Eco Exploration of The Gambia

Your educational student trip is off as you head to The Gambia! As your flight touches down, take in views of the country’s diverse ecosystems and the Gambia River. A local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your eco-lodge. 

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore, take a dip in the pool, go on a nature walk, or go on the observation deck to spot wildlife. In the evening, you will meet with your group and local guide to enjoy an authentic Gambian dinner at the hotel restaurant, which is an excellent opportunity to get to know your guides and ask questions about your future explorations.

Ready to see some African wildlife?! Today you’ll head out to Koofung Forest Park for a drive and nature walk. You’ll get an up-close and personal look at the rich landscape and spectacular animals that surround you. Get out binoculars to spot the hundreds of species of birds that reside in The Gambia. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see hares, chameleons, and monkeys. Your walk will be among Gambian wetlands where you will see alligators, turtles, and crabs. Learn about the religious and medicinal uses of the tropical plants you see. 

After breakfast, you will head out via jeeps to the rural town of Gunjur a vibrant community with leaders who are descendants of the first village settlers. You will visit a local school to drop off small presents and school supplies, followed by a visit to an open market, and even a family’s home so you can better understand the Gambian way of life. Following this, you’ll be off to Gunjur fishing village to view how fishers haul in tons of fish for produce, as well as how they smoke them over the fire for preservation. Sample local cuisine for lunch before being transferred back to your accommodation to take a dip in the pool.

Today you’ll be transferred to a new accommodation for one night at an inland lodge, which is located by a creek along the spectacular Gambia River. Spend the afternoon canoeing downstream with your guide. Keep a lookout for otters, dolphins, and monkeys. Finally, you’ll paddle to the Kunta Kinteh Island. Here you will view the ruins of a colonial fort and slave trade. This site is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site renamed in respect of the Kunta Kinte people. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the dark history of this place to better appreciate the horrific struggles the people of the region have suffered.

Wake up early to view the magnificent red, yellow, and orange sunrise over the Gambia River. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, and the rest of the day is full of various activities. Learn to strum the traditional instruments of The Gambia, work on your moves with a guided traditional dance class, go fishing with locals in attempt to catch dinner, take a cooking class, or enjoy a relaxing massage. It’s up to you to make the day great! In the evening, you’ll head back to your original accommodation.

There is no way to visit Africa without taking a photo safari! You will first visit the Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pool, where you will learn about the history of these creatures and even hold some of the baby crocodiles if you dare. You’ll then take a ferry to the town of Barra where a jeep will then take you on to the Fathala Game Reserve where you will have the opportunity to view buffalo, giraffes, giant antelopes, lions, elephants, and cheetahs. After, enjoy lunch in town before transporting back to your accommodation to freshen up.

Your western Africa adventure is nearly done, but not before a hearty breakfast with friends. Enjoy a buffet with your group and local guides and discuss what you learned on this trip. These memories will last a lifetime! Following this, you are off to the local airport to depart. Goodbye, and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!