Fly to Dakar
anemptytextlline
Upon landing transfer to Radisson Blu hotel for 2-night stay. Evening at leisure for an early swim – the beach is 20m away, and the chance to explore for dinner.
Uk to Dakar
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Day 1Thursday -
Day 2FridayExplore Dakar & Goree Island
anemptytextllineYou might want a day on the beach, or to explore the local area but, if you’re a culture /history vulture try the optional Dakar and Goree. Goree island today is a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a reminder of human exploitation. From the 15h to 19th century it was the largest slave trading centre on the West African Coast. -
Day 3SaturdayDepart from Dakar
anemptytextllineMeet us on board between 2PM and 6PM. Spend some time getting to know your home at sea and fellow voyagers, then join us for a welcome dinner before we set sail southwards, towards the Saloum River Delta. In particular get to meet the on board naturalist who will help you identify the sea life, river life, bird life and wild life. Overnight at sea.Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 4SundayDjiffere – Banjul
anemptytextllineDolphins, crocodiles, turtles and manatees – keep your eyes peeled for all of these and more as we venture into the Sine-Saloum Delta, Senegal. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, this important birding area is home to around 200 different bird species including flamingos, pelicans and raptors. Today our optional excursion visits JOAL FADIOUT best an island built of clam shells. This afternoon, we begin our sail to Banjul, The Gambia. Overnight in Banjul.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner -
Day 5MondayBanjul – Abuko Nature Reserve
anemptytextllineBanjul is The Gambia’s capital city and gateway to the 700-mile long Gambia River. We’ll sail the river this afternoon, but this morning we have an optional half-day tour of Banjul itself, plus the town of Bakau; known for its kachikally crocodile pool and botanic garden. Mid-afternoon we sail upstream on the Gambia River to Tendaba. Overnight docked in Tendaba.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner -
Day 6TuesdayTendaba
anemptytextllineToday, we offer two optional excursions out of Tendaba, a small Muslim fishing village with a population of around 600 people. It’s reachable from our ship by motor pirogue – small canoe-like boats. In the morning we’ll walk from Tendaba to Batelling to visit the Kiang West National Park – home to many rare species of bird as well as Guinea baboons, Senegal bushbaby and marsh Mongoose. When you’re all primated out, we’ll jump in a safari truck heading back to the ship, via Tendaba, passing local villages as we go. In the afternoon the excursion is to Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve – with six major bolongs (creeks) and remarkable birding and boating opportunities. Overnight docked in Tendaba.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner -
Day 7WednesdayGambia River – Kuntaur – River Gambia National Park
anemptytextllineEarly morning we continue our journey upstream on the Gambia River, heading to the bustling port town of Kuntaur. This is the last inland stop navigable for ocean-going vessels, even our small one. The optional excursion this afternoon is a motor pirogue journey further inland to Baboon Island, a part of The Gambia National Park where a local park ranger teaches us all about the park’s flora and fauna. Then, as we drift slowly and peacefully back towards Kuntaur, keep a look out for the chimpanzees at a rehabilitation project en route. You may also spot hippos, crocodiles, Red Colobus monkeys, and more. An exceptional dance, the Kankurang, is performed on our return to Kuntaur. The Kankurang is believed to dispense justice and ward off evil spirits.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner -
Day 8ThursdayKuntaur – Janjanbureh – Kaur
anemptytextllineOur optional tour today takes us first to Janjanbureh via bus and local ferry. Janjanbureh, formerly known as Georgetown, is one of the oldest towns in The Gambia. Wander the streets and take in the laid back vibes before we head back to the bus and on to our second destination: Lamin Koto. Here, you’ll see a new school in the process of being built, thanks to generous donations from Variety Cruises and our clients. From here we’ll visit the mysterious stones of Wassu, a sacred burial ground thousands of years old, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch we sail downstream to the small fishing village of Kaur where you can see how local Gambians live here today. Lastly, join us in the evening for our signature Captain’s Farewell Dinner as we sail downstream, back towards Banjul.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner -
Day 9FridayKaur – Banjul
anemptytextllineOne more day in The Gambia, with lots more to learn and discover. This morning we anchor at Kunta Kinteh Island. Strategically located in the middle of the Gambia River, the island has a dark history in the slave trade, the story of which has been told to the world via author Alex Haley’s book, Roots. A local guide will teach us about the history, after which you’ll have some time to walk around before we head back to Banjul. Tonight we host Gambian Night on board, complete with a concert performed on the kora, a west African string instrument. Overnight at sea, heading towards Dakar.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner -
Day 10SaturdayDakar
anemptytextllineEarly morning arrival in Dakar and one last breakfast before our trip comes to an end and we transfer you to your onward flight.Meals included: Breakfast
Reliable sunshine is virtually guaranteed throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s in winter and up to the high 20s or even low 30s in the height of Summer. The climate generally provides warm or hot days with cooler nights and virtually no humidity
