River Adventures for Every Explorer
From relaxed three-hour sunset cruises to epic journeys spanning the full River Gambia from Banjul to Basse, we offer trips to suit every timeframe and travel style.
Looking to go deeper? We’ll tailor a route that fits your interests—whether it’s birdwatching, village life, or cultural exploration—far beyond the typical tourist path.
Sleep Onboard
A Classic Boat, A New Chapter
The Fula Princess, our much-loved wooden pirogue, offered a special way to experience the river—small, slow, and soulfully designed. With two cozy double cabins and room to sleep on deck, she came fully equipped for multi-day travel, including a galley, bathroom, solar power, and all the essentials.
Though she’s now retired, the spirit of river travel lives on in every journey we craft.
What You Can Expect
The new boat will retain the same timeless elegance and old-world charm that made The Fula Princess so special, but she will be built to a higher standard, shaped by all we’ve learned over years of river travel. While staying true to our commitment to small-group, immersive experiences, the updated design will allow us to accommodate slightly larger parties—perfect for birdwatching clubs, photography groups, yoga retreats, and other special interest travellers looking to share the journey together.
• The same warm welcome from our friendly, expert and experienced crew
• Clean, comfortable, upgraded accommodation and facilities onboard
• The chance to wake up to the peaceful sights and sounds of the river
• Incredible birdlife and opportunities to see wildlife in its natural environment
• Visits to riverside villages and cultural sites, offering real insight into Gambian life
• Great food made with fresh, local ingredients, prepared by our onboard chef
• A relaxed pace that allows time to really connect with your surroundings
• Activities tailored to your interests—birding, photography, fishing, music, and more
• The care and attention of a passionate team who put your comfort and experience first
• A community-based experience, where you support locals and sustainable development.
Stay in the loop
We’ll be sharing progress updates on our new riverboat throughout the year. Follow us on social media for more. We look forward to welcoming you to all the best of upriver Gambia.
One night
Two nights
Three nights
Four nights
Day Trips
We also run small boat day trips, ideal for a shorter river experience:
Round the Island (2–3 hours): Explore the nature around Janjanbureh Island, with chances to spot hippos, baboons, and other primates – £75 (1 -10 people)
River Gambia National Park (6 hours): Visit the chimpanzee rehabilitation project, plus opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife during peak activity times – £120 (1–10 people)
Sleep Ashore.
In the meantime, we continue to offer day trips and multi-day river adventures aboard our day boat, giving you the same great experiences but combined with overnight stays in carefully selected riverside lodges (budget options available). Along the way, there’s the chance to spot hippos in the wild, and to meet the rangers at the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, and see the rescued chimpanzees living freely on their river islands—a truly memorable experience.
Led by our friendly, experienced guides, these trips offer authentic, immersive encounters with Gambian nature, wildlife, and culture, and all with the same high standard of care and attention that FairPlay guests have come to love.
Our Favourite Trip: The 3-Day, 2-Night River Adventure
For those who want to experience the very best of inland Gambia in a short time, this three-day, two-night trip is our top recommendation. Janjanbureh is a fair distance from the coast, so a two night stay is highly recommended, so that you can relax and enjoy the area without rushing—and it’s well worth the journey. This itinerary packs in natural wonders, cultural encounters, and relaxing river time into a perfectly balanced mini-adventure.
Day 1 – Journey Inland & Discover Janjanbureh
• Depart coastal accommodation early (aim to reach Janjanbureh by ~1pm)
• Lunch at a friendly local restaurant
• River swim or relax at your lodge
• Guided town tour: explore Janjanbureh’s history and visit the UNESCO-recognised Kankurang Museum
• Evening meal and overnight at a riverside lodge
Day 2 – River Safari & Chimpanzee Encounter
• Relaxed breakfast and local market visit
• 10am: Board small boat heading west along the river
• Stop to meet a palm wine tapper (and try fresh palm wine!)
• Spot hippos, baboons, monkeys, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife en route
• Visit River Gambia National Park: rangers join to share the story of the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project (chimps usually visible from the river ~3–4pm)
• Late afternoon arrival at Kairoh Garden Riverside Lodge
• Optional evening walk with your guide
• Dinner and overnight stay
Day 3 – Primates and Ancient Stones – then Home
• Morning choice:
– Short guided hike to spot baboons and red colobus monkeys
– Or visit the Communities for Red Colobus (C4RC) project (watch video)
• Early lunch at the lodge
• Afternoon visit to the Wassu Stone Circles (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Depart Janjanbureh by 2pm to arrive back at the coast around nightfall
