Gambia
Besides
Morocco, the Gambia perhaps has more to offer than most of the other
ports of call on this itinerary. They have hosted tourism for
years. Below are some very unique - totally African
adventures.
Makasutu (“Holy Forest”) 3 Day Stay Eco Lodge
Makasutu Cultural Forest, the name Makasutu is a Mandinka word,
which translates into English, as “Holy Forest”. It is the #1 Eco
Lodge in the WORLD! There is a history
to this dwelling. Legend has it that tribal wars took place in this
forest centuries ago. A particular King was also killed here, and
his head, crown and throne were all buried in the forest.
The local community avoided the area, for another reason: the legend
also states that the devil lived in this forest! Nevertheless, the
owners of this beautiful resort forged ahead and began a venture
that would, after almost fifteen years, earn them a reputation as
having The Best New Eco Lodge in The World, according to Sunday
Times in 2002. Another award was bestowed on the serene lodge two
years later with the capping of the prestigious “Guild of British
Travel Writers Award.”
This comes as no
surprise. Surrounded by six villages, Makasutu Cultural Forest is an
all-in-one excursion and is all that the international media, and
the world travel body have described it. A safari drive, a guided
forest walk, a boat ride, bird watching, and cultural entertainment
galore are all at ‘Makasutu’. There is a craft area where local
artists show their talent and skill in wood carving, design ware and
other traditional African artifacts.
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The fantastically high- class floating and stilted lodges, make this
place unique. The beach-based holiday has strong competition with
Makasutu where nature, beauty and the calm ambience of ancient
Africa captured in time resonate in its every part. The Makasutu
Cultural Forest once called the ‘holy forest’ is still blessed in
all its beauty, grace and natural preserve.
“Roots” Tour with Optional Swim with
Dolphins
The full day tour
was inspired by the historic epic, based on the classic novel of the
tragedy of the slave trade and triumph of freedom, a full circle,
inspired by Alex Haley’s bestseller and movie “Roots”. The saga
commenced in rural Gambia, in a village called Juffureh, and tracks
almost five generations across the mighty Atlantic Ocean to the USA, and
back. The Gambia’s little known continuation is steeped in this true
story of survival, love of country, people and freedom immersed in
strong linkages of tradition and culture still seen today. And, although
slavery has long been abolished, the ancestors and direct descendants of
the hero of many extracted Africans in the Diaspora,Kunta Kinteh’s trail
can still be followed from his birthplace in rural Gambia. A converted
yacht takes us on a three and a half hour journey to Albreda – a former
French trading post. Then a 15 minute walk to the village of Juffureh –
Haley’s ancestral home where you will meet a descendant of the Kinteh
family. You will see a slavery exhibition in the museum before re
boarding your boat and the continuing journey to the former slave
fortress of James Island. The word slave sounds so daunting but don’t be
fooled – the waters in this part of the world are crystal clear like our
own Yucatan Peninsula. On the return journey, you may be allowed to
swim with the dolphins.
Overnight Safari to Tendaba Camp
A couple hours outside of Banjul, we depart the city via the river to
see the amazing wildlife of birds, bush hogs, crocodiles. We get to
stay in this safari style camp which is located on the banks of the
river. The camp offers bush safaris, river trips, village tours and
entertainment. The rooms are comfortable with cooling fans, a generator,
two bars and a restaurant. There is also a swimming pool within the camp
and conference facilities for us to pray together. There is even a
crocodile pit, where one can see these ancient animals in their slumber.
We return back to the bustling city well refreshed late the next
afternoon.
Jet-ski Tour of the Gambia Coast
What a fun day! We
are transferred to the Atlantic Hotel Sunbeach Resort where we will
enjoy their facilities and a nice lunch. We will take off together for
a 3 hour tour of the Gambia Coast. You can either ride with a guide or
drive your own. We return back to the hotel for something cool to drink
prior to returning to the ship.
Golf
The Fajara Club has
an 18-hole course, which is close to where our ship will be moored. The
Club offers a variety of sporting activities including squash and
temporary membership is also available if you would like to golf each
day. We can also arrange transportation.
Fishing
The Gambia
has many different fish, and it is reckoned that between November and
April a barracuda catch is virtually guaranteed! So get hooked onto the
fish that awaits you, whether it is on the banks of Denton Bridge – just
a short walk from where our ship will be moored or off the beach of the
golden sands of Gunjur, the wandering waters of the river or the roaring
surfs of the Atlantic. Where ever you chose to go, there is bound to be
a catch! Our fishing guides are ready to help you make the most of this
great place.
The river, which
meanders with The Gambia from the west on the Atlantic into the east,
cutting the country into two halves, carries with it a rich variety of
fish, as does the vast ocean of the Atlantic which surrounds the capital
city Banjul. The Gambia is renowned for its sport fishing, and both
experts and amateurs can enjoy the chances of catching the ‘Big One’, on
either the silky river or the salty waters of the Atlantic. There are a
variety of options available: beach-casting is popular, and the best
area is in the western part of the country, (Sanyang, Gunjur or
Kartung), the creek fishing, also very popular, attracts visitors who
sight see, bird watch, sun bathe and catch fish all on the same trip!
There is also the deep sea fishing for those that are still looking for
the biggest catch of the lot, where variety is the name of the game.
Visitors often bring their own gear, however for those
that prefer to travel light, there is plenty of gear in The Gambia for
hire. The cost is often included in the trip. For about 30-60 POUNDS a
full fishing gear plus the trip on the boat is assured. The GTA licensed
boats are very safe, with all standard safety equipment: life jackets,
VHF radios, mobiles, etc.
For more information
on Gambia
click here.
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