Cultural Immersion in Ndemban Village Homestays The Gambia in 6 Days

• Day 1: Welcome to Ndemban Village Homestays!
  Your local host family will welcome you to their home, where you will stay for the duration of your trip. Take a leisurely walk around the village and observe the daily life of the local people. Visit the nearby Bundung market to experience the vibrant colors, smells, and sounds of the local market. Taste some of the delicious Gambian street food, such as akara or chura. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by your host family.
• Day 2: Discover Kachikally Crocodile Pool and Bakau Fish Market!
  Visit Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a sacred site for fertility and good luck in traditional Gambian belief. Admire the crocodiles and learn about their significance to the local people. Afterwards, visit Bakau Fish Market, one of the largest fish markets in the country. Witness the daily hustle and bustle of selling and buying fresh seafood. In the afternoon, stop by the Museum of African Art and Culture to learn about the various traditional Gambian arts and crafts.
• Day 3: Explore the Roots of Slavery and Visit a Local School!
  Visit the Roots of Slavery exhibition in Juffureh/Albreda, where you can learn about the history of slavery and its impact on The Gambia. You also have the option of taking a boat trip on the River Gambia to the island of Kunta Kinteh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way back, stop by a local school and donate some school supplies or books to help support the education of local children.
• Day 4: Meet Local Artisans and Visit a Traditional Gambian Village!
  Journey to Batokunku Village to meet local artisans who create beautiful Batik fabrics. Watch the fascinating process of dying the fabric and even try it yourself! After visiting the workshops, travel to Tumani Tenda Eco-Community Project, located in a traditional Gambian village. Take a tour of the village and see how the locals live in harmony with nature. You will also have the opportunity to plant a tree as part of their reforestation efforts.
• Day 5: Join a Local Drumming and Dancing Performance!
  Today, visit the Farato Village Heritage Project, a cultural center that preserves and celebrates the history and traditions of the local people. Participate in a traditional Gambian drumming and dancing performance, and learn about the significance of each movement and rhythm. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your homestay family and say goodbye to your new Gambian friends.
• Day 6: Departure Day!
  Depart from your homestay and say goodbye to the beautiful village of Ndemban. Return to the airport for your flight home!

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kachikally Crocodile Pool (1 hour, 100 GMD)
• Bakau Fish Market (1 hour, free entry, you may pay for the fish you buy)
• Museum of African Art and Culture (2 hours, 150 GMD)
• Boat trip to Kunta Kinteh Island (3 hours, 500 GMD)
• Batik workshop (2 hours, prices vary depending on the product)
• Tour of Tumani Tenda village and tree planting (2 hours, 50 GMD for the tree planting)
• Farato Village Heritage Project drumming and dancing performance (1 hour, 200 GMD)

Total Estimated Costs: 1150 GMD (~22 USD)

Transportation

Transportation to all destinations will be arranged by the homestay family or through a local guide. Transportation costs are already included in the estimated costs above. Please note that transportation times may vary depending on the location of the homestay and the destination.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other nearby villages or nature reserves, such as the Abuko Nature Reserve or the Tanji Fishing Village. You may also extend your stay in Ndemban Village Homestays if you wish to experience more of the local culture and daily life. If you have less time, consider skipping some destinations or combining them into one day.

Airports

The nearest airport to Ndemban Village Homestays is Banjul International Airport (BJL). It is located in Yundum, approximately 20 kilometers away from the city center of Banjul, the capital of The Gambia.