The Rivers of Gambia & Senegal, 7-night cruise sure to satisfy your curious minds. Experience outstanding wildlife viewing on a yacht cruise along the West Africa Coast and upstream the Gambia River, deep inside the African continent. Discover the waterways of Senegal and Gambia with visits to no less than 4 Natural Reserves: Sine Saloun Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a birdwatcher's paradise; Djiffere fishing village; River Gambia National Park; Wassu mysterious stone circles, another UNESCO World Heritage site; Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and Kiang West National Park in Gambia.
Late afternoon embarkation at 14:00-18:00. After dinner, we set sail southward towards the Saloum River Delta. Overnight at sea, south along the coast.
This morning we reach the Sine-Saloum Delta in Senegal, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also an Important Birding Area, as designated by Birdlife International. It is a natural habitat for many bird species and also aquatic animals such as marine turtles, dolphins, West African manatees, and crocodiles. Our Joal Fadiout optional excursion starts at the fishing village of Djiffer, from where we reach the village of Joal Fadiouth, set on an island of clam shells that are also used in local buildings and crafts. In the afternoon, we leave Senegal and the Saloum Delta and sail south to Gambia to reach Banjul, the capital of Gambia and gateway to the 700-mile Gambia River. Fishermen Night - Overnight in Banjul.
The morning in Banjul will give you the opportunity to take the optional 1/2 day excursions offered to Bakau with its crocodile "katchikaly" and a short Banjul Tour, including Royal Albert Market & Historical Museum. Mid-afternoon, we leave Banjul and sail upstream to Tendaba. We reach Tendaba late into the evening. African Night - Overnight at dock in Tendaba.
From the ship, we take motor pirogues to reach Tendaba, located on the South Bank in the Lower River Division, our starting point for the Tendaba morning optional excursion. It is a small fishing village of mainly Muslim faith with approximately 600 inhabitants whose main occupation is fishing. From there, we will walk to Batelling, a small village at the entrance to Kiang West National Park. The area boasts over 250 species of birds, many of which are difficult to observe anywhere else. Other residents include Guinea baboons, bushbuck, warthogs, Senegal bushbaby, and marsh mongoose. After a refreshing stop in Batelling, we will board an open safari truck which will bring us back to Tendaba. On the way, we pass local villages where you get an impression of local life in The Gambia. In the afternoon, we are picked up from the ship by motor pirogues for the afternoon Tendaba optional excursion to the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve. This reserve, lying across from Kiang West National Park, features six major bolongs (creeks) that provide great birding and boating opportunities. Numerous rare and migratory birds also reside here, including the Pel’s fishing owl, African fin foot, and brown-necked parrot. Overnight docked in Tendaba.
Early morning we leave Tendaba and sail upstream on the Gambia River all morning to reach Kuntaur. We arrive in the bustling Gambian port town of Kuntaur early in the afternoon, the last inland stop along the river that is navigable for ocean-going ships. Later in the afternoon, we board a large motor pirogue for a 3-hour optional excursion cruise on The Gambia River. First, we head to the southernmost tip of Baboon Island, one of the five islands of The Gambia National Park. A local national park ranger joins us onboard to provide more information about the park and its fauna and flora. Then, we turn, and the motor pirogue slows down, sailing slowly back to Kuntaur, following the shores of Baboon Island. This island is home to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. If we are lucky, we may closely observe the chimps with minimal intrusion from our motor pirogue. There is also the possibility of seeing hippos, crocodiles, Red Colobus, Green Vervet monkeys, and The Gambia’s famous birdlife. We return to Kuntaur where we are met by the “Kankurang” and a local dance group on the pier. Believed to have spiritual powers, the “Kankurang” dispenses justice and wards off evil spirits. Overnight docked in Kuntaur.
This morning, our optional excursion by bus takes us to the ferry station of Janjanbureh. There we board the local ferry for a short cruise over The Gambia River to Janjanbureh. We continue our excursion with a visit to one of the oldest towns of The Gambia, formerly called Georgetown. During the walk, you get an impression of this laidback town and see the residence of the governor, the market, and the Methodist church with its school. Afterwards, we take the ferry back and reboard the bus to reach Lamin Koto. Through the generosity of Variety Cruises and many of its clients, a new school building is being built. Later in the morning, we stop at the mysterious stone circles in Wassu, a megalithic site believed to be a burial ground thousands of years ago. You will visit the little museum of this archaeological site, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. In the afternoon, after lunch, we sail downstream to Kaur, a small fishing village on the banks of the Gambia. You will have the opportunity to walk around this small community and see how Gambians live today. In the evening, we leave Kaur and sail downstream towards Banjul. Captain's Farewell Dinner.
This morning we anchor at St. James Island in the middle of the Gambia River, which was an important slave trading post under British rule in The Gambia. In 1976, James Island became famous due to the author Alex Haley and his bestseller book "Roots" and the story of a slave called Kunta Kinteh. The island is now called Kunta Kinteh and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Optional walking tour: After disembarking by local tenders, your local guide will tell you more about the history of James Island, and afterwards you will have some time to explore the island by yourself. After lunch, we leave Kunta Kinteh to reach Banjul around 4 pm. After formalities, later in the evening, we will sail out of the Gambia estuary into the Atlantic Ocean northwards to Dakar. Gambian Night with Kora instrument Concert - Overnight at sea to Dakar.
Early morning arrival in Dakar. Disembarkation at 9am after breakfast.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Port Taxes & Fees: €410 EUR
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht
Length: 54 m
Passenger Capacity: 44
Built/Refurbished: 2001 / 2013 / 2023
Imagine a place far from home that feels just like home, where the borders are delineated by the golden shores of the sea; and home is wherever the anchors drop.
Imagine 177 feet of comfort, beauty, and safety classified by the latest International “Safety of Life at Sea” (SOLAS) standards. Imagine your floating home on board the sleek, contemporary state of the art Mega Yacht that sails the seas under the name HARMONY G, waving her Greek flag through the wind. Discover the world by sea at 10 knots per hour, in her un-rushed pace, one island or seashore at a time. Harmony G loves to seduce her select 44 guests with her sleek lines and ample deck space redefining what yachting was meant to be. A spacious lounge with ample space, dining areas decorated with warm colors, large windows offering pristine views of all destinations, shaded areas and outdoor bar and loungers are just some of the elements that define her essence. 360º views of unobstructed ocean are your eyes’ canvas painted with ocean blue and deep green mountains. Mingle with likeminded travelers in` our public areas, enjoy a moment to yourself in our ample deck space, or retreat to your upper or main deck cabin-sanctuary all offering windows or portholes connecting you with mother nature’s wonders.
Lounge Area
Life on board centers around the Indoor/Outdoor lounge and its American Bar (inside/outdoor). The interior lounge has relaxing couches and comfortable lounge chairs where you can have a drink and gaze out of the large windows into the breathtaking sceneries you are cruising to, relax and read a book, watch television on the satellite TV or one of our documentaries on the next place you are visiting.
Sun Deck
The spacious sun deck is the ideal place to bask under the sun and just completely unwind, or you can just sit under the shaded area and let your senses drift while looking at the view.
Dining Room
The classy dining room is located on the Main Deck and is surrounded by large windows providing beautiful views of the ports of call while it accommodates all guests at one single seating.
Outdoor Dining Area
Located on the Upper Deck, the outdoor dining area provides beautiful views of the ports of call visited, and meals are served “al fresco” depending on the weather and the ship location. It accommodates all guests in one single seating and provides a high standard of cuisine, always with some local flavor.
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht
Length: 55 metres
Passenger Capacity: 49
Built: 2009
Imagine a place far from home that feels just like home, where the borders are delineated by the golden shores of the sea; and home is wherever the anchors drop. Imagine 179 feet of comfort, beauty, and safety classified by the latest International “Safety of Life at Sea” (SOLAS) standards. Imagine your floating home on board the sleek, contemporary state of the art Mega Yacht that sails the seas under the name HARMONY V, waving her Greek flag through the wind. Discover the world by sea at 10 knots per hour, in her un-rushed pace, one island or seashore at a time. Harmony V loves to seduce her select 49 guests with her sleek lines and ample deck space redefining what yachting was meant to be. A spacious lounge with ample space, dining areas decorated with warm colors, large windows offering pristine views of all destinations, shaded areas and outdoor bar and loungers are just some of the elements that define her essence. 360° views of unobstructed ocean are your eyes’ canvas painted with ocean blue and deep green mountains. Mingle with likeminded travelers in` our public areas, enjoy a moment to yourself in our ample deck space, or retreat to your cabin-sanctuary all offering windows or portholes connecting you with Mother Nature’s wonders. Harmony V’s experienced crew of 18 is trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and guarantee the ultimate home away from home experience.
Home at Sea Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge - Bar, Indoor & Outdoor Restaurant, Audiovisual in Lounge, Mini library, Beach Towels, Snorkeling equipment, Kayak, Board Games, Swimming Platform, Wi-Fi
Comfort Zone Windows: upper & main deck cabins, Triple Occupancy cabins: Category A, Flat-Screen TV, Mini Safe, Mini Fridge, CD & DVD player, En suite bathroom with shower, Individually controlled A/C, Hairdryers, Telephone for internal use, Central music
20% discount on all reservations made until December 31, 2024. Terms and Conditions apply, special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.