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Peregrine Travel Centre

Cruising Safari: West Africa

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Cruising Safari: West Africa

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Description

Discover the natural delights of West Africa by boat. Cruise the Gambia river, where both the water and trees along the bank are teeming with wildlife and make a humbling stop at Kunteh Kinteh-where the American slave trade began. Enjoy the rare chance to see chimpanzees swing from branches in Kuntaur and ponder the purpose of the ancient Wassu stone circle.

Trip Name
Cruising Safari: West Africa
Last Updated
2018-09-09
Days
8
Capacity
40
Highlights
  • Explore Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve where a combination of woodlands, mangroves and salt-marsh house hyenas, crocodiles, sand boa snakes and more.
  • Discuss the possible purpose of the ancient Wassu Stone Circles.
  • Spend time in a Gambian family compound, where relatives by blood and marriage live communally.
  • Visit Kunteh Kinteh, the historical setting of the first potion of Roots, and tour the ruins of a European fort in this once central trading post and origin of the American slave trade.
  • Sail past a chimpanzee colony on an island, perhaps catching a glimpse of the creatures in their natural habitat as part of the Chimp Rehabilitation Project.

Itinerary

Travelling by sea is a fantastic way to explore, but it brings some challenges when weather conditions are not ideal. The itinerary may be subject to change, based on winds and sea conditions which may render anchorage and landing at some stops difficult. We reserve the right to change the itinerary for the safety of passengers and the ship. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and are based on a minimum participation. Each days' schedule will be posted by the cruise co-ordinator listing necessary information such as arrival/departure times, meal times, days activities and other information. This is given as a guideline and is subject to change.

Day 1 - Dakar
If you arrive with time to spare there is much to see in Senegal’s capital. You can drop your luggage off at port and walk the streets, where gleaming SUVs and rusted motorbikes share the road. If you’re feeling overwhelmed you can head for the cool comfort of the Museum of African Arts, which, as the name suggests, is host to a variety of work both old and new from around the continent. Board the Harmony G in the late afternoon, enjoy a welcome dinner and sail overnight to your next destination.
Day 2 - Djiffere
Awaken at a village port and travel to Fadiouth Island, where everything, from the ground itself to the cemetery, are made from millions of accumulated clam shells. The crunching underfoot makes a nice change of pace from the car horns of Dakar. Later, glide down the Saloum Delta wetlands in a small local boat and let the squawks guide you to the mangrove thick “bird island.” Take a dip then spend the night anchored in Djiffere.
Day 3 - Banjul
Set sail for Banjul early and cross into The Gambia, where the first stop in Kunteh Kinteh, a place with indelible links to the early days of the American slave trade. Tour the ruins of buildings built under European occupation, and ponder the significant and painful history that is central to understanding the importance of The Gambia’s role as an international passageway. Why not spend the afternoon with a drink in hand, watching the marshland roll by from the deck, and then spend the night docked on the riverside in Tendaba
Day 4 - Tendaba
Take a motorised pirogue (small wooden boat) from the ship to Tendaba, then walk on to the bird watchers paradise of Kiang West National Park, where 250 species reside. A sturdy safari truck will drive you back to the ship for lunch. Next, the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, where three different ecosystems rub shoulders and are home to hippopotamuses, clawless otters and crocodiles. Dock at Tendaba.
Day 5 - Kuntaur
Sail to relaxed Kuntaur and take a local boat past an area where a chimpanzee colony lives. With some luck you'll be able to view these cheeky primates from out on the water. More than 100 chimpanzees reside here as part of the Chimp Rehabilitation Project, where they spend their time swinging and socialising in the tangled mass of trees. Today you'll also visit the historically significant Wassu stone circles, which were erected as far back as AD 1305. Their purpose remains unknown, so feel free to speculate and discuss with your guide. Spend the evening beneath the stars on the bank of the river, where you can watch a projected film with the locals.
Day 6 - Kuntaur
Begin your return journey to Bangul, with a stop along the way at a Gambian family compound. Chat with locals who have a communal way of life that most likely varies greatly from your own. Later, you’ll have time to contemplate the benefits and drawbacks of intergenerational family living when you return to the boat. Perhaps relax with a beer and wedge of lime while you observe the rippling, earthy water and green banks of the river.
Day 7 - Banjul
Arrive early in Banjul and travel by 4WD to a nearby village to watch the locals make cloudy white Sengga (palm tree wine). While it has the appearance of milk it can be quite potent, so remember to sip it slowly if you choose to sample some. This sweet and yeasty brew is the perfect accompaniment to the barbecue you’ll enjoy on the beach before returning to Banjul and setting sail on an overnight journey to Dakar.
Day 8 - Dakar
Savour a farewell breakfast onboard and then return to the chaos of Dakar, where you can choose to stay on or continue your journey elsewhere.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-01-201926-01-2019AUD $ 4,254UpperDeckPremiumTwin/Double
19-01-201926-01-2019AUD $ 3,720MainDeckTwin
19-01-201926-01-2019AUD $ 3,934MainDeckPremiumTwin
19-01-201926-01-2019AUD $ 3,289LowerDeckStandardTwin
19-01-201926-01-2019AUD $ 3,289LowerDeckStandardDouble

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship,7 nights

Transport

Small Cruise Ship

Map

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