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Unravelling the wonders of West Africa : an exciting voyage on the waterways of Senegal and Gambia

Looking for a holiday with a change of scenery, relaxation, exclusivity and a wealth of incredible natural wonders?

So go ahead and embark on a West African Rivers: Gambia and Senegal cruise, a 7-night itinerary sure to satisfy even the most inquisitive minds. Experience exceptional wildlife viewing on a yacht cruise along the west coast of Africa up the waters of the River Gambia, deep into the depths of the African continent.
Main features
Boat type: yacht
Number of cabins: 25
Maximum capacity: 49 travelers
Crew members: 18

Cabins

Category A
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
The Category A cabins are located on the Upper Deck offering large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Category B
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
The Category B cabins are located on the Main Deck offering large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Category C
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
The category C cabins are located on the main deck offering large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Category P
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
The Category P cabins are located on the Upper Deck offering a sofa, large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
NB : The pictures, information, and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The itinerary and program indicated may be modified without notice for technical reasons (captain's decision).

Itinerary

Dakar
Late afternoon embarkation at 3 to 4pm. After dinner, we set sail southward towards the Saloum... more+ River Delta. Overnight at sea, south along the coast. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Dakar Djiffer Banjul
This morning we reach the Sine – Saloum Delta in Senegal, an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also an... more+ 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. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Banjul Bakau Tendaba
The morning in Banjul will give you the opportunity to take the optional 1/2 day excursions offered... more+ to Bakau with its crocodile "katchikaly“ and a short Banjul Tour, including Royall Albert Market & Historical Museum. Mid-afternoon, we leave Banjul and sail upstream to Tendaba. We reach Tendaba late into the evening. African Night - Overnight at dock in Tendaba. 
Optional services: Day Trip to Banjul and Bakau, more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Tendaba
From the ship we take motor pirogues in order to reach Tendaba, located on the South Bank in the... more+ Lower River Division, our starting point of our Tendaba morning optional excursion. It is a small fishing village of mainly Muslim faith with approximately 600 inhabitants whose main occupation is fishing. From there we will walk through to Batelling, a small village at the entrance to Kiang West National Park. The area boasts of over 250 species of birds, many of which are difficult to observe anywhere else. Other residents include Guinea baboons, bushbuck, warthogs, Senegal bushbaby and marsh mongoose. After a refreshing stop in Batelling, we will board an open safari truck which brings us back to Tendaba. On the way we pass again local villages where you get an impression of local life in The Gambia. In the afternoon, we are picked-up from the ship by motor pirogues for the afternoon Tendaba optional excursion to the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve. This reserve, lying across from Kiang West National Park features six major bolongs (creeks) that provide great birding and boating opportunities. Numerous rare and migratory birds also reside here including the Pel’s fishing owl, African fin foot and brown-necked parrot. Overnight docked in Tendaba 
Optional services: Field Trip to the Baobolong Reserve, Excursion to Tendaba and Kiang West National Park, more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Tendaba Kuntaur
Early morning we leave Tendaba and sail upstream on the Gambia River all morning to reach Kuntaur.... more+ 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. 
Optional services: Field trip to Gambia National Park, more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Kuntaur Janjanbureh Kaur
This morning, our optional excursion by bus takes us to the ferry station of Janjanbureh. There we... more+ 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. 
Optional services: Excursion to Janjanbureh and the Wassu Stones, more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Kaur Banjul
This morning we anchor at St. James Island in the middle of the Gambia River, which was an... more+ 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. 
Optional services: Excursion to James Island – Kunta Kinteh, more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Banjul Dakar
Early morning arrival in Dakar. Disembarkation at 9am after breakfast.
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner

included

The price includes
Unlimited water, tea and coffee
Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment
English-speaking cruise coordinator
English-speaking crew and guide
Meals included in the program
The price does not include
Personal expenses and tips
Beverages other than those listed
Flights
Visa
WIFI
Activities not included in the program
Meals not included in the program
Port taxes - Mandatory : 420 / people
Additional information
Please note that this cruise may be cancelled and refunded due to insufficient numbers of participants, up to 60 days before embarkation
Optional services
Flights not included in the programme are available on request
Activities and excursions upon request more+

Activities

Day Trip to Banjul and Bakau
This is an orientation tour for visitors who want to get a glimpse of the main attractions in The Gambia’s capital, Banjul, and the Greater Banjul area. After a short drive from the port to the heart of Banjul, we begin our tour at the Royal Albert Market,... more+ the lively and colorful central local market, where you’ll have your first opportunity to buy souvenirs at one of the many stalls selling handicrafts.
We continue our tour with the National Museum, which offers a deeper understanding of The Gambia’s history, and shortly thereafter, before leaving Banjul for the village of Bakau, we make a photo stop at “Arch 22,” a neoclassical-style triumphal arch commemorating the 1994 coup d’état.
Once we arrive in Bakau, a visit to the main attraction is on the agenda: “Katchikally,” the sacred crocodile pool. It is home to about 70 West African crocodiles (Crocodylus suchus) and is traditionally considered a sacred site for women seeking to conceive, who would perform fertility rituals there and bathe in the pond’s water to overcome their difficulties.
Another notable attraction in Bakau is the Botanical Garden (which is unfortunately currently closed to visitors), a small, peaceful park located next to the residence of the British High Commissioner in The Gambia. 
Not included 62 € / people
Field Trip to the Baobolong Reserve
We were picked up from the ship by motorized canoes for the trip to the Bao Bolong Reserve. This reserve, located across the river from Kiang West National Park, comprises six main bolongs (waterways) that offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and... more+ boat tours.
Many rare and migratory birds also reside here, including the Pel’s fishing owl, the African coot, and the brown-necked parrot. You may spot Nile crocodiles and the African clawless otter, while baboons can be seen in the dry areas.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and, if necessary, an extra dry T-shirt. Also, protect your phones and cameras during motorized canoe trips!
Please note that we will spend about 3 hours in a basic motorized canoe and that no restroom facilities are available. 
Not included 58 € / people
Excursion to Tendaba and Kiang West National Park
From the ship, we board simple motorized canoes to reach Tendaba, located on the south bank in the Lower River Division. It is a small, predominantly Muslim fishing village of about 600 inhabitants, whose main livelihood is fishing.
There, we board open... more+ safari jeeps that will take us to the edge of the national park we are about to explore. Once we arrive, we begin an easy walk or hike of about 5 km over uneven terrain through the savanna bush, heading toward Batelling, a small village at the entrance to Kiang West National Park.
The region is home to over 250 bird species, many of which are difficult to spot elsewhere. We may also encounter animals such as the Guinea baboon, bushbuck, warthog, Senegal galago, and marsh mongoose. Your local guide will point out the species we encounter along the way.
Once we arrive in Batelling, a refreshing drink will be served before we board an open safari jeep to return to Tendaba. On the way, we’ll pass through local villages again, giving you a glimpse of daily life in The Gambia.
Please note that you’ll need to walk about 5 km on relatively uneven terrain.
This excursion can be somewhat strenuous and is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and, if necessary, an extra dry T-shirt.
Also, protect your phones and cameras during the motorized pirogue rides! 
Not included 58 € / people
Field trip to Gambia National Park
Today, we board a large motorized canoe for a 3-hour cruise on the Gambia River. We first head to the southern tip of Baboon Island, one of the five islands in the Gambia National Park. There, we’ll be joined on board by a local national park ranger, who... more+ will provide information about the park and its flora and fauna.
Then, we turn around: the boat slows down and cruises gently along the shores of Baboon Island. This island is home to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. With a little luck, from our pirogue, we’ll be able to observe the chimpanzees up close without disturbing them. It’s also possible to see hippos, crocodiles, red colobus monkeys, green vervet monkeys, as well as the famous birdlife of The Gambia.
After the local guide disembarks at the northern tip of Baboon Island, we continue on to Kuntaur. Before boarding the ship again, we meet the “Kankurang” and a local dance troupe on the dock. The Kankurang is part of the Mandinka mask tradition, covered from head to toe in leaves or bark, and appears, for example, during initiation ceremonies. It is believed to possess spiritual powers: it dispenses justice and wards off evil spirits.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and, if necessary, an extra dry T-shirt. Also, protect your phones and cameras during motorized canoe trips! 
Not included 116 € / people
Excursion to Janjanbureh and the Wassu Stones
From the Kuntaur pier, the bus takes us to the Janjanbureh ferry terminal. There, we board the local ferry to cross the Gambia River to Janjanbureh.
We continue our tour with a visit to one of the oldest towns in The Gambia, formerly known as Georgetown.... more+ During the walk, you’ll experience the relaxed atmosphere of this town and see the governor’s residence, the market, and the Methodist church with its school.
Next, we take the ferry back and board the bus. After a 10-minute drive, we arrive at the local school in Lamin Koto, where we’ll tour the new school building.
Before returning to the ship, we’ll stop at the mysterious Wassu stone circles, a megalithic site once believed to be a burial ground dating back thousands of years. Once there, the program includes an interesting guided tour of the small museum and a visit to the archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and, if necessary, an extra dry T-shirt.
For the visit to the local school, guests are invited to bring pencils (rather than pens), notebooks, pencil sharpeners, erasers, or any other school supplies they deem useful. Please feel free to ask your booking agent if you are interested. Thank you! 
Not included 134 € / people
Excursion to James Island – Kunta Kinteh
James Island, located at the mouth of the Gambia River, was discovered by the Portuguese in 1455. The first settlers on the island came from the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia (now Latvia) and arrived in 1651. The Courlanders built a fort there, but only a... more+ few years later, the Dutch took control of it. Over the following centuries, the French and the English successively occupied the island, and with each occupation, the fortifications were gradually expanded.
Under British rule, the island became an important hub for the slave trade in The Gambia. Around 1780, the French retook James Island and demolished most of the fortifications. The British, once they had regained the island, did not rebuild the fort and, after the abolition of the slave trade, founded Banjul at the mouth of the Gambia River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
In 1976, James Island gained fame thanks to author Alex Haley, following the publication of his book *Roots*, which tells the story of a family and that of a slave, Kunta Kinteh. Alex Haley’s work led to the island being renamed Kunta Kinteh Island in early 2011. Today, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After disembarking via tender, your local guide will tell you more about the history of James Island. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this small island on your own.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and, if necessary, an extra dry T-shirt. Also, protect your phones and cameras during tender or motorized canoe trips! 
Not included 25 € / people

Information about the partner

Commercial history with Filovent

  • Filovent partner since 2024
  • Last booking with this partner in March 2026
  • 20 bookings with this partner
    • Lina
    With Lina expert of your cruises

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