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Gambia/Senegal

A West Africa Voyage: Wildlife, National Parks & Human History

Program No. 25256RJ
Set sail on the M/Y Harmony V for a voyage along the Gambia River to discover the ecosystems, national parks and villages of West Africa.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

From the coast of Senegal to the winding Gambia River, set sail to explore a sampling of the national parks, ecosystems and local life of western Africa. Your voyage begins in the vibrant city of Dakar, where you’ll experience Senegal’s capital firsthand before boarding your vessel. From there, sail south along the coastline with daily stops to delve into history and daily life, including visits to villages and the peaceful Bakau Botanical Gardens. Follow the Gambia River east to Kiang West National Park and Gambia National Park, where you’ll have regular opportunities to view astounding wildlife. Stop at Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Your voyage circles back to Dakar, where you’ll have the chance to visit Lac Rose, a lake famous for its pink color caused by algae, before your journey concludes.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to three miles per day; uneven, muddy, dusty and inclined terrain including hills, stairs without railings . Getting on/off bus and climbing in/out of rustic pirogues. Restrooms not readily available during Field Trips. Transportation on pirogues and buses used during the program are rustic and basic, with some vehicles being open-air. There is limited infrastructure in West Africa.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Experience multiple outstanding wildlife viewings as you journey up the Gambia River.
  • Explore the stone circles of Wassu, a megalithic site believed to be a burial ground that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Spend two nights in Dakar, Senegal’s capital city, and explore nearby Lac Rose, famous for its pink color.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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