GAMBIA, Africa's smallest country, became well known to the Americas during the seventies when celebrated author Alex Haley traced his family lineage to the small Gambian village of Juffureh. The story was recorded in the book Roots and portrayed in the television series of the same name.
Despite Roots, Gambia still gets the majority of its visitors from Europe but is growing in popularity with North Americans.
Gambia hosts the annual Roots Homecoming Festival consisting of art, dance, music, performances, workshops and cooking among other activities.You may visit, by some estimates, Africa's most famous woman, Binta Kinte, a sixth generation cousin of Alex Haley who still resides in Juffureh.
Whether you want to bargain for crafts, soak up the sun - nearly all hotels have beach attached to their names, watch traditional Gambian wrestling, test your bargaining skills on the local craft vendors or visit Abuko Natural Wildlife Reserve where there are over 200 species of birds among other animals.
Caution - Before you accept an invitation to participate in a traditional Gambian dance be sure to do your exercises.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
ARRIVE BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
International flight arrives Banjul, The Gambia. Upon arrival at Banjul airport, you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Orientation. The remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2:
BANJUL
After breakfast, Banjul City Tour. Visit the markets, museums, Batik factories, monuments and other points of interest.
(B)
Day 3:
ABUKO NATURE RESERVE
Visit the Abuko Nature Reserve and Brikama Carving Center. The Abuko Reserve is the principal Nature Reserve in the country. Walk through the jungle where you might see monkeys, chimpanzees and many types of exotic birds. Sometimes crocodile, lion and antelope can be found. On the return, stop at the village of Brikama, famous for its wood carving market.
(B)
Day 4:
JUFFURE
Visit Juffureh, the ancestral home of the late Alex Haley, best-selling author of Roots. Grandma Binta Kinteh, the oldest living relative of Alex Haley, will welcome you.
(B)
Day 5:
CRUISE
Cruise on the river Gambia where dolphins will generally show their presence. Stop at a Mandingo Village to experience village life. Be entertained by a mini cultural festival. The river meanders its way from Banjul on the Atlantic coast through typical African villages for 300 miles into the interior of Africa. You can travel through the original routes where slave ships sailed and visit exotic historical places like James Island, Albreda Slave market and Juffure.
(B)
Day 6:
Enjoy a free day at leisure to relax on the beach, shop or take an optional tour. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional entertainment.
(B)
Day 7:
DEPARTURE FOR HOME
Morning at leisure before departure home.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
SPECIAL RATES APPLY January to April
Also see tour packages in:
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Festival Tours
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