Janjanbureh and Wassu two-day trip
Upriver by road and boat: the Wassu Stone Circles, a River Gambia cruise from Kuntaur and an overnight camp near Janjanbureh.
River Gambia experiences
Mangrove creeks near the coast and multi-day trips upriver.
- Location
- The Gambia River, from the estuary to Janjanbureh and beyond
- What it is
- River trips and wildlife
- Stay nearby
- Kololi and Senegambia, Banjul
What it is
The country is shaped by the Gambia River, and time on the water is one of the best ways to understand it. Options range from short trips through mangrove creeks near the coast to journeys upriver towards Janjanbureh.
Why people visit
Birdlife along the river is outstanding. Upriver, boat trips pass the River Gambia National Park, where islands are home to a chimpanzee rehabilitation project. Visitors watch from the boat and do not land.
Natural significance
The river was West Africa's historic route inland, linking many of the sites in this guide, from Kunta Kinteh Island to the stone circles at Wassu.
Before you go
- Ask about life jackets, shade and drinking water before you board.
- Upriver trips are long. An overnight stay makes them far more enjoyable.
We don't publish entrance fees or opening hours because they change. Confirm them locally or with your guide. Last reviewed 26 September 2026.
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Where to stay nearby
- Kololi and SenegambiaThe liveliest resort strip, with the widest choice of hotels and restaurants.
- BanjulThe compact capital on an island at the river mouth. Best as a day trip for most.
Related attractions
- Kunta Kinteh IslandA UNESCO World Heritage island in the Gambia River, central to the history of the slave trade.
- Wassu Stone CirclesLaterite stone circles upriver, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Makasutu Culture ForestA forest reserve inland near Brikama, with palms, mangroves and a creek.
Photos on this page: Wmtribe2015, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped for display. All image credits