We’re delighted to once again offer our guests the chance to explore West Africa via its network of rivers, off the River Gambia, by embarking on a memorable cruise aboard the refurbished Harmony G Mega Yacht, complete with a range of optional excursions.
Journalist's Opinion
"Riding the River Gambia's languid tide provides a completely different perspective of The Gamba. Away from the beach resorts you'll see real African life, including mangroves, stone circles and chimpanzees."
- Mark Stratton - Journalist
What we love
- Harmony G is an elegant and modern vessel with just 21 cabins split across three decks. There is a naturalist on board to answer any questions on the wildlife you are sure to encounter.
Good to know
- FREE cabin upgrade and big savings on selected winter 23/24 sailings.
- This cruise can also be experienced as part of a Senegal holiday with embarkation in Dakar - contact us for further information.
Travel dates and more about the Harmony G Mega Yacht
Cruise departs Mondays - 25th December 2023, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd January 2024 and 12th February 2024
This seven-night cruise is designed as an add-on to a longer holiday in The Gambia; pricing does not include flights - additional nights can be added at any of our resort hotels.
Departing from the capital, Banjul, guests can enjoy a seven-night cruise aboard this beautifully elegant, fully equipped modern yacht which has undergone a makeover ready for this winter. With contemporary, light guest cabins, a sundeck, a classy dining room and lounge bar amongst some of the boat’s facilities, you’ll enjoy excellent service and comfort during your exploration of The Gambia. Discover its history, culture and wildlife and witness scenes of local life as you cruise its waterways. With an English-speaking cruise director and a maximum of 44 guests, this is an opportunity to experience unique cruising in an intimate environment.
Seven-night cruise itinerary and optional excursions
Day 1: Embark the yacht at 4pm and set sail upriver to Tendaba, where you’ll dock overnight.
Day 2: Your first full day offers two optional excursions, one on foot to explore Tendaba and Batelling along with its wildlife, the other to discover Baobolong Wetland Reserve aboard motorised pirogues. Both offer incredible birdwatching opportunities and you will be accompanied by expert guides.
Day 3: In the morning, set sail along the River Gambia to reach Kuntaur, a small Gambian port and base for further exploration upriver. During the afternoon, you can embark on an optional river excursion which passes Baboon Islands in the River Gambia National Park to witness the amazing resident chimps in their natural habitat, alongside other wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, birdlife and monkeys. You’ll also get the chance to meet the local dance group, ‘Kankurang’. Stay overnight in Kuntaur.
Day 4: With the yacht staying in Kuntaur, you can choose to enjoy an excursion to Janjangbureh, one of The Gambia’s oldest towns and rich in slave trade history, afterwards visiting the school of Lamin Koto. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit the stone circles in Wassu, a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be an ancient burial ground. After lunch, the yacht will sail down to the small fishing village of Kaur, which you’ll be able to explore before leaving for Kunte Kinteh Island.
Day 5: After anchoring at Kunte Kinteh Island in the middle of the River Gambia, you’ll get the chance to learn much about its discovery in 1455, alongside its slave trading history. Embark on an optional walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide, before exploring for a while on your own. After lunch, you’ll sail back to Banjul, before sailing out of the estuary into the Atlantic Ocean headed for Dakar, Senegal whilst enjoying a Gambian musical evening on board - this is an overnight crossing.
Day 6: After an early arrival in Dakar, you can embark on an optional excursion to explore Gorée Island and the city of Dakar itself. Visit memorable landmarks such as the City Hall and Presidential Palace alongside craft markets, before taking the ferry over to Gorée Island where you’ll enjoy lunch. Absorb the natural beauty and learn about the slaving history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site before heading back to the yacht. Set sail southbound overnight for the Sine Saloum River Delta.
Day 7: After reaching the Sine Saloum Delta, a place of incredible biodiversity and birdlife, you can choose to enjoy an excursion which begins at the fishing village of Djiffere, before heading on to Joal Fadiouth by bus. Row across the shallow bay and witness granary huts on stilts, before continuing on foot to the village to witness the island made up almost entirely of sea shells. Enjoy a final night on the yacht as you set sail for Banjul.
Day 8: After a fulfilling breakfast, you’ll disembark the Harmony G Mega Yacht, taking with you the fantastic memories of your experience.
