Have questions? We're here.
A young family walks through the African landscape

Rivers of West Africa - Banjul to Banjul

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Harmony G
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Gambia trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Join the Harmony G for a fascinating 8-day cruise along the coast of West Africa and upstream the Gambia River, deep inside the African continent. Discover the flora, fauna, and history of Africa as you voyage through the waterways of Senegal and Gambia. Visit no less than four Natural Reserves and enjoy a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting as you unravel the wonder of West Africa.
Wildlife tour in  AfricaStanley Market in BanjulSunset over the Gambian River in KuntaurThe Gambian RiverA young family walks through the African landscape
Highlights
  • Walk through to Batelling, the entrance to Kiang West National Park
  • Discover Baboon Island, one of the five islands of The Gambia National Park
  • Visit Kaur's archeological museum, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site
  • Join an exploratory adventure of Dakar's surroundings
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Banjul, Gambia | Embark

Embarkation 4pm. Leave Banjul and sail upstream to Tendaba. Reach Tendaba late into the evening. African Night - Overnight at dock in Tendaba.

Day 2: Tendaba, the Gambia

From the ship, takes motor pirogues in order to reach Tendaba, located on the South Bank in the Lower River Division, the starting point of our Tendaba morning optional excursion. It is a small fishing village of mainly Muslim faith with approximately 600 inhabitants whose main occupation is fishing. From there walk through to Batelling, a small village at the entrance to Kiang West National Park. The area boasts of over 250 species of birds; many of which are difficult to observe anywhere else. Other residents include Guinea baboons, bushbuck, warthogs, Senegal bushbaby, and marsh mongoose. After a refreshing stop in Batelling, we will board an open safari truck which brings us back to Tendaba. On the way, we pass again local villages where you get an impression of local life in The Gambia. In the afternoon, we are picked-up from the ship by motor pirogues for the afternoon Tendaba optional excursion to the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve. This reserve, lying across from Kiang West National Park features six major belongs December 9, 2019, December 9, 2019 (creeks) that provide great birding and boating opportunities. Numerous rare and migratory birds also reside here including the Pel’s fishing owl, African fin foot and brown-necked parrot. Overnight docked in Tendaba.

Day 3: Gambia River | Kuntaur | River Gambia National Park, The Gambia

Leave Tendaba and sail upstream on the Gambia River all morning. Early this afternoon, arrive in the bustling Gambian port town of Kuntaur, the last inland stop along the river that is navigable for ocean-going ships. Later in the afternoon board a large motor pirogue for a 3-hour optional excursion cruise on The Gambia River. First head to the southernmost tip of Baboon Island, one of the five islands of The Gambia National Park. There a local national park ranger joins you onboard to give more information about the park and its fauna & flora.

Turning around, the motor pirogue slows down and sails slowly back to Kuntaur following closely along the shores of Baboon Island. This island is home to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. If you are lucky, you can closely observe the chimps with minimal intrusion from the motor pirogue. There is also the possibility of seeing hippos, crocodiles, Red Colobus, Green Vervet monkeys and also The Gambia’s famous birdlife. Return to Kuntaur where you are met by the “Kankurang” and a local dance group on the pier. Believed to have spiritual powers the “Kankurang” dispenses justice and wards off evil spirits. Overnight docked in Kuntaur.

Day 4: Kuntaur | Jangjanbureh | Kaur, The Gambia

Join an optional excursion to the ferry station of Janjanbureh. Board the local ferry for a short cruise over The Gambia River to Janjanbureh. Continue your excursion with a visit to one of the oldest towns of The Gambia, formerly called Georgetown. Your walk gives a broad impression of this laid back town; see the residence of the governor, the market, and the Methodist church with its school. Afterward, take the ferry back and re-board the bus to reach Lamin Koto.

Through the generosity of your ship and of many of its clients, a new school building is being built. Later in the morning stop at the mysterious stone circles in Wassu, a megalithic site believed to be a burial ground thousands of years ago. Visit the little museum of this archaeological site, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. In the afternoon, after lunch, sail downstream to Kaur a small fishing village on the banks of the Gambia. Walk around this small community and see how Gambians live today.

Day 5: Kunta Kinteh Island | Banjul, the Gambia

This morning we anchor at St. James Island in the middle of the Gambia River, which was an important slave trading post under British rule in The Gambia. In 1976 James Island became famous due to the author Alex Haley and its bestseller book "Roots" and the story of a slave, called Kunta Kinteh. The island is now called and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Optional walking tour: After disembarking by local tenders your local guide will tell you more about the history of James Island and afterward you will have some time to explore this island by yourself. After lunch, we leave "Kunta Kinteh" to reach Banjul around 4 pm. After formalities, later in the evening, we will sail out of the Gambia estuary into the Atlantic Ocean northwards to Dakar. Gambian Night with Kora instrument Concert - Overnight at sea to Dakar.

Day 6: Dakar, Senegal

Arrive in Dakar early in the morning. After breakfast, join an optional excursion to Goree Island and a tour of the city. This is an exploratory adventure of Dakar's surroundings, which invites you to discover the traces of slave trading, and its transformation into today’s African modernity. The history makes room for the present development. Lunch outside the ship. Return to the ship in late afternoon and prepare for dinner. After dinner, set sail southward towards the Saloum River Delta. Overnight at sea, cruising southwards along the coast.

Day 7: Djiffere,Senegal | Banjul, The Gambia

This morning we reach the Sine – Saloun Delta in Senegal, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also an Important Birding Area, as designated by Birdlife International and natural habitat for many bird species but also such aquatic animals as marine turtles, dolphins, West African manatees, and crocodiles. Our optional excursion starts at the fishing village of Djiffere wherefrom we reach the village of Joal Fadiouth, set on an island of clam shells that also are used in local buildings and crafts. In the afternoon, we leave Senegal and the Saloun Delta and sail south to Gambia to reach Banjul, the capital of Gambia and gateway to the 700-mile Gambia River. Fishermen Night. Overnight in Banjul.

Day 8: Banjul, Gambia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembarkation after breakfast.

Ship/Hotel

Harmony G

The swimming platform
Large windows in the Category B cabin
Luxurious Category P cabin

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

West Africa 2024-2025 Special Offer 25810
Book your next adventure in West Africa by October 31, 2024 & enjoy:
  • 10% EBD for double occupancy cabins
  • Kids up to 12 years old for FREE (sharing a triple or double cabin with 1 or 2 parents)
  • No single supplement for solo travelers
  • 2 Free shore excursions: Djiffer (Joal Fadiouth) & James Island (Kunta Kinteh)
A  25% deposit is required upon confirmation. The balance is to be settled 60 days before sailing. This offer is valid for new bookings only and is capacity-controlled. It may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Code
Winter 2024/2025 special offer
Click for departure dates

Per person starting at
$2,990 2-3 travelers
Category C
Category C
Lower deck cabins with one double bed or two twin beds. Cabins have bathrooms with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and adapters (220V). (10-11 sq.m. / 108-119 sq.ft.)
Category B
Category B (Twin)
Main deck cabins with two twin beds. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V). (10.50-11 sq.m. / 113.5-119 sq.ft.)
Category A
Category A (Twin)
Main deck cabins with two twin beds. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V). (10.50-11 sq.m. / 113.5-119 sq.ft.)
Category P
Category P
Upper deck cabins with one double bed or two twin beds. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V). (15-18 sq.m. / 162-195 sq.ft.)

Notes

- Please note that fares do not include port charges and possible fuel surcharges. Contact us for details.
- Please note that shore excursions are offered at additional costs.
- Child Discount:
Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount. 
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Regular (filter) coffee, tea and still mineral water free all day
  • Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability)
  • English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
  • Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local Theme Evening , fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port Fees
  • Wifi
  • Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (except those mentioned in inclusions)
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By