool and beach.
- In the evening, head to the Senegambia Strip for some shopping and dining.
Day 8:
- Transfer back to Banjul International Airport for your flight back to London.
Of course, this itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized to your preferences and budget.
Some suggestions on where to eat each day?
here are some dining options in the Gambia for each day of the trip:
Day 1:
For the first day, you can try out the seafood platters and grilled fish at Lamin Lodge Restaurant, located in the nearby village of Lamin. This unique restaurant is built on stilts over the water, offering a picturesque view of the mangroves.
Day 2:
On day two, you can have a traditional Gambian lunch at Clay Oven Restaurant in Serrekunda. This restaurant offers a wide selection of local dishes, including domoda (peanut stew) and benachin (Gambian-style jollof rice).
Day 3:
For a change of scenery, you can head to Ngala Lodge Restaurant, located in the popular tourist destination of Fajara. This restaurant offers international cuisine and has a beautiful ocean view.
Day 4:
On the fourth day, you can try out the Lebanese cuisine at Ali Baba Restaurant in Kololi. This restaurant has a cozy and romantic atmosphere and offers delicious shawarma and mezze platters.
Day 5:
For a taste of Italian cuisine, you can head to Luigi’s Italian Restaurant in Senegambia. This restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and a variety of Italian wines.
Day 6:
On day six, you can have a barbecue night at Calypso Beach Bar & Restaurant, located on the beach in Kololi. This restaurant offers grilled seafood, meats, and vegetables, and has live music and a lively atmosphere.
Day 7:
For the final day, you can enjoy a fine dining experience at Ngala Lodge’s à la carte restaurant. This restaurant offers a fusion of international and African cuisine and has a beautiful view of the sunset.
How long will each activity take?
The duration of each activity can vary depending on various factors such as the specific activity, the size of the group, the experience level of the participants, and the location of the activity.
However, here are some estimated time frames for the activities mentioned in the itinerary:
Day 1:
- Arrival at the hotel: Depending on the time of arrival, check-in and settling into the rooms could take up to an hour.
- Lunch at the hotel restaurant: Allow around an hour for the meal.
- Afternoon at the spa: The duration of spa treatments can vary, but most sessions range from 60-90 minutes. Allow additional time for relaxation before and after the treatments.
Day 2:
- Morning visit to Abuko Nature Reserve: Allow around 2-3 hours for the visit, including the guided tour and hiking.
- Lunch at a local restaurant: Allow around an hour for the meal.
- Afternoon water activities at Kotu Beach: The duration of the activities can vary, but most sessions range from 1-2 hours.
Day 3:
- Morning visit to Kachikally Crocodile Pool: Allow around 1-2 hours for the visit.
- Lunch at a local restaurant: Allow around an hour for the meal.
- Afternoon at Senegambia Beach Hotel: Allow around 2-3 hours for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
Day 4:
- Morning boat trip on River Gambia: Allow around 3-4 hours for the trip, including the guided tour and sightseeing.
- Lunch at a local restaurant: Allow around an hour for the meal.
- Afternoon visit to Serekunda Market: Allow around 2-3 hours for the visit, including shopping and exploring.
Day 5:
- Morning visit to Tanji Fishing Village: Allow around 2-3 hours for the visit, including the guided tour and sightseeing.
- Lunch at a local restaurant: Allow around an hour for the meal.
- Afternoon water activities at Paradise Beach Resort: The duration of the activities can vary, but most sessions range from 1-2 hours.
Please note that these are estimated time frames, and actual durations may vary. It is always a good idea to confirm the timeframes with the activity providers beforehand.
Here are some estimated costs in Gambia:
Accommodation:
- Budget guesthouses or hostels: £10-£25 per night
- Mid-range hotels: £30-£60 per night
- Luxury resorts: £100+ per night
Food and drinks:
- Local street food or small restaurants: £2-£5 per meal
- Mid-range restaurants: £10-£20 per meal
- High-end restaurants: £30+ per meal
- Local beer or soft drinks: £1-£2 per bottle/can
Transportation:
- Local shared taxis or buses: £0.50-£2 per ride
- Private taxis or rental cars: £20-£50 per day
Activities:
- Beach access: free
- Museum or cultural site entrance fees: £1-£5 per person
- Boat tours or fishing trips: £20-£50 per person
- Safari or wildlife tours: £50+ per person
Please note that these are just estimated costs and can vary depending on the time of year, location, and specific services selected. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any bookings or commitments.
There are many unique and interesting gifts you can take back from your trip to Gambia.
Here are some ideas:
- Handcrafted jewelry: Gambia is known for its beautiful handmade jewelry. You can find a wide variety of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made from beads, shells, and other materials.
- Batik clothing: Batik is a popular fabric art form in Gambia, and you can find a wide range of clothing made from batik fabric, including dresses, skirts, and shirts.
- Local crafts: You can find many local crafts in Gambia, including wood carvings, baskets, and pottery. These make great gifts and souvenirs.
- Spices: Gambia is known for its delicious food, and you can take home some of the country’s flavorful spices, such as chili powder, groundnut powder, and fish seasoning.
- Kora music: The kora is a traditional West African musical instrument that is widely played in Gambia. You can purchase CDs or downloads of kora music to bring back as a unique gift.
- Leather goods: Gambia has a thriving leather industry, and you can find a variety of leather goods, such as bags, belts, and wallets, at local markets.
- African fabrics: African fabrics are colorful and vibrant, and you can find a wide range of them in Gambia. These fabrics can be used to make clothing, pillow covers, and other decorative items.
- Local artwork: Gambia has a rich artistic culture, and you can find a variety of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and prints, at local galleries and markets.