West Africa small ship cruise
Into the Wild.. Discover Gambia and Senegal. Experience outstanding wildlife viewing on a yacht cruise along the West Africa Coast and upstream the Gambia River, deep inside the African continent. Discover the waterways of Senegal and Gambia with visits to no less than 4 Natural Reserves: Sine Saloun Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a birdwatcher's paradise; Djiffere fishing village; River Gambia National Park; Wassu mysterious stone circles, another UNESCO World Heritage site; Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and Kiang West National Park in Gambia. Our on board Gambian River Naturalist will assist you in discovering the amazing flora and fauna and will be at your side throughout this exciting voyage, unravelling the wonders of West Africa.
*This is a sample itinerary. The actual itinerary may be adjusted by the captain or the service provider due to weather conditions or other reasons.
Day
1
Dakar - Senegal
Late afternoon embarkation at 14:00-18:00. After dinner, we set sail southward towards the Saloum River Delta. Overnight at sea, south along the coast.
Day
2
Djiffer - Senegal
This morning we reach the Sine – Saloum Delta in Senegal, an 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 Joal Fadiout optional excursion starts at the fishing village of Djiffer from where 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 Saloum 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
3
Banjul - The Gambia
The morning in Banjul will give you the opportunity to take the optional 1/2 day excursions offered to Bakau with its crocodile "katchikaly", its Botanic Garden and a short Banjul Tour. Mid-afternoon, we leave Banjul and sail upstream to Tendaba. We reach Tendaba late into the evening. Mediterranean Night in Africa - Overnight at dock in Tendaba.
Day
4
Tendaba - the Gambia
Day
5
Kuntaur
Early morning we leave Tendaba and sail upstream on the Gambia River all morning to reach Kuntaur. Early afternoon arrival to 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 we board a large motor pirogue for a 3 hours optional excursion cruise on The Gambia River. First we head to the southernmost tip of Baboon Island, one of the five islands of The Gambia National Park. There a local national park ranger is joining us onboard in order to give more information about the park and its fauna & flora. Then we turn, the motor pirogue slows down and sails slowly back to Kuntaur following closely the shores of Baboon Island. This island is home of the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. If we are lucky from our motor pirogue we can closely observe the chimps with minimal intrusion. There is also the possibility of seeing hippos, crocodiles, Red Colobus, Green Vervet monkeys and also The Gambia’s famous birdlife. We return to Kuntaur where we 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
6
Kaur
This morning, our optional excursion by bus takes us to the ferry station of Janjanbureh. There we board the local ferry for a short cruise over The Gambia River to Janjanbureh. We continue our excursion with a visit of one of the oldest towns of The Gambia, formerly called Georgetown. During the walk you get an impression of this laidback town and see the residence of the governor, the market and the Methodist church with its school. Afterwards we take the ferry back and re board the bus to reach Lamin Koto. Later in the morning we stop at the mysterious stone circles in Wassu, a megalithic site believed to be a burial ground thousands of years ago. You will visit the little museum of this archaeological site, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. In the afternoon, after lunch, we sail downstream to Kaur a small fishing village on the banks of the Gambia. You will have the opportunity to walk around this small community and see how Gambians live today. In the evening we leave Kaur and sail downstream towards Banjul. Captains Farewell Dinner.
Day
7
Kunta Kinteh Island
This morning we anchor at St. James Island in the middle of the Gambia River, which was an important slave trading post under the 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 afterwards you will have some time to explore this island by yourself. After lunch, we leave "Kunta Kinteh" to reach Banjul around 4pm. 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
8
Dakar
Early morning arrival in Dakar. Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.
Harmony G
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Length:54
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Berths:44
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Cabins:21
Price includes
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
- Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, local Theme evening, and Captain’s Dinner.
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
- Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).
- English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
Price does not include
- Beverages (except those mentioned above).
- Shore excursions or other land arrangements.
- Crew tips.
- Passenger personal expenses / Passenger Visas whenever required.
- Wi-Fi (available at charge).
Start
Duration
Finish
Availability
Price / Person
Start
11 January 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
8 Days / 7 Nights
18 January 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
Available
from $2,393
from $2,65818 January 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
8 Days / 7 Nights
25 January 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
Available
from $2,393
from $2,65825 January 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
8 Days / 7 Nights
01 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
Available
from $2,393
from $2,65801 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
8 Days / 7 Nights
08 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
Available
from $2,393
from $2,65808 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
8 Days / 7 Nights
15 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
Available
from $2,393
from $2,65815 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
8 Days / 7 Nights
22 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
Available
from $2,393
from $2,65822 February 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
8 Days / 7 Nights
01 March 2025
Dakar (Senegal)
Available
from $2,393
from $2,658