Women Oyster Farmers – TRY Association
A visit to the Oyster Farmer’s Association gives guests an insight into another aspect of local women’s ways of maintaining livelihoods for themselves and their families. Until recently, all oyster farming methods were purely indigenous, utilising local, less efficient tools. In addition to this, the women had to waddle in the shallow waters of the mangroves or paddle small boats to gather and move their day’s harvest up shore. Today, the women are equipped with safer, more efficient pirogues (locally built boats), and they are provided with training including that of health, safety and hygiene. Guests will have the opportunity to sample local oyster snacks before heading to a local restaurant for a Gambian lunch. After lunch, we drive to the paper recycling centre where an increased awareness and importance of recycling is demonstrated in an environment where the implementation of such precautionary measures is a new phenomenon. h

Wassu – Kuntaur (Baboon Island – Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project)
We cross with the ferry from Banjul and travel via the North Bank giving visitors the opportunity to step away from the comforts of their hotel and head into rural heartland to The McCarthy Island Division area, approximately 175 miles up-river where the "real country" can be experienced. We journey to Wassu to see the mysterious Stone Circles and visit the weekly "Lomo" market (should it be open on the day we are visiting), where you will be given a guided tour. Proceed to Kuntaur from here, where you will be met by the staff of the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project (CRP) for a cruise by pirogue around the island en route to the Chimpanzee centre. Here you will experience life with the chimps (visit www.chimprehab.com). The chimps are protected in this national forest that comprises of three islands 270km inland of The River Gambia. From the boat, visitors can closely observe the chimps with minimal intrusion (chimp sightings not always guaranteed). There is also the possibility of seeing hippos, crocodiles, Red Colobus, Green Vervet monkeys, warthogs, hyenas and also The Gambia’s famous birdlife. Lunch will be served at the camp. Cruise back to Kuntaur where your driver and guide will be waiting for your journey to Banjul. Cross at Barra Ferry Terminal to Banjul. Transfer to booked hotel.

BAFROW – GiG Farm
The day’s activities would start with a visit to The Foundation for Research on Women’s Health, Productivity and the Environment (BAFROW). It is a Non-Governmental Organisation that aims to complement The Gambia Government’s efforts by contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of the people in the three main areas of health, empowerment and environment. BAFROW’s objectives include:
• Identifying empowerment strategies and ensure access to power and improved quality of life for all especially women, young people and children.
• Assist women by providing them with information, knowledge and skills through women’s organisations and groups on pertinent issues relating to their health, productivity and environment.

Their programmes include:
• Women’s Health and Rights
• Community Mobilisation for Health Promotion
• Well Woman’s Clinics
• Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation
• HIV/AIDS Programme
• Counselling, Sensitisation and Documentation of Women’s Rights/Violations
• Child Welfare Programme
• Women and the Environment
• Women’s Productivity and Environment
• Youth Empowerment and Reproductive Health
• BAFROW’s Model Village Concept

Guests could be given tour and lecture of some of BAFROW’s activities to enhance women’s economic resources which include:
• Training grassroots women especially those in the rural areas in basic income-generating skills and business management skills.
• Disbursing small revolving loans to both individuals and women’s groups for viable income-generating activities
• A special literacy project has also been developed to foster the overall empowerment of women.

On the way home, we visit the GIG farm (Gambia is Good) for another dimensional experience to local farming and empowerment of locals to increase capacity building and gain sustainable incomes. The produce of the farm are mostly supplied to hotels to instead of concentrating on subsistence farming. Gambian lunch will be served at the farm.

Yabouy Home Cooking
Seize the opportunity to exchange cultural values and experience a typical day in a Gambian household. A Gambian lady, and initiator of this unique activity will host visitors in her house for the day, welcoming guests with a choice of local outfits to change into during the visit. The day’s activities include a visit to the market to purchase fresh seafood and produce for the day’s lunch, and cooking of a Gambian dish using local utensils and ingredients. A traditional eating setting, where a mat is spread on the floor and food dished out on a big communal plate will be set up for those willing to try a new experience. Dessert with fresh fruits of the season will be served. “Ataya”, which is green tea customarily served after lunch when the family gets together to relax and socialize, will be brewed. Optional drumming lessons could be provided.

Please Contact Us for more information about these or other similar tours.