Extra Places Worth Checking Out.

Welcome, adventurous families, to our special “Extra Places Worth Checking Out” article.

The Gambia, despite its small size, is brimming with hidden treasures and off-the-beaten-path wonders.

In this post, we’ll explore some lesser-known spots that will make your family adventure truly unique. So, let’s embark on a journey to discover The Gambia’s best-kept secrets.

1. Baboon Islands (Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project)
   Located in the River Gambia National Park, this is a true hidden gem.
   What it is: A group of five islands where chimpanzees live freely
   • Perfect for: Wildlife enthusiasts and families interested in conservation
   • How to visit: Take a boat tour from Kuntaur or Janjanbureh
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Spotting chimps in their natural habitat (from the boat)

🐒 Fun Fact: This project, started in 1979, is the longest-running chimpanzee rehabilitation program in Africa.

2. Nestled on the Bintang Bolong tributary, this eco-lodge offers a unique riverside experience.
   Location: Western region, accessible by road or boat
   • What to do: Kayaking, bird watching, fishing, and enjoying the serene surroundings
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Night-time boat trips to spot nocturnal animals like owls and bush babies

💡 Tip: Guide a family room in one of their traditional round huts for an authentic experience.

1. Ndemban Village
   Experience rural Gambian life in this small village known for its pottery.
   Location: North Bank Region
   • What to do: Join a pottery workshop, learn about traditional farming techniques
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Kids can try their hand at making their own small clay pot
2. Brikama Woodcarving Centre
   While we mentioned Brikama’s craft market earlier, this specific centre deserves special attention.
   What to expect: Watch master carvers at work, creating intricate pieces from local wood
   • Kid-friendly activity: Mini woodcarving lessons for older children (under supervision)

🎨 Creative Idea: Have each family member choose a small carving as a special souvenir, then create a family display at home.

1. Allahein River Oyster Creek
   This hidden waterway offers a unique ecosystem to explore.
   Location: Southern Gambia, near the border with Senegal
   • What to do: Take a guided canoe trip, spot rare birds, learn about oyster harvesting
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Looking for fiddler crabs on the mudflats
2. Tumani Tenda Eco-Camp
   This community-run camp provides an immersive nature experience.
   Location: Tumani Tenda village, Western Region
   • What to expect: Basic but comfortable accommodations, guided nature walks, cultural exchanges
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Learning traditional fishing techniques from local children

🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: This camp is a great place to teach kids about sustainable tourism and community-based conservation.

1. Kunyang Fishing Port
   For a less touristy fishing village experience, head to this small port.
   Location: North Bank Region
   • What to see: Traditional fishing methods, fish smoking, boat building
   • Kid-friendly activity: Join a local family for lunch and learn to make domoda (Gambian peanut stew)
2. Reptile Farm Senegambia
   While we’ve mentioned other wildlife encounters, this small, ethical reptile farm is unique.
   Location: Near Senegambia strip, but quieter and less known
   • What to see: Various snake species, tortoises, and monitor lizards
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Educational talks where kids can safely touch non-venomous snakes and lizards

🦎 Fun Fact: The Gambia is home to the Nile monitor, which can grow up to 2 meters long!

1. Fort Bullen
   This lesser-known fort played a crucial role in ending the slave trade.
   Location: Barra, North Bank Region
   • What to see: Well-preserved fort structures, cannons, and a small museum
   • Kid-friendly activity: “Spy game” – give kids a list of historical items to spot around the fort
2. Mungo Park Memorial
   Commemorate the famous explorer at this off-the-beaten-path monument.
   Location: Near Karantaba, Upper River Region
   • What to do: Learn about Park’s expeditions, enjoy views of the Gambia River
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Picnic with a view, and create “explorer journals”

🧭 Family Activity: After visiting, have a family “expedition planning” session. What would you need for a river journey?

1. Wide Open Walls Project
   Discover vibrant street art in unexpected places.
   Location: Various villages in the Ballabu Conservation Area
   • What to see: Colourful murals painted by local and international artists
   • Kid-friendly activity: Sketch your favourite murals or create your own “street art” with chalk
2. Tanje Village Museum
   This small, community-run museum offers insights into Gambian culture.
   What to expect: Displays of traditional artifacts, music instruments, and farming tools
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Trying on traditional costumes and playing Gambian instruments

🎵 Musical Idea: After visiting, have a family “Gambian music night” where everyone plays a different instrument.

1. Kartong Eco Festival (February)
   This annual festival celebrates Gambian arts and environmental awareness.
   What to expect: Live music, cultural displays, eco-friendly workshops
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Art activities using recycled materials
2. Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival (January)
   Experience this unique cultural festival celebrating a mysterious masquerade tradition.
   What to see: Kankurang masquerade performances, traditional music and dance
   • Kid-friendly activity: Mask-making workshops (but remind kids not to wear them during the festival out of respect)

📚 Story Prompt: After attending, encourage kids to write a story about the mysterious Kankurang.

1. Sleeping Crocodile of Kiang West
   Near Dumbutu village, there’s a rock formation said to resemble a sleeping crocodile.
   What to do: Hike to the formation, learn about local legends
   • Kid-friendly activity: Create your own “legendary creature” inspired by the landscape
2. Sacred Baobab of Keneba
   This ancient baobab tree is believed to be over 1000 years old and holds cultural significance.
   Location: Keneba village, Lower River Region
   • What to do: Admire the massive tree, learn about its importance in traditional medicine
   • Kid-friendly highlight: Measure the tree’s circumference as a family – it takes about 20 adults holding hands to encircle it!

🌳 Nature Connection: After visiting, research other famous trees around the world and discuss why trees are important.

1. Hire a Local Guide: Many of these places are best explored with someone who knows the area well.
2. Learn a Few Mandinka Phrases: Even basic greetings can help you connect with locals in less touristy areas.
3. Bring a Good Map: GPS might not always be reliable in remote areas.
4. Pack a First-Aid Kit: Some of these places are quite remote, so it’s good to be prepared.
5. Respect Sacred Sites: Always ask permission before taking photos, especially at culturally significant places.

These hidden gems of The Gambia offer your family a chance to experience the country in a truly unique way. From ancient baobabs to vibrant street art, from serene riverside lodges to lively cultural festivals, these off-the-beaten-path experiences will create lasting memories.

Remember, the joy of travel often lies in the unexpected discoveries. So keep your eyes open, your minds curious, and your hearts ready for adventure. You never know what amazing experiences await just around the corner in The Gambia.

As you explore these lesser-known wonders, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of Gambian culture, history, and nature. Whether you’re watching chimps on Baboon Islands, creating pottery in Ndemban village, or marvelling at the ancient baobab in Keneba, you’re not just sightseeing – you’re becoming part of The Gambia’s ongoing story.

Most importantly, cherish these shared experiences. The laughter, the wonder, the occasional challenges – all of these moments are building blocks of family bonds that will last a lifetime.

So go forth, intrepid family explorers! May your Gambian adventure be filled with delightful surprises, meaningful encounters, and the joy of discovery. Who knows? The hidden gem you uncover might just become your family’s special place – a cherished memory you’ll carry with you long after your journey ends.

Safe travels, and remember in The Gambia, every day holds the promise of a new adventure.