FairPlay Gambia Upriver Adventures

FairPlay Gambia has developed an exciting range of eco-tourism things to do upriver in Gambia for visitors to the Central and Upper River Regions.

Based in Janjanbureh, we specialise in providing tailor-made, authentically African experiences for solo travellers and small groups looking to get off the beaten track.

We visit areas where the traditional culture is still strong and modernisation has not changed lifestyles.

Our guides are from the local community and they are always happy to share their traditional knowledge of the river, the bush and the villages with you. 

And because we are a social enterprise business, you can enjoy your trip safe in the knowledge that you’re making a valuable contribution to sustainable development.

A Gambia River Cruise

A residential Upriver Gambia cruise onboard the Fula Princess takes you deep into the heart of rural Gambia.

Falling asleep to the sounds of the nighttime river and waking up to the spectacular African sunrise is an experience that you will never forget. Along the way, you will have a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyles, culture and nature of this fascinating country.

Because we are a private charter, we can design the trip around your particular interests and move at your pace. And because we specialise in small groups (maximum 6 guests), you will enjoy a rich and immersive experience of The Gambia.

The Fula Princess is a traditional wooden pirogue, with two full-size double berths downstairs and options for sleeping under the stars on the upper deck. She is equipped with a galley, marine toilet, sit-down shower, solar lighting and charging points and all the required safety equipment. Read more… 

Local Boat Trips in our Small Boat

Round the Island – Two to three hours trips around the beautiful nature of Janjanbureh Island, looking for hippos, baboons and other primates.

1 – 4 People:    £45and 5 – 10 People:  £70

River Gambia National Park – Six-hour round trip to see the Chimpanzees at the River Gambia National Park and a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, baboons and other primates. Depart Janjanbureh at around noon to see the chimpanzee feeding and return as the sun sets and the wildlife is most active.

1 – 4 People:    £90 and 5 – 10 People:  £120

Or travel in style onboard the Fula Princess and enjoy comfortable mattresses, cooked lunch and toilet facilities. Private charter day trips to the River Gambia National Park from £295 including lunch and entry fees

Birding

Bird-watching in The Gambia is an unforgettable experience, with a huge variety of habitats and species crammed into a small area. Birding on the River Gambia with FairPlay offers a unique chance to experience the full range of what can be found in the inland areas, both on and off the river.

Why FairPlay for Birding?

• Wake up in nature
• Visit the best birding sites both on the river & off
• Top birding guide or bring your own
• Explore new places that only we visit
• Environmental & socially conscious company Read more…

Kayaking

Kayaking with FairPlay is a chance to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the River Gambia in perfect peace and at your own pace. 

We offer a range of trips to suit all levels of fitness and experience, from half-day local paddling to multi-night expeditions in tents, lodges and local homestays. 

Along the way, you will enjoy incredible wildlife and have the chance to visit local communities.

UK instructors trained our friendly, professional guides and they have an in-depth knowledge of the river and surrounding communities. 

They can offer basic instruction and safety assessments for beginners. Read more…

Hiking

FairPlay has been developing several hiking and cycling trails from Janjanbureh and further afield, that take you deep into the heart of rural Gambia. 

Experience the fascinating wildlife, traditional culture and a warm Gambian welcome as you explore areas rarely visited by travellers. Read more…

Fishing

The River Gambia is home to the famous African Tigerfish and brings anglers from worldwide to test their skills against this fearsome predator. Our captain has vast experience in the area and will take you to the best fishing sites on the river, ensuring you the greatest chance of success.

Two x 3-hour sessions (morning and evening). Max two people: £120

If you prefer to fish from the bank, we can recommend the best sites and arrange equipment hire and a local assistant. Please message us for more information or to make a booking.

Workshops in local arts and crafts

Traditional skills are still very much alive in rural Gambia. So whether you’re interested in learning about African music, cooking, pottery, silversmithing or traditional fabrics, FairPlay can organise single-day or multi-day workshops with local artists who are happy to share the secrets of their trade.

DRUMMING-COOKING-POTTERY MAKING-SILVERSMITHING-TIE N DYE/BATIK MAKING-LOCAL FISHING

The River Gambia

The River Gambia runs from its source in the Fouta Jallon highlands, 1,120 km to the Atlantic Ocean at Banjul. The last approximately 420 km of which are in The Gambia. It contains or supports some of the most pristine environments in West Africa. These include The River Gambia National Park and the Bao Bolong Wetlands. 

The freshwater habitats of the River Gambia around Kuntaur and Eastwards are home to Hippos, Nile crocodiles, Turtles, Warthog, Hyenas, African clawless otters, monitor lizards and four species of primates including Guinea baboons. The saltwater habitats nearer to the coast have two species of dolphin, saltwater crocodiles and even manatees. The country as a whole boasts a huge diversity of bird species for its small size.

From pre-colonial days until recently, the river was the main route for people/goods travelling to and from the provinces. These days tarmac roads have replaced the bush tracks and the bus service has replaced the riverboats. Leaving the river unused apart from a few fishermen and the peanut barges that still carry the annual harvest downriver.

River Gambia National Park (RGNP)

The River Gambia National Park is situated to the West of Janjanbureh and was established in 1978.

It includes the five ‘Baboon Islands’, three of which are home to more than 80 chimpanzees.

The animals have been rescued from the illegal trade in exotic species as part of Stella Marsden’s Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project and now live undisturbed on the islands.

While it is not permitted (or safe!) to land on the islands, it is possible to walk on the mainland with the park rangers to look for the endangered Temminck’s red colobus monkeys and to learn more about the rehabilitation project.

Ecotourism

As a social enterprise, FairPlay strives to ensure that our style of ecotourism brings benefits to the local community. And minimises damage to the environment and supports the development of The Gambia as a whole. We believe in people over profit. Employing local people as far as possible and always on fair terms. We try to use local, sustainable products whenever they are available and prioritise ethical suppliers in our purchasing decisions. 

We’ve been involved in supporting various projects in and around Janjanbureh. These include bee-keeping training, forestry projects, educational sponsorship, kayaking training for local youths, football academies and much more. Want to know more? Or would like to involve yourself with a community project in the area, we can also arrange volunteer placements.

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