Janjanbureh 2-day tour with overnight stay in a traditional camp

2 days + 1 night
3 meals included
Light intensity
Traditional camp (riverside lodge)

Leave the coast behind and experience a completely different side of The Gambia on this two-day adventure into the country's rural heart. Travelling more than 300 km inland, you'll visit the country's first anti-slavery fort, explore the UNESCO-listed Wassu Stone Circles, and cruise along the River Gambia in search of hippos and crocodiles. Spend the night in a riverside camp inspired by traditional African hut architecture, where the sounds of birdsong and the flowing river quickly replace the bustle of the coast.

Your route

What makes the night special

Jang Jang Burreh Camp sits on the banks of the River Gambia, with accommodation in en-suite huts built in traditional African style. After dinner, local villagers perform folkloric music under the stars. The camp is remote enough that morning brings birdsong, wildlife on the water, and the quiet of inland Gambia before anyone else is awake.

An early departure from your hotel takes you to Banjul, where you cross the River Gambia by ferry to Barra on the north bank. The first stop is Fort Bullen, the country's first anti-slavery fort, with a guided tour of its history. After a coffee break, continue to Farafenni market, a busy trading hub filled with local produce. From there, drive to the Wassu Stone Circles, a UNESCO-recognised archaeological site and the largest concentration of stone circles in the world. In the afternoon, board a boat at Kuntaur for a four-hour cruise along the River Gambia. Lunch is served on board as you pass through mangrove-lined waterways, with chances to spot hippos, monkeys and crocodiles along the riverbanks. By evening, arrive at Jang Jang Burreh Camp, a traditional riverside lodge with en-suite huts. The day ends with a folkloric music performance by local villagers and dinner.

EGC_The Gambia Banjul River Gambia 01 JPG

Wake up to the sounds of the River Gambia and start your morning with a walk around camp, keeping an eye out for local birdlife and wildlife before breakfast. Afterwards, head to Georgetown, also known as Jang Jang Burreh, an important administrative centre in the Central River Division, where you’ll gain further insight into everyday life in the region. From here, begin the journey back, bringing your two-day exploration of The Gambia’s interior to an end.

The guide was very knowledgeable on the history and culture of the region only down side was the amount of time travelling but we understand it was necessary

Wir waren grundsätzlich schon sehr zufrieden. Im Übernachtungscamp gab es am Morgen dann kein Wasser zum Duschen.

I thought our guide, Mo, was excellent. He knew everything about the area, without being boring. We saw a lot of wildlife.

River cruise very good, drive back on the 2nd day was long but necessary. The guide sharing his knowledge of Gambia helped to break up the journey.

Fantastic trip and highly recommend if want to see the real Gambia. Ferry trip, brief market stop, Wassu stones, river trip (was just sublime- okay old boat but my goodness the views and to relax was just bliss), camp with monkeys goats and dogs- the latter two well behaved! Then smaller boat trip to Macarthy Island, janjanbureh whislte stop tour, visit a family and home! Ibrihim is a truly good man and amazing guide. Bring water, torch, battery pack and open mindedness.

Loved every minute of this tour! We saw hippos and so much wildlife Our guide was knowledgable and fantastic, food was great, slept well basic but clean comfortable and safe, fab opportunity to see the real Gambia, loved meeting locals

Why you’ll love this…

You’ll journey deep into The Gambia to explore ancient stone circles and historic colonial landmarks on this two-day adventure
There’s a guided visit to Fort Bullen, the country’s first anti-slavery fort, rich in powerful West African history
You’ll cruise along the River Gambia, spotting hippos, monkeys and crocodiles in their natural mangrove habitat
A stay at a traditional riverside camp brings you close to local culture with music, food and storytelling
You’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Wassu Stone Circles, one of the world’s largest and most mysterious archaeological sites
Learn more about the local culture first-hand

Important to know

You will need to present valid ID or a copy of your passport
It is recommended to wear sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes
It is recommended to bring your own water
Infants under 3 can join the tour for free
Pick-up available from selected city areas hotels in Serrekunda, starting at 6:20am. Please refer to the meeting point section for more details

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.

What’s included

Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Guided tour
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Transportation in air-conditioned coach
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What’s not included

Alcoholic drinks (can be purchased on site)
Additional food and drinks
Tips (optional)

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Meeting point:

Pick-up available from selected city areas hotels in Serrekunda. Please meet the driver outside the reception area at the following time: Coral Beach 6:20am; Holiday Beach Club 6:40am; Kairaba Beach Hotel 6:45am; Senegambia Beach Hotel 6:45am Mansea / Seav. 6:50am; Bamboo Village Resort / Bamboo Grden / Balafon 6:50am; Palma Resort / African Princess / Tamala 6:55am; P. Beach / Badala 7:00am; Sunset Beach Hotel 7:00am; Kombo Beach Hotel / Bakotu 7:00am; Ocean Bay Hotel & Spa / Sunbeach 7:15am.

Provider

Gambia Tours

What people say about this experience

4.3/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 37 reviews

Review categories

Value for money

4.3/5

Service

4.4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Staff

4.4/5

All ratings (37)

5 stars (19)

51%

4 stars (10)

27%

3 stars (8)

22%

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

J
Jobro62
Travelled as a couple
10 January 2026
5
United Kingdom
The guide was very knowledgeable on the history and culture of the region only down side was the amount of time travelling but we understand it was necessary
D
Diana und Andreas
Travelled as a couple
8 May 2026
4.2
Germany
Wir waren grundsätzlich schon sehr zufrieden. Im Übernachtungscamp gab es am Morgen dann kein Wasser zum Duschen.
D
David Simon
Travelled as a couple
29 November 2025
5
United Kingdom
I thought our guide, Mo, was excellent. He knew everything about the area, without being boring. We saw a lot of wildlife.
K
Kevin-UK
Solo traveller
29 January 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
River cruise very good, drive back on the 2nd day was long but necessary. The guide sharing his knowledge of Gambia helped to break up the journey.
T
Tanya
Travelled with family
21 February 2025
5
United Kingdom
Fantastic trip and highly recommend if want to see the real Gambia. Ferry trip, brief market stop, Wassu stones, river trip (was just sublime- okay old boat but my goodness the views and to relax was just bliss), camp with monkeys goats and dogs- the latter two well behaved! Then smaller boat trip to Macarthy Island, janjanbureh whislte stop tour, visit a family and home! Ibrihim is a truly good man and amazing guide. Bring water, torch, battery pack and open mindedness.
L
Laura taylor
Travelled with a group of friends
13 February 2025
5
United Kingdom
Loved every minute of this tour! We saw hippos and so much wildlife Our guide was knowledgable and fantastic, food was great, slept well basic but clean comfortable and safe, fab opportunity to see the real Gambia, loved meeting locals

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. This tour is led by a guide and follows established routes through The Gambia. The river cruise operates on a well-known stretch of the River Gambia, and the camp at Jang Jang Burreh is a recognised lodge with en-suite accommodation. Fort Bullen and Wassu Stone Circles are established visitor sites.

You'll be away from your hotel for one night (the night at Jang Jang Burreh Camp). Let your hotel reception know in advance. You do not need to cancel your booking. Simply inform them you'll be out for one night. Your room and belongings stay as normal.

The price includes: hotel pick-up, return ferry crossing at Barra, guided tour of Fort Bullen, visit to Wassu Stone Circles, four-hour River Gambia cruise with lunch on board, overnight stay at Jang Jang Burreh Camp (en-suite hut), dinner at camp with folkloric music performance, breakfast on Day 2, morning birdwatching walk, and visit to Georgetown.

The Gambia's dry season runs from November to May, with warm temperatures and little rain. This is the best period for river cruises and wildlife spotting. The rainy season (June to October) brings heavier downpours that may affect road conditions. Birdwatching is good year-round but migratory species are more common November to April.

No particular fitness level is required. The tour is mostly vehicle-based with a four-hour river cruise. Walking is limited to guided stops at historical sites, the camp grounds, and a gentle morning birdwatching walk. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels.