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Explore Our Community Based Tours

Destination Janjanbureh Logo

 invites you to explore the rich culture, history, and communities of Janjanbureh and villages  in rural Gambia through immersive, sustainable tours.

Our experiences are designed to connect visitors with the region’s ancient traditions,

unique landscapes, and warm community spirit.
By supporting the local economy and creating jobs, we empower residents to share their stories, preserve rural crafts, and protect the environment for future generations.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable destination while making a positive impact on its people and heritage.

Take a Town Tour 

Experience the era of Janjanbureh as the British capital protectorate of The Gambia in 1889. Visit the Freedom Tree (Foroyaa Soto), where liberated slaves first camped, and our spiritual home at the Tinyang Sita Tree and Kankurang Museum. Explore the market, silver smith, a traditional compound, and enjoy tie and dye and hair braiding services.

Cannon at the governors  office

Horse and Cart to Jamili

Jamali is a Fula agricultural village known for its traditional architecture. You'll be welcomed by musicians and learn about the 500-year history from the chief, including its name meaning 'giraffe.' Visit a local wood carver to try your hand at crafting and purchase a traditional bowl, then explore the women's organic garden and help water the crops. Finally, return to the bantaba to grind rice and peanuts for the traditional 'grandma' porridge.

Mandinka Greetings at Tabanani

Both villages reached an agreement on what aspects of their community to share, and early in the process, theTrainers of Trainers assisted them in developing their tours.

Village residents lead these tours.


Tabanani is a lively village where visitors can immerse themselves in Mandinka greetings, dances, and cultural traditions featuring the Kankurang. Enjoy a guided walk to discover Gamb cooking, meet local artisans, create a palm leaf fan, and dance with the Kanyaleng women’s group, who participate in spiritual activities and entertain at weddings and local ceremonies.

As a visitor  you will

Example of a doing activity

DO: a hands-on experience of local life – not just taking photos

LEARN: the chance to learn something about local life and culture

FEEL: the experience stimulates excitement, interest, wonder, pride

SHARE: experiences with travel companions and local community members

BENEFIT: local community members benefit from offering CBT tours

RESPECT: experiences create mutual understanding and respect between hosts and guest

Community Based Tours Promoting  Sustainability

"Community based tourism involves communities controlling, managing and developing their own tourism industry, whereby tourists and travellers can experience the community's way of life and consider their social, economic, and environmental impacts upon the destination they are visiting"

https://www.communitybasedtourism.eu/

Kayaking Tours

With professional equipment and expert guidance, enjoy the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation, whether a novice or experienced paddler. 

New? Nervous?  Take the option to share  a kayak with guide.
See the stunning scenery, birds and wildlife from a different viewpoint

and spot hidden homes along the banks.

Kayaking family

In 2020, we gained exceptional training from the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), which focused on upskilling women and youth (ages 15-35) in paddle sports, preparing them to become kayak tour guides or coaches. Along with expert instruction, we received top-quality kayaks and safety gear.

Join us to experience the island from a fresh perspective!

Kayaks training

Hiking Tours

Hiking with guide

Go for long walks on a beautiful Trail with our professional guides and learn about the different stories of places, trees and birds... Learn while keeping fit

hiking group

The 2018 Kankurang Festival drew many visitors from Europe including one who created hiking routes. Gern Henn trained guides for the six routes he designed.

Visit Gernot's website here.

Find more details here.

Pedal  along the beautiful trails in the island and villages.

Go for a long ride with your guide providing intimate knowledge of the area whilst you enjoy, exercise and share experiences 

D500 per person per hour including bike hire

Cycling with Guide
Blogs

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

December '23

" 😌 Mariama and Musa did a great job. Both, very friendly guides, presented their lovely home town Janjanbureh with passion from the bottom of their hearts ♥️

Claire from Germany

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