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In a brief chat with Entertainment recently at the National Centre for Arts and Culture, Mr. Cornelius Gomez, director of Literature, Performing and Fine Arts, said this festival has been created by the president since 2001 and is the fifth. He added that this has been established and has created more awareness for African people and also play a higher role in national development.
Director Gomez explained that coming up with this kind of festival is the biggest not only involving Gambians but as well as the Diaspora to come together and renew our African culture. It is going to be a very big festival because is going to include both Latin America, Europe as well as other countries. African musitical power will all demonstrate during the festival and there will be prices giving for the best performance in all different areas.
West African Tours
We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots heritage, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
http://www.westafricantours.com/
One day trip
Go beyond the routes of normal tourist excursions and visit the remote and isolated area of Southern Gambia combined with a cruise on the River which divides us from neighboring .
As we drive through Savannah, towards the border with , you will experience the lesser known area of local and get an excellent view of our countryside.
A visit to our only reptile farm with Snakes and Lizards of various sizes proves to be a highlight not to be missed. After a stop at a Gambian Art Gallery for drinks and snacks we proceed to the peaceful Kartong beach where a traditional West African river craft is waiting to take us for a cruise around various inlets and islands of the Allahein River.
The scenery varies from mangroves to open mud flats and fascinating banks of oyster shells. Here you will have a good chance of spotting monkeys and some of the varied birdlife of this part of the country. Local fishermen can often be seen digging for mussels in the mud or collecting oysters from the mangroves.
After about two hours cruising in and out of we proceed for lunch and relaxation.
We drive close to the beach on our return journey to our various hotels.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
A historic journey 200 years back in time to Alex Haley’s “Roots”.
The trip starts with a long, lazy, two and a half hour cruise from Banjul directly upriver, taking us to the ancient trading station of Albreda.
After a 15 minute walk we reach the edge of the village of Juffure and the Museum of Slavery before continuing to the original home of Alex Haley's great great grandfather 'Kunta Kinte' which is still occupied by the family. Taking photographs of people may involve being asked for money so always ask first.
Back on board a delicious hot and cold buffet is served, followed by a selection of fresh fruit before continuing our journey to James Island. Steeped in slave trade history, the fortress ruins tells the tale of colonial rivalries and it is possible to imagine the hundreds of slaves shackled together awaiting transport to an unknown and uncertain future. Disembarking from the boat into small boats can be a little difficult but help is on hand from the crew.
On the return journey to Banjul, dolphins often join the boat in the estuary of the river. A cup of tea or coffee completes a memorable day before arriving back at the hotels around 5.30pm.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
An off the beaten track adventure following the coast and also uncovering the Gambian village way of life. Probably the most popular tour in The Gambia!
An off the beaten track adventure in either an army style truck or Land Rover which follows the coast of this exciting country and also uncovers the Gambian village way of life. This can be a dusty and bumpy day but is well worth it.
During the day there will be the opportunity to visit some villages and experience the hospitality of the friendly locals. A visit to a village school always proves to be one of the highlights of the day (any contributions of pens, pencils, books etc are always gratefully received by the head teacher). Before lunch we visit a local palm wine compound where you will learn how palm wine is tapped and offered a taste to sample. Lunch is served on one of the unspoilt beaches in the south of the country, followed by the chance to swim and sunbathe.
In the afternoon a further stop at the Tanji museum gives the chance to learn more about traditional Gambian culture. Finally we drive past a typical fishing village before heading back to the hotels.
Unscheduled stops are made during the day to observe the antics of chattering monkeys and hopefully baboons in their treetop playgrounds. Many exotic and colourful species of birds can also be spotted and admired.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the real Gambia and enjoy a totally different way of life! Please do not throw pens or sweets from the trucks as children can be seriuosly injured trying to catch them.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
An adventure trip to Jinack Island don't forget your passports (Winter Only).
A full day excursion to the treasure island Janack, taking you through the countryside of The Gambia and neighbouring Senegal.
The day kicks off with an early morning trip to Banjul to experience the hustle and bustle of the port before embarking on the ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Barra on the North Bank of The River Gambia. Fery times can be erratic and are ofton crowded.
After our rendez-vous with our 4WD truck and a quick breakfast stop our journey continues to the short distance to the Senegalise border crossing where you will go through passport control at the village of Bakindakotu. Then after a scenic 30-45 minute we arrive at Janack island where a beach picnic lunch has been prepared for us. We recommend sensible walking shoes and sun hat and protection and try not to use open sandals as the sand can be quite hot.
After lunch there is time to chill out and maybe take a dip in the sea before setting off back to the otherside of the island to catch the boat back for our return journey. We arrive back at your hotel between 6pm and 8pm.
NB: DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORTS. Non-Eu passport holders will require a visa, which must be applied for in person and takes around 3 working days approximately.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
This is a relaxing and lazy day spent on a 60ft modern Gambian style river pirogue. The boat departs from Denton Bridge, cruising along the oyster creeks and meandering through the tributaries of the River Gambia whilst morning coffee is served – brandy is optional.
You may see local fishermen casting their 'jallo' (huge circular nets) or the oyster ladies in their dugout canoes collecting oysters. But for most people, the real pleasure will be a chance to get a close up view of the aquatic bird life, from Osprey to Pelican.
The boat is anchored in a secluded spot for the chance to have a dip and cool off before a buffet lunch is served. In the afternoon there is a chance to fish and relax before afternoon tea and biscuits is served whilst cruising back to Denton Bridge. There is a reasonably priced fully stocked bar on board.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
Take a journey to Senegal and drive through the wilderness of the Fathala Nature Reserve to spot a plethora of wild animals.
After an early morning departure you will make your way to Senegal. On arrival you will be introduced to our Ranger as you are welcomed into the Fathala nature reserve, currently 2000 acres of a natural environment, which many species of African wildlife have now made home.
In our contained vehicle you are able to follow the animal tracks through the wilderness to spot some of the species that roam the area.
In just a day it is possible to spot a plethora of wild animals including Giraffes, Rhino, Mere Cats, Antelope, Pythons and Buffalo to name a few.
A great chance to take a memory of Africa home – don’t go without your cameras – this may be your only chance to take some amazing pictures!
During the day you will have chance to set up picnic in the wild where you will have a small lunch prepared. Drinks are on hand to buy during the day. You will learn the history of the area and the great plans they have for the future.
Go on, be a part of Africa that you will remember forever!
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
Overnight trip
This is an overnight excursion within the Creeks at Lamin Lodge. It is an opportunity to experience at first hand a night under the African Stars.
Upon arrival the evening programme can be planned from a choice of swimming, relaxing on board, bird-watching, a trip around the neighboring village or most probably joining the Gambian Fishermen in their canoes to bring the dinner in the age old fashion. Casting a net can be a tricky operation!!
Dinner will be BBQ with various salads and the night on deck under the African stars will remain in the memory forever (all mattresses bedding and mosquito netting will be provided).
An awakening to the dawn chorus will be another unforgettable experience. Breakfast is followed by a bird-watching tour in the bush around an area that is very famous among bird-watching enthusiasts. Transportation back to the respective hotels will leave around 09:00.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
Conference Venue Bookings and Planning
Corporate Conferencing Venues, Banquets and Team Building Events
West African Tours does Conference Venue Bookings for Internationally recognized Conferences. We plan, arrange and suggest suitable venues for corporate conferencing as well as banquets and team building events throughout The Gambia and in Dakar. We offer: All facets of events co-ordination
Venue suggestions/reservations for banquets and conferences either in tourist coastal areas, the bush or the city of Dakar.
Co-ordination of entertainers/bands
Motivational speakers
All electronic requirements
Décor co-ordination
Co-ordination of RSVP's
Incentive travel for corporate groups
Off-site conferences
Off-site team building programmes, including motivational speakers, bush expeditions and 4x4 off-road driving.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
Six Day Trip
This exciting 6 days gives us the opportunity to show you further into THE GAMBIA and SENEGAL, with the possibility to see in a genuine African environment how the village people live from day to day, and gives you an insight into the history, beliefs, religion and culture of this region.. Add to this the bird and animal life and you will have memories created that will be everlasting.
Day 1 (100km)
We leave the hotels around 06:00 and travel via the main vehicle ferry link across the River Gambia with much hustle and bustle at both terminals and from the ferry it is sometimes possible to spot the Dolphins at play in the estuary, often coming close to the boat for some of the crossing.
After the Gambia/Senegal border formalities we continue North, stopping at a couple of villages on the way, arriving at an African Style hotel situated on the edge of the Sine Saloum National Park in time for an early lunch.
After short relaxation period we continue by pirogue through the waterways along the Western side of the National park to our overnight stop at ‘Le Pelican Du Saloum’. On the way through the mangrove areas we can study the many birds of this region along with the Senegalese fisherfolk whose way of life has not changed in hundreds of years.
Day 2 (250 km)
A reasonably early start takes us North to DAKAR the capital city of Senegal via the "Petite Cote’ area. Lunch is taken in Dakar, followed by a 20 minute ferry boat ride to GOREE ISLAND, 3 kms from Dakar.
The island was the centre of the slave trade from this area of West Africa for 300 years. We visit the well preserved Slave Trader’s House, where we will find the door of ‘no return’ where the helpless Africans left their beloved continent for an uncertain and unknown future. The Museum, Church of St Charles de Boramee and other interesting aspects of this famous historical island are included in the tour. Dinner and Overnight is in Dakar
Day 3
We start around 09:00 on our City Tour of DAKAR including, the Karmal Market, famous for its women flower sellers. Independence Square, The Presidents’ Palace, The National Assembly, The Cathedral, The Great Mosque, Museum and some other markets.
Lunch is taken after a one hour drive South of Dakar at Lac Rose. This is a pink coloured lake with a high salt content and, during the 4 x 4 excursion after lunch, it will possible to see the village women working at the extraction of the salt. Dinner and overnight is in one of the simple but comfortable small African Style hotels of this area.
Day 4 (300 km)
Today we head South East, passing through KAOLACK the administrative capital of the Saloum Region of Senegal and continue to FARAFENNI the Gambia/Senegal border town at the busiest crossing point on the River Gambia. We do not cross but head East along the North Bank bush road to experience the up river rural area of The Gambia, stopping at villages on the way, as well as the mysterious stone circles at WASSAU. Picnic lunch is taken en route and our overnight and dinner will be at JANJANGBUREH CAMP which is basic but comfortable and beautifully situated by the river itself.
Day 5
We take an early breakfast after which we will take our 3 – 4 hours river trip around various inlets and islands of this fabulous area of nature where most amazing birds including Kites, Rollers, Geese, Fish Eagles, Hornbills, Parrots, Kingfishers, Buzzards, etc can be seen along with Monkeys and often sightings of Baboons, Crocodiles and Hippos are reported.
Very reasonably priced drinks are available from the bar and lunch is served on board, after which we continue our cruise down river where our transport will be waiting to take us to one of the most unspoiled parts of The Gambia on the edge of KIANG WEST NATIONAL PARK with the exotic bird life for which this area is famous.
We arrive in time for dinner, after some time for relaxation at TENDABA CAMP. Traditional African entertainment will be provided by the happy smiling people from a nearby village. Overnight Tendaba Camp.
Day 6
After an early breakfast we take a 4X4 Excursion to the Western edge of KIANG NATIONAL PARK around the area of the hotel to discover more of the nature, returning in time for lunch and then leave by minibus to return us to the resort hotel around 6.00 – 7.00m. Dinner and overnight at resort hotel.
Please Note: This Tour only operates December through to mid June due to Niokolokoba Wildlife park closure.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL TOURS COMBINING GAMBIA AND SENEGAL CAN START IN EITHER COUNTRY DEPENDANT ON FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS INTO WEST AFRICA.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
Seven Day Trip
This exciting 7 days gives us the opportunity to show you further into THE GAMBIA and SENEGAL, with the possibility to see in a genuine African environment how the village people live from day to day, and gives you an insight into the history, beliefs, religion and culture of this region.. Add to this the bird and animal life and you will have memories created that will be everlasting.
Day 1
We leave the hotels around 06:00 and travel via the main vehicle ferry link across the River Gambia with much hustle and bustle at both terminals. From the ferry it is sometimes possible to spot the Dolphins at play in the estuary, often coming close to the boat for some of the crossing.
After The Gambia/Senegal border formalities we continue north, stopping at a couple of villages on the way, arriving at an African Style hotel situated on the edge of the Sine Saloum National Park in time for an early lunch.
After a short relaxation period we continue by pirogue through the waterways along the Western side of the National Park to our overnight stop at "Le Paletuviers". On the way through the mangrove area we can study the many birds of this region along with the Senegalese fisherfolk whose way of life has not changed in hundreds of years. (100km).
Day 2
An early start takes us to KAOLACK, the capital of the Saloum Province of Senegal and continue directly to TAMBAKOUNDA and our overnight stop at Saloum de Tambakounda, taking our picnic lunch on the way, along with stops at some villages to discover the traditional Senegalese lifestyle. Dinner and overnight is at TAMBAKOUNDA. (450km).
Day 3
We head towards NIOKOLOKOBA WILDLIFE PARK, and with an easy drive, stopping at one or two Mandinka villages, we arrive at Hotel SIMENTI, within the park itself, in time for lunch and a relaxing afternoon when some of the exotic birdlife can be experienced from the terrace overlooking the bend of the RIVER GAMBIA where the animals come to drink at dawn and dusk.
Our first Park Safari starts around 4 pm when we further discover the "Nature of the Park". Niokolokoba does not teem with the variety of wildlife found in East Africa but Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Jackals, Antelopes, Hippos, Crocodiles, Waterbuck, Monkeys, Baboons, Chimpanzees, and 300 – 350 different species of Birds and many other Mammals, Animals, Snakes, Lizards etc are to found in this 800,000 hectare Wildlife Park. (100km)
We take our time with stops as necessary and spend 2 – 3 hours to obtain the maximum benefit.
Day 4
A very early breakfast allows us to join our second safari this time at dawn, in a different area of the park to allow sightings of as many varieties of animals and birds as possible. We return to the hotel in time for an early lunch after which we head east along the edge of NIOKOLOKOBA PARK on our way to KEDOUGOU a town in the remote South East extremity of Senegal close to the borders with Mali and Guinea Conakry which is infrequently visited by tourists. This is the BASSARI country and is the least known part of Senegal, ethnically diverse and very different from the surrounding areas.
The ancient BASSARI people, whose origins are lost in the mists of time and who live in hill villages around the FOUTA DJALON mountains, have resisted the Islamic and Christian religions that have attempted to convert them over the centuries. The main occupations are agriculture and hunting with the odd gold panning thrown in for good measure. The BASSARI and BIDEK people are a race apart from their neighbours and whose lifestyle has not changed in literally thousands of years. They live to exist, but are some of the happiest and hospitable people that you may meet. Our overnight is in a simple African style hotel on the bank of the River Gambia. (150 km).
Day 5
We spend the full day exploring this area in 4WD vehicles and visiting a couple of the remote hill villages, where we may be very fortunate enough to witness an unexpected ancient ceremony. Overnight again at KEDOUGOU (100km).
Day 6
We regretfully leave this fascinating area and retrace our steps along the edge of NIOKOLOKOBA PARK, where we may be fortunate enough to once again see some of the many varied animals. Stopping on the way for our picnic lunch we pass through TAMBAKOUNDA and take the GAMBIAN road to the Administrative Regional Capital of JANJANGBUREH stopping at various points of interest on the way.
From the South Bank of the River we travel by ferry to JANJANGBUREH ISLAND and to our overnight camp, which is basic but comfortable and beautifully situated on the River bank. If time allows we will visit WASSAU to explore the area of the mysterious Stone Circles and visit one or two Mandinka villages. After dinner we will be entertained by dancers from Janjangbureh. (290 km).
Day 7
We take an early breakfast after which we will take our 3 – 4 hour river trip around various inlets and islands of this fabulous area of nature where most amazing birds including Kites, Rollers, Geese, Fish Eagles, Hornbills, Parrots, Kingfishers, Buzzards, etc can be seen along with Monkeys and often sightings of Baboons, Crocodiles and Hippos are reported. Very reasonably priced drinks are available from the bar and lunch is served on board, after which, we continue our cruise down river where our transport will waiting to return us to our beach hotels for around 7 pm for Dinner and Overnight (295km).
Please Note: This Tour only operates December through to mid June due to restriction of viewing during the rest of the year at Niokolokoba Wildlife park.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL TOURS COMBINING GAMBIA AND SENEGAL CAN START IN EITHER COUNTRY DEPENDANT ON FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS INTO WEST AFRICA.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
Three, five or seven day trip
The Bush Experience is based on comfortable, but simple, independent living in the open. Clients are provided with four-poster mosquito netted bamboo beds, which are set in open sided, thatched ‘compounds’. Each compound includes its own basic sanitary facilities, comprising a toilet and a solar shower.
Cooking facilities are provided to order. These facilities range from ‘nothing’ (meaning that people collect their own wood and cook on an open fire) to gas fired barbecues. Local, traditional stoves are also available.
The way in which the Bush Experience is set up is agreed in advance with each participating group.
The Bush Experience provides a host of opportunities for group bonding exercises, team building, corporate training and, more simply, for people to do things together that are intellectually and physically stimulating and which provide a great deal of fun.
Programmes can be tailored to run over three, five or seven days.
The river, the forest and other areas of the site provide the location for any projects. These might include building a thatched hide or simple bush accommodation for some or all of the group, building a raft, a bridge or a simple jetty, designing and making ‘bush clothing’ using local techniques (tie and dye or batik); or learning how to make or make and play a traditional musical instrument.
All programmes are individually designed to meet specific objectives that are agreed with the participating Organization or group. The Bush Experience is designed so that for each client or participant there is a defined and viable outcome, which provides the incentive for whole-hearted commitment
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
Two day trip
Let us show you that "GAMBIA IS NOT JUST BEACHES". Join this fabulous 2 day trip, approximately 300 kms up-river and experience the "real country".
Day 1
We start early and take the main vehicle ferry link across the River Gambia. A typically African start to the day for many traders. Dolphins can often be spotted during the crossing. Sometimes close ups are possible.
After clearing the ferry terminal we head east along the North Bank of the river and soon take our picnic breakfast, in a quiet secluded spot, just off the road. We then continue for approximately 200 kms to KUNTAUR, before boarding a West African River Boat for our 4 Hours cruise up stream through the River Gambia National Park, where sightings of hippos, monkeys and baboons are not unusual. On the way we pass Baboon Island which houses a Chimpanzee rehabilitation centre. We can slow down in this area for possible Chimpanzee sightings but cannot stop or land on the Island.
Fabulous birds are all around including Kites, Rollers, Geese, Fish Eagles, Buzzards, Hornbills, Kingfishers and Parrots as we take our lunch on board. Very reasonably priced drinks are available as we continue to our overnight stop in Janjangbureh Island area.
The late afternoon can be spent visiting Janjangbureh town. Dinner is at the Camp with entertainment provided by a cultural group from the local area.
Day 2
On the next day the birding enthusiasts can take an optional early morning walk around the accommodation before breakfast. We then take our transport and retrace our steps following the direction of the river along the mixed tar and laterite road towards the coastal area. We stop at WASSU to explore the area of the mysterious stone circles, believed to be an ancient burial site. After a short time we continue west taking in various villages on the way to BARRA where we patiently wait for our early evening ferry to BANJUL, our starting point on the previous day.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
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