West Africa River Cruise – Banjul to Banjul

MONDAY: BANJUL - BAKAU, THE GAMBIA

Embark on board between 15:00 and 16:00 in Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia and the gateway to the 700-mile Gambia River. After settling into your cabin and meeting your fellow travelers, you may join an optional half-day city tour of Banjul and nearby Bakau. During the visit, explore the charming coastal town of Bakau, famous for the sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool and its surrounding botanical gardens, an important cultural and spiritual site in The Gambia.

In the mid-afternoon, the cruise begins its journey upstream along the Gambia River, offering the first views of the region’s rich natural landscapes and river wildlife.

Overnight docked in Tendaba, a small fishing village located on the banks of the Gambia River.

TUESDAY: TENDABA

Today you can choose from two optional excursions, both starting in Tendaba, a small Muslim fishing village with a population of around 600 people. The village is reached from the ship by motor pirogue, traditional canoe-like boats used throughout the region.

In the morning, enjoy a guided walk from Tendaba to Batelling, the entrance to Kiang West National Park. This protected reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rare bird species, Guinea baboons, Senegal bushbabies, and marsh mongooses. After exploring the park, return to the ship by safari vehicle, passing through local villages and rural landscapes along the way.

In the afternoon, you may join an excursion to the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, one of the most important wetland ecosystems in The Gambia. The reserve features six major bolongs (creeks) and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and scenic boat rides through its peaceful waterways.

Overnight docked in Tendaba.

WEDNESDAY: BANJUL - BAKAU, THE GAMBIA

Early in the morning, the ship continues its journey upstream along the Gambia River, heading toward the lively river port of Kuntaur. This town marks the furthest inland point accessible to ocean-going ships, highlighting the unique reach of this small ship expedition.

In the afternoon, you may join an optional excursion by motor pirogue further inland to Baboon Island, part of River Gambia National Park. Accompanied by a local park ranger, learn about the region’s rich flora and fauna while navigating through one of West Africa’s most important wildlife habitats.

During the excursion, keep watch for chimpanzees from a nearby rehabilitation project, as well as hippos, crocodiles, and Red Colobus monkeys along the riverbanks.

Upon returning to Kuntaur, enjoy a traditional cultural performance of the Kankurang dance, a sacred ritual believed to protect communities, deliver justice, and ward off evil spirits.

Overnight docked in Kuntaur.

THURSDAY: KUNTAUR, JANJANBUREH & KAUR, THE GAMBIA

After a restful night, today’s program offers a varied and enriching optional excursion. The journey begins with a transfer by bus and local ferry to Janjanbureh, one of the oldest towns in The Gambia, formerly known as Georgetown. Stroll through its quiet streets and experience the relaxed atmosphere of this historic riverside town.

The tour continues to Lamin Koto, where guests will see a new school currently under construction, supported through generous donations from Variety Cruises and its guests. From here, the excursion proceeds to the Wassu Stone Circles, an ancient sacred burial site that dates back thousands of years and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch, the ship begins sailing downstream along the Gambia River toward the small fishing village of Kaur. Take time to explore the village and gain insight into daily life in rural Gambia.

In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board as the ship continues sailing downstream toward Banjul.

FRIDAY: KUNTA KINTEH ISLAND & BANJUL, THE GAMBIA

Today offers another opportunity to explore the history and culture of The Gambia. In the morning, the ship anchors at Kunta Kinteh Island, located in the middle of the Gambia River.

This small island holds a powerful and emotional history connected to the transatlantic slave trade. Its story became widely known through the book Roots written by Alex Haley. During the visit, a knowledgeable local guide will explain the historical significance of the island and its role in this important chapter of world history. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore the island and reflect on its heritage before returning to the ship.

Later in the day, the cruise returns to Banjul. In the evening, enjoy a special Gambian Night on board, featuring live music performed on the traditional Kora, one of the most iconic instruments in West African culture.

Overnight at sea as the ship sails north toward Dakar.

SATURDAY: DAKAR, SENEGAL

Early in the morning, the ship arrives in Dakar, a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history and dynamic culture. After breakfast on board, guests may join an optional excursion to Gorée Island and a Dakar city tour.

Located just off the coast of Dakar, Gorée Island is one of the most significant historical sites related to the transatlantic slave trade. During the guided visit, learn about the island’s history and its transformation into a symbol of remembrance and cultural heritage. The tour also explores the highlights of Dakar, offering insight into how the city has evolved into a center of modern African culture, art, and development.

Lunch will be enjoyed ashore during the excursion. In the late afternoon, return to the ship and relax before dinner on board.

After dinner, the cruise sets sail south toward the Saloum Delta, continuing along the scenic West African coastline.

Overnight at sea.

SUNDAY: DJIFFER/SENEGAL – BANJUL, THE GAMBIA

Today the journey continues through the beautiful waterways of the Sine-Saloum Delta, one of West Africa’s most important ecosystems. As the ship navigates this remarkable delta region, keep an eye out for wildlife such as dolphins, crocodiles, turtles, and manatees.

The Sine-Saloum Delta is also a renowned birdwatching destination, home to nearly 200 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and birds of prey that thrive within its mangroves and wetlands.

From the fishing village of Djiffer, guests may join an optional excursion to Joal-Fadiouth, a unique island village built almost entirely from seashells, offering insight into local culture and traditions.

In the afternoon, the ship departs Senegal and begins sailing back toward Banjul.

Overnight in port at Banjul.

MONDAY: BANJUL, THE GAMBIA

Early in the morning, the ship returns to Banjul, marking the end of your West Africa river expedition.

Enjoy a final breakfast on board with your fellow travelers—by now likely new friends—while reflecting on the unforgettable experiences along the Gambia River and the remarkable cultures and landscapes of The Gambia and Senegal.

After breakfast, it is time to disembark, bringing this extraordinary small ship cruise through West Africa to a close.