Exploring the rivers of West Africa

Updated on Jun 06, 2023 by Ella Brundle

Blog > Exploring the rivers of West Africa

Available in 2024, why not enjoy an incredible seven-night cruise along the fascinating waters of West Africa?

At The Gambia Experience we are once again offering a mesmerising adventure along the scenic waters of West Africa, we're delighted to welcome back our Rivers of West Africa cruise. Having been recently refurbished in the early months of 2023, the Harmony G Mega Yacht will be refreshed and ready to welcome new guests in early 2024!

Operated by Variety Cruises and presenting a seven-day itinerary, exploring Senegal in addition to The Gambia, this friendly cruise offers holidaymakers the opportunity to discover the unique history, culture and wildlife of West Africa, as well as witness scenes of local life as you cruise aboard your modern and fully equipped yacht. Please note that this cruise is part of a longer holiday in The Gambia.

 

Each cruise departs The Gambia's capital, Banjul, aboard an elegant vessel complete with a variety of guest cabins, a sundeck, a classy dining room and lounge bar, ensuring you'll be comfortable and indulged amid luxury throughout your adventure.

Hosting a maximum of 49 guests in 21 cabins, you can expect a great deal of intimacy and peace, while the presence of an English-speaking guide will keep you reliably informed about your surroundings and itinerary.

 

The 7-night cruise

Day 1: Board the yacht at 4pm before setting sail upriver to Tendaba, gateway to some unbeatable birdwatching habitats. Here you’ll dock overnight.

Day 2: The first full day of the trip presents the chance to explore Tendaba and Kiang West National Park with its wildlife, or Baobolong Reserve by pirogue.

Day 3: The following morning, you'll set sail along the River Gambia to Kuntaur, a bustling Gambian port. In the afternoon, you have the option of a river cruise to discover beautiful chimpanzees in their natural environment, while also having the chance to meet a local dance group before an overnight stay in Kuntaur.

Day 4: Today is a day of culture, with the option of a visit to the old capital, Janjangbureh and also the chance to see the UNESCO World Heritage stone circles of Wassu. In the afternoon, you'll head back on board and sail to a small fishing village called Kaur, before leaving for Kunta Kinteh Island and enjoying a Captain's farewell dinner.

Day 5: After reaching and discovering Kunta Kinteh Island, having lunch and sailing back to Banjul, you'll head out of the estuary into the Atlantic Ocean bound for Dakar, Senegal. This crossing is overnight with a traditional Gambian evening held on board. 

Day 6: You'll arrive early in Dakar before having the chance to explore the city and Gorée Island, rich in slave trade history. In the former, you can tick off sites such as the City Hall and Presidential Palace. The natural beauty of Gorée Island, a UNESCO site, is stunning, and this is where you'll have lunch. This night will be spent sailing overnight to the Sine Saloum Delta.

Day 7: After arriving in the Sine Saloum Delta, a riverine area known for its biodiversity, you can choose to enjoy an excursion which begins at the fishing village of Djiffere, before heading onto Joal Fadiouth by bus. You'll witness scenes such as stilted huts and diverse birdlife, as well as an an entire island made from sea shells. After a relaxing final night on the yacht, you'll set sail for Banjul.

Day 8: After a tasty breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the Harmony G Mega Yacht, taking with you a lifetime of memories.

To find out more about this itinerary and the Rivers of West Africa cruise, feel free to phone our experts on 01489 866939, or visit our webpage. To find out about some of our other rewarding tours and excursions, click here.

Please note that several of the local excursions during your cruise are optional and incur an additional charge.

 

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