Excellent
The two days trip is just perfect to learn about Gambian history, culture and life generally. We have had the most amazing guide Assan who keep us entertained, happy and made sure all of us are ok. His knowledge is really good and as I have had many questions and interests he tried to answer to all of it. Also as I am mostly vegan and didn’t have opportunity to inform him about it until that day he still made sure that I have proper meal. He always stop for toilet brake when we needed and even ask locals if we can use their “bathroom”, made sure we have water all the time etc. He wasn’t pushy and asking for “donations” like other guides on different trip by Tui. Trip is NOT suitable for young children (we have had 8yo in our group and she was so brave and amazing) and elderly who are not properly mobile as the heat is unbelievable and journey is seriously long. It’s almost 600km in two days. Janjabureh camp is basic so be prepared that you can have spiders or ants somewhere in your hut, but there is mosquitos net and my night was absolutely pleasant. All places which were visited are great and we were explained a lot. Journey on the boat (4 hours or a bit more) was pleasant but I felt asleep thanks to heat. We have seen several families of hippos, so many birds including pelicans, monkeys on evening but no crocodiles, which is absolutely fine as it is nature and you can’t do anything about it. But the top was one of the village which we picked on the way back. We didn’t know which village we will go as our guide informed us that he is always picking up different one where he didn’t go yet and where tourists are not going. We bought them “presents” which could help all village- rice, potatoes, sugar, stock, candles, matches, sanitary pads, pencils, papers, pasta, soup etc. all group share the cost which was around £7/person (not children) and that’s amazing! Experience in the village was something we won’t forget. It’s important to take flash light, hat/ scarf, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water with you. No need for trainers at all and in fact flip flops are perfect. And spear clothes necessary. Also would be great if women would wear something more suitable and not cropped t shirt and super short skirt and respect Gambian culture. Downsides: - food in the cam wasn’t good (dinner) in fact couscous was burned and vegetable soup was with lots of meat - no toilet paper in camp - not enough of soft drinks on the boat - informations on the website are basic and should be more detailed Overall: If you want to see real Gambia this trip is must. Ofcourse it depends who are you travelling with but I have had the most amazing people with me, the best guide ever, great drivers and cameraman men.