Sleep onboard and cruise along The River Gambia with FairPlay Gambia boat trips.
FairPlay Gambia specialises in boat trips, we are a social enterprise Gambia river cruise business based in Janjanbureh, Central River Region. We operate one authentic Gambian pirogue (The Fula Princess) as a private charter providing exclusive Gambia boat trips & river tours around Janjanbureh and beyond. We also offer local kayaking and multi-day kayaking expeditions from Basse to Banjul using homestays, camping and lodges along the way.
Our unique River Gambia boat trips take guests off the beaten track, and deep into the heart of rural Gambia, giving a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyles and cultures of this fascinating West African country. Because we are a private charter, our boat trips can move at your pace and because you are in a small group, you will meet the community in a way that is not possible on a typical package tour.
Sailing into the sunset
Visit the hidden side of Gambia
Sleep in comfort under the stars
Or in one of two comfortable bedrooms inside
Chefs galley
An example of a local Gambian vegetarian dish
Simple breakfast of pancakes and local bread & jams
Reconnect, don’t miss a single moment!
There is so much to see you may want to bring your camera
Slow travel gives you time soak it all in
The Fula Princess
The Fula Princess is a traditional Gambian pirogue that sleeps four people in two full-sized double berths below, with the option of sleeping under the stars on the upper deck.
She is equipped with a marine toilet, a small sit-down shower, a galley, solar lighting, charging and refrigeration and all the required safety equipment.
Packages include three delicious onboard meals per day, cooked by our own excellent chef. You can join him as he does his shopping at the local markets and even lend a hand in the kitchen if you’d like to learn more about Gambian cooking.
Meals will mostly be Gambian classic dishes, cooked to European tastes with the finest and freshest ingredients available.
Whenever possible we use locally grown organic produce and avoid chemicals and processed foods in our menu. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available on request.
As a private charter, our trips are flexible around the time available and your interests. Click here to see some of our sample itineraries.
A toast to a wonderful boat trip!
This is Kumba Dinding ( our tender )
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 chimpanzee rehabilitation project
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.
... read more An experience every Gambia visitor should do. This adventure will provide you with memories to last a life time and will having you wanting to return time and time again
Kim Bowskill January 4, 2021
... read more I checked out the Fula Princess on the water while at Janjanbureh and spoke to Dave a couple of times although I didn't end up travelling on this occasion due to my schedule constraints. Dave is very approachable on the phone and gives you various options clearly, along with Plan Bs as well. I'd have no hesitation booking with Fair Play Gambia and look forward to doing so in the future.
... read more For those looking to minimise their negative impacts on the environment of pur beloved Gambia the Fula Princess is a better choice for you. I know the guys working on the boat. They're equipped with great knowledge of the river Gambia and will look after you very well.
Mustapha Debbal Bah April 3, 2017
... read more Daves very knowledgeable and vast experience accommodating bespoke trips/ travellors in Gambia. He sources local Gambians setting up their own tourism initiatives -a highly ethical Eco tourism ethos. His staff and colleagues are very helpful and polite, he is very honest in his opinions and says if he can or can't assist -Gambia travel has some difficulties compared with mainstream package tours. Daves friendly and enthusiastic nothing is too much trouble and you experience the true Gambia
Angela Clare Bush February 17, 2018
... read more The 4 Days River cruise on the Fulla Princess was a beautiful experience. I did quite some traveling in my lifetime but this amazing trip with Fair play was surely on top of the to do list when you are coming to the Gambia. I can only highly recommend it. Thanks to the crew and Helen and Dave for making it possible
Amadou Bah January 11, 2021
... read more in 14 years of visiting Gambia, our trip was the best we have ever done. Lovely journey up river, staff were brilliant and tiger fishing a big bonus for hubby.
Maria Lavender January 9, 2020
... read more If you want to go see the real Gambia this is the trip for you,the lads on the boat look after you all the time and are a great bunch,I'm going back next year but for 2week on the boat living the dream,a big thank you to all the lads already miss you all!
... read more I had the pleasure of training this social enterprise in First Aid, they must be one of the top companies for following Health & Safety, I had 3 nights on the Fula Princess and what can I say but amazing! The food was local, cooked well and very tasty. The service from Yusupha was exceptional. Booking was simple and tailored to my needs, I could charge my phone, it has a shower and toilet on board. I wanted to fill the water tanks and help out on the boat, it was explained that I didn’t have to as there was people to do that (I was probably more a hindrance than a help) but they let plod through what I wanted to do. The trip to Chimp Island, Attaya on the shore, African music, nature calling all around. I was also offered a tour of the town. Looked after at Musa’s Bar......
I highly recommend a trip on the Fula Princess, it’s an experience you will never forget.
George Carruthers December 31, 2020
... read more The best experience we have had since we arrived in Gambia! Great team and great company! Feel free!!
Sergi Avila Juan November 8, 2018
... read more FairPlay organized for us the most amazing 2,5 week itinerary in Gambia!
Highly recommended if you want a tailor-made authentic Gambian experience!
Below are some of our many highlights of our adventure in January this year, including 8 days on the Fula Princess travelling the full length of Gambia by river:
Kankurang festival in Janjanbureh, wildlife spotting, tie-dyeing class, palm wine tasting, visiting markets and cultural centres, dancing with villagers, getting traditional Gambian clothes made for us, relaxing days on the beach.
Unforgettable!
Andrew Stevens February 20, 2022
... read more My wife and I had a memorable and pleasant experience on the Gambia River on boat the Fula Prince. We do recommend it.
Vincent Gauci June 19, 2019
This january we did book the "Chimps & Hippos" rivertrip on the Fula Princess. It was absolutely a great experience! We did see both the Chimps and the Hippos,... read more and much more!
The crew was fantastic, they did everything they could to make us feel good. The food was fresh & very tastefull.
We did have the chance to swim in the river, and we climbed up a hill to enjoy the view over the Gambia River.
We booked the trip online, and all questions were answered quickly & clear.
Thank you guys and see you next time!
SimoneZoom January 31, 2023
Geweldige rivier cruise op de Gambia, niet te missen! - Fijne trip op The Gambia. Onze river-cruise op de Fula Princess met een overnachting was bijzonder de moeite waard!
Mooie riviergezichten, met veel natuur en beesten (ja ze zijn... read more er: krokodillen, nijlpaarden en chimpansees en als je goed kijkt nog veel meer).
De boot was klein maar fijn en de bemanning perfect!
Ook lekker gegeten bij zonsopkomst en zonsondergang.
Echt een aanrader!
783fransv February 3, 2023
What better way to birdwatch on the River Gambia than on board a traditional Gambian boat such as The Fula Princess? Six of us enjoyed this trip, with two sleeping... read more aboard and the other four in lodges close to our mooring. Meals were taken on the boat and very good they were too; traditional Gambian cuisine.
Dave and his crew very attentive without going overboard, if you will excuse the pun! Dave is happy to tailor the package to your requirements.
We combined our trip with a week at Footsteps Eco Lodge near Gunjur on the coast. Very comfortable accommodation there with an excellent restaurant. Footsteps is ideally situated adjacent to a bird rich forest with farmland, dunes a wetland and deserted beaches within easy walking distance.
Our two week stay delivered a total just short of 300 species of birds including many rarities. We also encountered a good selection of mammals including three species of monkey, baboons, hippos and lots of colourful butterflies.
OspreyWatcher25 June 29, 2019
Still looking for an extra wow experience for your Gambia trip; the RiverGambiaNationalPark trip last January with the Fula Princess was ours.
Despite the disclaimer, we saw them all:... read more crocs, hippos, chimps and baboons. Lots of chimpanzees and baboons.
The friendly crew will do everything they can to give you a fantastic trip. The captain brings you as close as possible to everything, the cook prepares delicious meals with fresh vegetables, fruit and in our case fish. And the guide helps you with everything and makes sure you don't miss anything.
Many thanks again to everyone at the Fula Princess and we hope to be back.
JosV-MarK February 6, 2023
I took a one-night cruise on the boat from Bintang to the Senegambia bridge at New Year's 2023. On the first afternoon we saw lots of dolphins. The dolphins were... read more very playful and really put on a show jumping out of the water. It was so impressive, I didn't know that dolphins did that in the wild!
We also took a mangrove tour in the smaller boat. The upriver mangroves are very peaceful and clean, with lots of African darters as well as various types of cranes. I am not a birding person but even I enjoyed the opportunity to observe an unspoiled habitat like the mangroves.
The crew are consummate professionals. Special recognition goes to Mr Camara, the chef on the boat, who is an absolute wizard. I have no idea how he works his miracles with a shipboard kitchen, but I can say without a doubt that the meals he prepared were the best that I had in Gambia. Absolutely amazing!
brandonpsenegal February 8, 2023
We joined the Fula Princess and crew at Janjanbureh and decided to head up stream as I had never been this far up The Gambia River.
The river here... read more is so quiet with very little boat traffic and plenty of wildlife to see including baboons, red colobus monkeys, hippos and crocodiles with a vast array of bird life. The beauty of this trip is that there are only 4 of us on board so we could ask the captain to slow down in order to get some good pictures or just to watch for a little longer.
We caught glimpses of riverside communities and it was lovely to see children running down to the makeshift jetty’s to smile and wave as we sailed past.
We anchored near to Sami Karantaba and went ashore to be greeted by the Alkalo (Chief) of the village. It was a real privilege to meet him and learn about village life in this remote part of Gambia.
Back on board we enjoyed a local meal and the highlight. a night on the deck under the stars with no noise and no light pollution.
The staff were brilliant and the boat very comfortable. It was one of the best trips I have ever made and would highly recommend it.
MinxyJo April 20, 2022
Had the trip of a lifetime up the River Gambia from Bintang to Janjanbureh. Starting early from Turntable in the camper van we reached Bintang and boarded the beautiful authentic... read more African Fula Princess and set sail around 11am following a safety briefing.
The facilities are basic but comfortable and suitable for parties,families,solo travellers or a romantic venture with the knowledgeable crew eager to cater to your needs and make it a memorable trip. The food was great and sleeping arrangements good with mosquito nets and plenty of room.
Highlights were Dolphins, Hippos, Crocs, Green Vervet monkeys and Baboons. Bird-wise I was in my element, there were Palm nut, White-backed, Griffon and Hooded Vultures, Pied & Malachite kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, Marabou Storks, Spoonbills, Herons and Egrets aplenty. The spectacle of over 1000 White-faced Whistling ducks settling on the river ahead of the boat and erupting from the water, alighting and flying repeatedly was a breathtaking quintessential African experience I will never forget.
Arriving at Janjanbureh arrangements were made to stay at Musa's Garden on the water front for the amazing Kankurang festival with awesome displays of traditional tribal dancing and drumming.
Birdwatching in the area revealed further delights of African Harrier Hawk, Grey Kestrel, Tawny & Long-crested eagle, Dark Chanting Goshawk,Lanner falcon & Shikra. Little Green and Red-throated bee eaters were numerous. Hadada Ibis, Cut-throat finch and Pygmy sunbird were also found among the more common species.
To round off I had a day kayaking on the river to complete my adventure.
Thanks to Dave and Helen, Musa and the Fula Princess crew for catering to all of my needs at a very affordable price.
I feel like I have become part of their ever increasing extended family and already planning a return trip.
browmark February 9, 2020
We thoroughly enjoyed our 5 night stay aboard the Fula Princess on the river Gambia from Bintang to Janjanbureh. The very professional crew were excellent - nothing was too much... read more trouble and every whim was catered for with wonderful Gambian flavours from Yusupha's galley, Basiru's guiding, birding and engineering skills and not forgetting the number one Captain in The Gambia, Alkali.
This trip has something for everyone - fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities with hippo, river dolphins, a variety of monkeys including a visit to the chimpanzee conservation islands, historic sites including the slave houses at Kunteh Kinteh and the stone circles at Wassu, cultural displays and entertainment and also relaxing, sitting back and just enjoying the journey and spectacular views and colours of life along the riverbanks.
One thing that I found a huge bonus was the fact that the price includes everything bar the bar bill - all entrance fees and, most conveniently, tips to local guides are covered which really helps as it is always difficult knowing what is acceptable (although it's always good to show your appreciation to the Fula Princess crew! Most deserved too).
Soak up the local atmosphere on guided walks through villages, meet the locals and get to know the real Gambian experience. There are occasional spontaneous events and we were lucky enough to go to the touring wrestling match in Janjanbureh, kicking off at 12.30am and only floodlit by two battery lamps and the moon and vibrating with the beat of the drums as the wrestlers danced before each match, muscles flexing, before a brief wrestle to pin down the opponent and the defeated dancing to the victors.
If you are looking for a sanitised cruise with impersonal service this trip is not for you. When you take this trip you are treated like the head of the Fula Princess family, with respect and openness, which is what makes this an adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
djiggler June 28, 2019
We have had 2 truly fantastic experiences with this brilliant team - our first being a kayaking trip down a stretch of the river Gambia seeing lots of wildlife and... read more camping overnight. Today we returned from a 24 hour cruise on board the Fula Princess - 4 of us with the superb fairplay gambia team. Seeing hippos (including a whole family stretched out on the bank) was an experience of a lifetime and countless other wildlife along the way. The crew couldn't have been more hospitable - delicious food, comfy bed with nets (on top deck) and interesting conversations. Fairplay Gambia stood out to us as a social enterprise helping to support local communities which was wonderful to see.
Would thoroughly recommend this awesome organisation for individualised and exciting trips into the heart of Gambia!
B4452BNmeganw April 28, 2022
The Gambia was a gem among gems in my world travel, and finishing my trip with an overnight boat excursion with Fair Play was a great way to cap off... read more an amazing journey.
The experience at the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation project, as well as taking a boat from the boat to hike up a hill (scaring away the wild baboons temporarily) for near dusk views of the River Gambia was enough in itself, but I can't say enough about the 3 man crew. The food was fresh and delicious, and interacting with these three locals on the top deck under a full moon, listening to Gambian music and chatting about life, will be a travel experience I always cherish.
A great combination of culture, outdoors, and interaction with locals. I cannot recommend this journey enough.
Kris3232 December 27, 2022
I cannot express enough what a wonderful trip we had with Fair Play Gambia. Yousufa, our chef, Chris, our guide, and Ibrahima, our captain were all lovely people to spend... read more 5 days with. Our tour started in Georgetown and ended in Albreda. The coordinator-- Helen, was so helpful and easy to work with. I planned the whole trip with her over email and during a particularly hectic period of time. She was easy to reach, helpful, and above all - supportive! She reminded me that this was our trip and the schedule was up to us. They had a good program laid out, but we were able to adjust it to our needs, which we did. If you are looking for a comfortable way to see many parts of The Gambia by river-- this is an amazing way to do so. A very family-friendly trip which was my biggest worry about taking twin 10-year-olds to The Gambia. I needed something that they would appreciate as well. A car ride around the country would not have been easy or comfortable. You have the ability to interact with the locals as much or little as you like and you'll likely see monkeys, hippos, alligators, loads of different bird species, to name a few. The crew was knowledgeable and super friendly with our kids. They taught them songs and words in the local language and assisted them while swimming or kayaking. We slept on the top deck each night which was one of my favorite parts of the trip-watching the sunset and waking up to the sunrise. Magical!