OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS

RIVER GAMBIA EXPLORER; 2 nights / 3 days BY BOAT.

DAY 1; We meet our African Pirogue at Denton Bridge near Banjul. A two storey boat with ample space and mattresses to sunbath on the top deck. We commence our river journey first visiting James Island and the village of Juffreau made famous by Alex Haley's Book, "Roots" A chance to visit the slave museum before leaving civilisation as we know it behind. We pass swamps and mangroves on the way and travel through over hanging jungle scenery making our way to our first nights lodgings at Tendaba Camp arriving before dinner.

Tendaba Camp, Gambia The Camp is set on the river banks between bush and marsh lands. An ideal place to see the abundant wildlife and bird life. The camp is typical of the accommodation outside of the tourist areas, simple but adequate for the jungle explorer. All rooms are basic, en-suite and the camp has a small pool, restaurant and bar. During Dinner we may well be entertained by local cultural dancers.

Overnight at Tendaba Camp, half board.

DAY 2; After breakfast their will be the opportunity to explore the local area on a guided walk or just relax and enjoy the camp facilities. We leave the camp around mid-day and rejoin our boat to sail back down river and onto the widest Bolong in Gambia. A picnic lunch is taken on board as we sail to our second stop at Bintang Bolong, a journey of approx 5-6 hrs.

Wonderful river views. We arrive at the Bintang Bolong Lodge where we are shown to our overnight accommodation which is in water bungalows stilted into the bolong itself amongst the mangroves. The rooms are basic en-suite with mosquito netting over the beds.

After a 3 course dinner we take a walk to the village where the local people entertain us with their cultural dancing, encouraging us to join in.

Overnight at Bintang Bolong

Day 3; A leisurely breakfast and time to explore the lodge facilities further before rejoining our boat and sailing back to Denton Bridge where our transport awaits to take us back to the hotels arriving at approx 6pm. A picnic lunch is taken on the boat.

* There is the option of spending a 2nd night at Bintang Bolong to allow for an extensive village tour where visits are made to the schools, the village chief, the village Holy man, the woman's garden project and a village compound. Also the option of Donkey and cart safari, visit to the crocodile pool and trying your hand at the 'tapalapa oven.'

TOUR PRICE; 2 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS full board prices from £280 pp -

*based on 4 to 6 people

additional night at Bintang Bolong = £70 pp

CHIMPANZEE REHABILITATION PROJECT; 2 nights / 3 days

The Project IS Open and Under A New Management Team .

Day 1; An early departure from your hotel to Banjul where we cross the river on the ferry with the local people, an experience in itself. We proceed by road along the North Bank for approx 5hrs to a point in the river where we are met by our Boat to commence our three day stay here. We travel by boat with to Base Camp where we disembark. Time to get to know each other over a cool refreshing drink at the WATERHOUSE bar and dining area. Then time to book into the wonderful accommodation over looking the River Gambia and National park. Taking a shower beneath the full moon with the River Gambia shimmering below is described by some visitors as " An ethereal experience." The Base Camp Team will explain what we can expect during our stay in more detail.

Chimps at rehabilitation project. Around 4pm we take to the river and follow the feeder boat to go out to see the chimps on Baboon Islands National Park, usually accompanied by Matthew, the new Manager, who will explain why this is necessary and introduce us to the Chimps by name. This is a magical experience in itself, you are only a few feet away from the chimps and screened viewing hides are planned for the near future.

We return to base camp as the sun begins to set over the river and are very likely to see some of the 40 -50 Hippo's which are in this area as well as the abundant birdlife.

Dinner is served at the WATERHOUSE, right on the river in peaceful tranquility. The Waterhouse is completely screened to protect you from mosquito's and an ideal location from which to view the bird and wild life as well as 'Star gazing' and a wonderful relaxation area.

OVERNIGHT AT THE BASE CAMP, MAYBE ENJOYING A NIGHT CAP ON YOUR VERANDAH OR TAKING A REFRESHING SHOWER UNDER THE STARS.

DAY 2; Breakfast at the Waterhouse followed by a visit to the neighbouring village of Sambel Kunda and the community projects in place within the village including the clinic, school and the HORSE AND DONKEY PROJECT (registered charity) Here the local people really do benefit directly from Stella's programs which have brought to the villages significant direct and in direct employment. There are more than 300 children currently sponsored at the village school for example. There will be opportunities for Horse and cart riding or horse riding through the forest park (small additional cost)

In the late afternoon there will be more of the fantastic and rare chimp viewing followed by supper at the Waterhouse.

OVERNIGHT AT BASE CAMP - DEEP IN THE AFRICAN BUSH.

DAY 3; You may tailor your morning from a number of options offered to you, i.e........ early morning bird watching, Hippo watching, Forest walk, revisiting the village projects to name a few. Over an early lunch there will be time for more discussions with the Base Camp Team and guests may wish to enter the Adopt a Chimp Scheme before leaving this majestic place.

We then travel by boat back down river to meet our transport which will take us back the ferry crossing at Barra and our homeward journey to the hotels arriving around 7pm.

PRICE For This Once In A Lifetime Adventure ;- £378.00 pp Full Board
Please note;
* Food is adequate although basic
* children under 12yrs are not accepted on this adventure for safety reasons.
* A reasonable level of mobility is needed to fully appreciate this experience and to climb the stairs to the accommodation.
* We can not be held responsible for the ferry timings which can be erratic at times.
* price does not include drinks but these are available at a very reasonable price.
* does not incl additional or tailor made tours, check with us first.

The numbers for this adventure are small and very limited so you are advised to book well in advance to ensure your place.

CULTURAL EXPLORER. - 3 nights / 4 days

Gambian dancer Day 1; Travel the south bank route to the Tendaba Camp, a re renowned camp on the banks of the river Gambia arriving in time for lunch. Time to explore the area in the afternoon and be entertained by local dancers and drummers over dinner.

Day 2; We proceed by road to the beautiful and tranquil Bintang Bolong with its water Bungalow accommodation. Set on stilts in the widest Bolong in Gambia amongst the Mangroves. Time to tour the village, its schools and community programs in the afternoon returning in time to take a refreshing swim before dinner. The option to return to the village after night fall with our guide where the local people happily entertain us with their traditional dancers and musicians. Our accommodation is in the water bungalows where your bed in covered with a mosquito net.

Day 3; After breakfast we take the road to the Presidents home village of Kanilie where we will be staying at Sindola Lodge, a 4* establishment in luscious gardens with swimming pool. Lunch is awaiting us followed by the option of a quad bike safari around the area. During dinner we will again be entertained by the local people.

Day 4; An early morning visit to Kanalie wildlife park to (hopefully) see the many animals there. Time to relax before an early lunch after which it is time to head back along the south bank to our resort hotels arriving around 6pm.

PRICE - £260.00 pp half board. based on a minimum of 3 people.