Ready to take your bookings and ensure you have the best river experience possible is our team of river experts. Each with their own skills. Their job is to give you a holiday of a lifetime with memories that’ll last forever.
Dave Adams
Originally from England, Dave has worked in ecotourism all over the developing world, mostly as a scuba diving guide, but also in lodge management and as a consultant on eco-development projects. He first visited The Gambia ten years ago with a plan to travel further into West Africa but fell in love with the Central River Region and decided to stay. He now lives full-time in Lamin Koto, on the North Bank of the river, across from Janjanbureh Island.
He started FairPlay Gambia on a shoestring budget in 2013 with five bicycles to rent, and two years later launched the Fula Princess, Gambia’s first purpose-built residential river cruiser. He is committed to ensuring that FairPlay continues to build its reputation as a provider of the most authentic experiences for ethical travellers and as a social enterprise business that contributes to the sustainable development of Janjanbureh and the surrounding area.
When not out on the river, Dave enjoys exploring the bush tracks by bicycle or motorbike, watching Liverpool Football Club and spending time with his two young sons.
Modou Sanneh – Boat Captain
Modou Sanneh comes from a proud family of fishermen and has dedicated his life to the river.
With more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, including time with Hidden Gambia, he brings both deep knowledge and professional skill to his work.
Over the years, he has navigated the full length of the River Gambia, from Basse to Banjul, and is renowned for his calm confidence on the water.
Based in Lamin Koto, Modou is a committed family man who combines his heritage as a fisherman with modern expertise as a licensed captain.
His experience, reliability, and warm character make him a trusted leader for anyone exploring the river.
Ousman Komma – Lead Guide
Ousman is one of the most experienced and versatile members of our team.
A native of Manna village in the Central River Region, he has been working in the tourism industry for 14 years, building a reputation as a knowledgeable and dependable guide.
On the river, Ousman serves as a guide aboard our boat. He also leads our hiking trips and heads up our kayaking activities, making him the ideal person for guests looking to explore both on land and on water.
A family man rooted in his community, Ousman brings not only skill but also warmth and authenticity to every journey.
His deep familiarity with the landscape and his ability to connect with people make him an invaluable guide for visitors seeking both adventure and understanding.
Lamin Camara
Lamin, originally from Kiang Jouli in the Lower River Region, began his training at the Gambia Hotel School in 1996.
Since then, he has built over 24 years of experience as a cook and head chef in The Gambia and abroad, including four years at sea on ocean-going vessels.
His career highlights also include time at the renowned Sandele Eco-Lodge in Kartong.
He joined FairPlay in 2020 as head chef on board the Fula Princess, but is now also part of our bush camp team, where he is raising the standards of food and service at our newest project.
Based in Kombo Sukuta with his wife and six children, Lamin combines professional skill with warmth and dedication, making every meal memorable.
Basiru Sambou – Guide and Captain’s Mate
Basiru is one of the newer members of our team, having joined us two years ago. Originally from Janjanbureh Island, he knows the river and its surroundings well and brings this local knowledge into his guiding.
On board the boat, Basiru works as both captain’s mate and guide, supporting the crew and helping guests feel at home.
He also leads kayaking and hiking activities, giving visitors the chance to experience the river and island from different perspectives.
With his roots on the island and his growing experience in tourism, Basiru is a valued and enthusiastic part of the team.
His friendly nature and commitment to learning make him a guide who quickly earns the trust of those he welcomes on board.
Cherno Jallow – Guide
Meet Che – At 20 years old, Cherno Jallow – the youngest member of the FairPlay team – has already built an impressive path in ecotourism.
Born and raised just across the river in Lamin Koto, he brings a deep understanding of local culture and the traditional uses of flora.
After completing school in Janjanbureh, Che broadened his horizons by travelling in Africa before returning home to pursue his passion for guiding.
He is very enthusiastic about hiking and has developed his skills as a bird guide, with an ambition of building a long-term career in ecotourism.
Che is fluent in English, Fula, Mandinka, and Wolof.
Mariama Sambou – Guide
Meet Mariama – Mariama Sambou lives in Janjanbureh and is one of the very few female guides working in The Gambia.
Having graduated from the local Methodist School two years ago, she studied hospitality and tour guiding through the EU-funded Youth Empowerment Project.
She also trained with Gernot Henn, a German visitor who first developed the idea of hiking trails around the island.
Mariama now works as a manager of Janjanbureh Youth Centre but enjoys taking time out to explore the local area with visiting guests.
