Janjanbureh Uniting Sustainable Tourism
And Community Training
A Welcome to Your Guides
from The Honourable Omar 'Jatto' Jammeh
the National Assembly Member for Janjanbureh Constituency
After graduating from the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) in 2010, I returned to Janjanbureh in 2011 to join a training program for local tour guides funded by Just Act Gambia. Janjanbureh Uniting Sustainable Tourism And Community Training I later became the Gambian Director for the charity and founded a parallel Gambian organisation, JUST ACT, which championed sustainable tourism and community development. As an established group, we were fortunate to be selected to be part of the four year EU funding, which allowed us to gain training when Janjanbureh was recognised as The Gambia’s Sustainable Tourism destination, offering an alternative to traditional sun sea and sand. I became a Master Trainer in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) and one of five Trainers of Trainers (TOTs). My main focus has always been on youth development and community engagement. In 2022, I was elected as an independent National Assembly Member (NAM) for Janjanbureh, serving on the tourism, culture, and youth and sports select committee. While I can no longer work as a Tour Guide for Destination Janjanbureh, I remain actively involved in its growth and development.
Let me introduce you to the guides
Explore with Us for an Authentic Adventure
We were all born and raised in Janjanbureh, with a wealth of knowledge about the town
and its surroundings.
In 2018, after receiving international training, five were selected as Trainers of Trainers (TOTs), becoming Master Trainers in Community-Based Tourism (CBT). Hon. Omar Jammeh in his role as a National Assembly Member continues to support us.
Some of us started our journey back in 2011/12 with Just Act Gambia training.
In addition, by 2020, we had the opportunity to receive international-standard training
as Kayak Guides, opening doors for more local youth to join the tourism industry.
Other opportunities have enabled us to add hiking and cycling tours.
With our in-depth knowledge of local culture, history, and hidden gems, we offer tourists an authentic and enriching experience. Our personal stories provide a deeper connection to life in Janjanbureh, and hiring a local guide directly supports our community
while promoting sustainable tourism.
We are Your Guides
Introducing the Trainers of Trainers - ToTs
Isatou Foon
President
As President I manage the guides, overseeing all activities. In 2017/18 I was first trained as a tour guide as a member of JUST ACT then selected as a Trainer of Trainers and continue to be active as a Tour Guide. I may be your first point of contact on +220 5289822 I have studied ICT and later went on to study Tourism and Hospitality management at the Gambian University with an advanced diploma. I am employed as : the Regional Tourism Officer under the The Gambia Tourist Board In Summer 2024 I was selected as one of five from across the whole of Africa to receive an African Tourism Leadership Award (ATLA). My mission is to inspire young women to step forward and lead in the tourism sector.
Jalamang Danso
Vice President
I am a Senior Guide, Trainer of Trainers and I will often meet you at the coast to escort you to the island. I am particularly interested in the Community Based Tours in Jamali and Tabanani and provide kayak, cycling and hiking tours I studied Electrical Engineering at Gambia Technical Training Institute and later cooking at Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute. I have since gained an Advance Diploma in Travel and Tourism at the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia
Muhammed 'Pasco' Kebbeh
Senior Tour Guide
A ToT, known as Pasco, I'm one of the original guides trained through Just Act Gambia in 2011. I'm heavily involved in the CBT village & town tours. With expertise as a former agroforestry expert with the Depart. of Agriculture, I provide specialised knowledge on trees for hiking tours. Trained by the N.C.A.C. as a Museum Attendant, I have a strong knowledge of the history of the Kankurang and masquerades. However, my main expertise lies in agriculture. In 2017, I trained in Eco and AgroTourism through E.S.G., building my skills over the years. I also completed a 6-month program in Integrated Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Benin, which I continue to apply as a rural community facilitator and agro consultant. This includes collaborating with women vegetable growers through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Muhammed Jawneh
Senior Tour Guide
My role as a senior tour guide, is to coordinate and facilitate CBT tours. I began working when I was trained by the relevant institutions as a tour guide and a CBT trainer (ToT) up to date. My particular interest are community based tourism, historical and cultural tours. I have studied Electrical/Electronics engineering with advanced diploma.My other roles/jobs are freelance electrician and a carpenter.
Further Guides
Musa Foon
Trained by Just Act Gambia in 2011, I am one of the original guides. As a result I was appointed as the Custodian of The Kankurang Centre. I often work with Gambian school parties introducing them to their rich cultural heritage. I particularly specialise in town tours. I'm a trained as a football referee to officiate in the national second division football of the Gambia Football Federation. I have an abiding interest in fishing with Janjanbureh offering the chance to catch tigerfish. I can arrange guided fishing trips for you. My love for the river sparked an incredible journey into diving, which quickly became a true passion. It began in December 2020, when I was nominated for my first diving training in Dakar, Senegal, where I learned basic diving and underwater archaeology. In May 2024, I represented The Gambia in Turkey for an advanced two-week training on underwater cultural heritage under UNESCO’s 2001 Convention. A week later, I continued my journey in Cape Verde for another intensive two-week program, training with experts from across Africa. Each dive fuels my passion, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next!
Kebba Sarjo
You will find me at The Freedom Tree situated near the Police Station and the Governors Headquarters. It has great significance in the history of our island which I will be happy to explain. The Freedom Tree Triangle serves as a reminder of The Gambia's long road to freedom, both from colonial rule and the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade. It’s a landmark in Janjanbureh, offering visitors a place to reflect on the island's role in Gambian history. The surrounding area of the triangle is a small but important public space, with cultural and historical activities occasionally held there.
Mariama Sambou
My big smile will greet you at The Tourist Information Centre which is at the Youth Centre in Mercer Street. If you are facing the market, turn to your left where you will find me ready to give you any information you need about us. and all we offer. I have also been trained as a bike mechanic and act as a hiking guide I can explain and arrange all aspect of your visit.
There are more trained guides ready to share kayaking, hiking and cycling tours with you whom you will see on those pages.
From its humble beginnings as a small UK charity in 2009, fuelled by the incredible dedication of local youth,
the Gambian charity Janjanbureh Tour Guides Association
has blossomed over 15 amazing years into what we proudly call
