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Gambia Tours and Travel

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YPT Tours To Gambia

The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa and, aside from a short stretch of Atlantic coastline, it is entirely surrounded by Senegal. Despite its modest size, the country is remarkably diverse. More than 20 ethnic groups live here, each with their own languages, traditions, and cultural heritage.

Our Gambia tours are also a paradise for nature lovers, with over 600 recorded bird species and the mighty Gambia River running through the heart of the country, creating rich ecosystems ideal for wildlife and birdwatching. Agriculture plays a major role in the economy as well, and the country is one of Africa’s major producers of peanuts.

All of this makes The Gambia a rewarding destination for travellers interested in exploring its natural landscapes and birdlife, or experiencing the depth of West African culture through Gambian cuisine, storytelling traditions, and everyday local life.

Group Tours To Gambia

We are currently offering group Gambia tours as part of our West Africa Overland tour, taking in Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Fully Booked

West Africa Overland Tour: Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone & Liberia

15 Feb, 2027 – 4 Mar, 2027

  • 18 days
  • €
  • 5995

15 Feb, 2027 – 4 Mar, 2027

West Africa Overland Tour: Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone & Liberia

18 days
  • €
  • 5995
Fully Booked

Independent Tours
To Gambia

If our scheduled Gambia tours for groups don’t quite match your plans or if you prefer a more personal experience, we offer independent and bespoke Gambia tours. Whether you’re looking for a custom itinerary or simply want to explore at your own pace, we’re here to craft an adventure that suits your preferences.

Example Gambia Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Banjul/Kololi

  • Arrive at Banjul International Airport, which has direct flights from many main cities across West Africa and some European cities like London, Manchester, Brussels, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon and Istanbul.
  • Transfer to your hotel in the Kololi neighbourhood for check-in and a late breakfast.

Afternoon

  • We’ll start exploring the capital, Banjul, visiting Gambia’s most iconic landmark, Arch 22, for panoramic views over the city and the Gambia River.
  • Next, we’ll walk through Albert Market, the busiest market in the country, full of spices, textiles, local crafts, and fresh produce. This is the perfect introduction to Gambian daily life, and to sample some Gambian street food for lunch.
  • After lunch at the market, we’ll drive to Bakau to see the sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool, where crocodiles are considered sacred and linked to fertility. Visitors can safely approach, and even touch crocodiles under supervision.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant on the lively Senegambia Strip, where you can try Gambian dishes such as domoda (peanut stew) or benachin (rice and fish).
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife along the Senegambia Strip to experience live Gambian music, including kora performances and drumming.
  • Overnight in Kololi.

Day 2 – Kunta Kinteh Island and Tanji Fishing Village

  • After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer to the river port for a scenic boat ride to Kunta Kinteh Island, a major center of the transatlantic slave trade, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Guided tour along the ruins of the former slave fort.

Afternoon

  • Return to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant.
  • After lunch, we’ll visit Tanji, a coastal community, famous for its colorful wooden fishing boats, bustling fish market, and traditional fish-smoking houses, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into daily Gambian coastal life. Here, we’ll watch the brightly painted fishing boats arrive with the catch of the day, and visit traditional fish-smoking houses, gaining insight into the daily life in a Gambian fishing village.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant, serving freshly caught seafood.
  • Return to the hotel in Kololi. Further exploration of the Senegambia Strip is highly recommended!
  • Overnight in Kololi/Kotu.

Day 3 – River Gambia Safari and Wassu Stone Circles

  • Early breakfast at the hotel.
  • We’ll drive to River Gambia National Park, approx 4-5 hours.

Afternoon

  • At the park, we’ll have lunch at one of the lodges along the river.
  • After lunch, we’ll take a boat along the river towards the Wassu Stone Circles. On the way we’ll see hippos, crocodiles, baboons, and an incredible variety of birds. Gambia is home to over 600 bird species!
  • Arrive at the Wassu Stone Circles, a group of over 50 ancient megalithic stone circles located in central Gambia, thought to be burial sites or ceremonial monuments. With our local guide, we’ll explore the circles and learn about their fascinating history and the legends that surround these mysterious monuments.
  • Check in at a nearby riverside lodge.
  • Dinner at the lodge, featuring local Gambian cuisine. Optional evening walk along the river.
  • Overnight at the lodge.

Day 4 – Abuko Nature Reserve 

  • After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll start the journey back to Kololi/Banjul.
  • On the way, we’ll stop at Abuko Nature Reserve, the oldest protected forest in the country. We’ll take a guided walk along the forest trails, spotting monkeys, antelopes, monitor lizards, and a wide variety of birds.

Afternoon

  • Arrive in Banjul, transfer to Banjul International Airport for departure.
  • Tour concludes.

Bespoke Tours to Gambia

Our bespoke Gambia tours are created to your desire and specification, therefore not all our tours are listed. Here are some examples of independent Gambia tours we can offer, but if there’s anything specific you want, drop us a message.

Gambian villages and cultural tours

Gambia is home to over 20 ethnic groups, each with their own language and traditions. Experience Gambian daily life by visiting coastal fishing villages such as Tanji, or riverside communities along the Gambia River. Learn about traditional fishing techniques and smokehouses, and participate in village drumming, a central part of community life, used in ceremonies, storytelling, and celebrations.

Gambia River and Wassu Stone Circles tours

Discover Gambia’s wildlife along the famous Gambia River. Spot hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species on guided boat safaris and forest treks with knowledgeable local guides. Stay at eco-lodges along the river for prime sunrise and sunset wildlife views. Along the Gambia River, you’ll find the Wassu Stone Circles, a group of over 50 ancient megalithic stone circles, thought to be burial sites or ceremonial monuments. Explore the circles and learn about their fascinating history and the legends that surround these mysterious monuments.

Gambia combo tours

Except a short coastline in the west, Gambia is fully landlocked by Senegal, making it easy to combine for a multi country tour. Gambia is also part of our popular “West Africa Overland Tour”, which covers Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. To make the most out of your trip to West Africa, we recommended to combine your trip to Gambia with some of the neighbouring countries. Contact us, and we can mix and match these countries to your preferences.

Filming in Gambia

Through our media arm Pioneer Media YPT can arrange for different forms of production within Gambia, from big budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in country, as well as correct visas for journalist wishing to do projects within Gambia.

Frequently ask Questions about travel to Gambia

  • Do I need a visa to visit Gambia?

    Most travellers from Europe, North America, and many African countries require a visa. Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, see if your nationality is eligible here https://gambia.gov.gm/immigration-and-visas/

  • What is the best time to visit Gambia?

    The dry season, from November to May, is the most popular time for travel, with sunny days, low humidity, and ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and river safaris.

  • What currency is used in Gambia?

    The official currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). US dollars and euros are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, and larger shops, but smaller markets and rural areas prefer local currency. ATMs are available in major towns.

  • What language do they speak?

    Because it was a British colony, English is the official language in Gambia. However, several local languages are widely spoken, including Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, and Jola.

  • Is Gambia safe for tourists?

    Gambia is generally considered safe for travelers, with low crime rates.

  • What kind of vaccinations or health precautions are needed?

    All visitors must have a valid passport and evidence of an Yellow fever vaccination card. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended year-round, and routine vaccinations such as tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and typhoid are also advised.

  • What is the local cuisine like?

    Popular dishes include Domoda (peanut stew with meat or fish), Benachin (rice cooked with vegetables and fish or meat) and Yassa (marinated chicken or fish in lemon-onion sauce). Fresh seafood is popular along the coast, especially in coastal villages like Tanji.

  • What should I pack for Gambia?

    Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot weather, comfortable walking shoes for villages, markets, and archaeological sites, swimwear for beaches and river activities. Other necessities are hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent for mosquitoes.

  • Can I use my phone and internet?

    Mobile coverage is good in towns and tourist areas; 4G is available. Buying a local SIM card is inexpensive. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and resorts.

  • Is Gambia good for vegetarians?

    Yes! While Gambian cuisine is often centred around fish, meat, and peanuts, vegetarian options are widely available, especially in local dishes and markets. Popular vegetarian-friendly dishes include Domoda (peanut stew, traditionally made with meat, but often available as a vegetable-only version), Benachin (Jollof rice), and other vegetable stews and soups, usually made with okra, sweet potatoes, cassava, and leafy greens.

  • Is Gambia safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

    Gambia is not considered a LGBTQ+ friendly destination. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract legal issues or harassment. LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to avoid public displays of same-sex affection, and act discreet to stay safe and avoid problems.

  • Can I drink alcohol in Gambia?

    Yes, alcohol is legal and available in Gambia, and can be purchased at bars, restaurants, hotels, and some shops, particularly in tourist areas. Local alcoholic beverages include beer and palm wine.

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