Explore Our Community Based Tours
invites you to explore the rich culture, history, and communities of Janjanbureh and villages in rural Gambia through immersive, sustainable tours, known as Community Based Tourism (CBT)
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.
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"
As a visitor you will
DO: a hands-on experience of local life – not just taking photos
LEARN: the chance to learn something about local life, history 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
So Why Did Community Based Tours Come to Janjanbureh?
The Gambia's main attractions include its warm climate, beaches, friendly people, diverse birdlife, and proximity to Europe.
To move beyond mass tourism, the country has focused on developing new markets, including Community-Based Tourism (CBT), which provides authentic cultural experiences and supports local communities.
Janjanbureh has been that focus developing as the
alternative destination centre for
Sustainable/Responsible Tourism in The Gambia
offer a range of experiences through their extensive training and development of tours
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.
Introducing hands on activities in rural villages
With YEP’s support and involvement from ITTOG, NCAC, and GTB,
a 2017/18 initiative trained young people to celebrate their heritage.
Some advanced as Trainers of Trainers under experts Potjana Suansri and Peter Richards.
Their efforts inspired two rural villages, Tabanani and Jamali to welcome visitors, sharing their traditions and way of life.
Scenes from Training in Tabanani
Both villages reached an agreement on what aspects of their community to share,
and early in the process, the Trainers of Trainers assisted them in developing their tours.
Village residents lead these tours.
"Migration to Europe in search of a better life is a fact of life in these villages, which have almost no employment outside agriculture in a beautiful but unforgiving landscape. Many people who do attempt the perilous 'Back Way' trip die on route, and some are even captured and sold into slavery... Hopefully, this is a seed which will yield fruits through partnership towards better places for people to live in and to visit."
Peter Richards
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.
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!
Hiking Tours
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
The 2018 Kankurang Festival drew many visitors from Europe including one who created hiking routes. Gernot Henn trained guides for the six routes he designed.
Visit Gernot's website here.
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