The Gambia River at a glance
The Gambia is built around its river, and a boat is the way to see it. Upstream, near Janjanbureh, the trips lead to river banks, birds and the River Gambia National Park. The tourism board names the national park, together with Abuko and Kiang West, among the country's natural attractions.
Most river trips are sold by private operators, and the examples below show what a single operator lists. They are not a market range. Prices were seen in October 2026 and are for groups or for individuals as stated. This is an independent guide, not run by any operator, park or project mentioned here.
River trip examples compared
Each row is one operator's product, as listed in October 2026. Compare what is included, not just the price.
| Trip | Length | Price | What the listing says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit of the island at Janjanbureh | 2 to 3 hours | £75 for 1 to 10 people | A group price, not per person |
| National park excursion | 6 hours | £120 for 1 to 10 people | A group price; it is not a park entrance fee |
| Birding trip to Tendaba | 2 nights | From £325 per person | Transport, accommodation, breakfast, lunch, a guide and 1 boat trip; dinner and drinks are extra |
| Chimpanzee camp stay | 2 nights | – | Minimum age 13; camp visits on 2 days a week |
Our picks: Gambia River trips
A boat day from the coast or a night upriver with hippos and chimpanzees.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Upriver trip with hippos and chimpanzees
Hotel pick-up, transport to the river, a boat trip to hippos and chimpanzees, a night in a camp, dinner and breakfast are included. Other food and drinks are extra.
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River Gambia boat day with lunch
Seven hours with hotel pick-up, a boat trip, a local lunch and soft drinks, water, coffee or tea. Fishing gear, a guide, fees and taxes are included too.
Check availability →Gambia River tours
River cruises, birdwatching trips and multi-day excursions from the coast, with live prices and availability.
Janjanbureh and the boat trips
At Janjanbureh, one operator offers a circuit of the island, which takes 2 to 3 hours, and a longer national park excursion of about 6 hours. A river ferry also crosses the water here. Ask your operator for the travel time from the coast, because there is no fixed journey time you can plan on, and avoid driving overland at night.
Multi-day trips changed recently. One operator describes the cabin boat Fula Princess as out of service, and its multi-day river trips use a day boat with nights on land. If a description promises a cabin on the water, check that it is current.
The chimpanzee project
The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project in the River Gambia National Park was founded in 1979. According to the organisation behind it, rehabilitated chimpanzees live on islands in the river, with feeding and health checks as part of the care. So these are not an unaffected wild population, and you should not expect one.
Visitors do not land on the chimpanzee islands. One operator forbids guests from going ashore on them, and another describes watching from the boat. Do not plan on walking among the animals or touching them. Sightings cannot be guaranteed on any trip, and the same goes for hippos.
The same operator sells camp stays of 2 nights, with camp visits on 2 days a week, and describes the camp as currently closed to tourists from Monday to Friday. The minimum age for that camp offer is 13. These days apply to that offer, not necessarily to every boat trip, so ask your operator which days you can go.
Birdwatching up the river
Where to look, and when.
One operator recommends November to April for birdwatching, partly because European migrants are present and conditions are dry. It lists Tendaba and Bao Bolong among its places, together with Kotu Creek, Abuko, Brufut Woods, Lamin Creek and Marakissa near the coast. Trips start at sunrise. Another operator sells the Tendaba trip in the table above. No operator can promise a particular species. The nature reserves page has more on birds near the coast.
Safety on boats, ferries and roads
The points that official advice raises most often.
Boats
UK advice says pirogues can be overloaded. Make sure you get a life jacket, and note that long journeys by pirogue are not recommended.
The Banjul to Barra ferry
UK advice says it runs, but warns of overloading and poor safety and rescue equipment. It names the Senegambia Bridge near Farafenni as an alternative river crossing. German advice says waiting times at the ferry are hard to predict.
Roads
German advice says checkpoints can cause delays and recommends avoiding overland driving at night. From June to October floods can close roads for a time, according to UK advice.
Swimming
Do not treat swimming in the river as harmless. Stay on the boat unless your guide says otherwise.
Keep planning
History, wildlife and the seasons.
Gambia River: frequently asked questions
Can I walk among the chimpanzees?
No. Operators describe watching from the boat, and one forbids guests from going ashore on the chimpanzee islands. The chimpanzees are rehabilitated animals that receive feeding and health monitoring. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
How much does a river trip cost?
One operator lists £75 for a circuit of the island at Janjanbureh (2 to 3 hours) and £120 for a 6 hour national park excursion, each for 1 to 10 people. A birding trip to Tendaba is listed from £325 per person for 2 nights. Prices as seen in October 2026, and they change.
Can I stay overnight on a river boat?
One operator describes the cabin boat Fula Princess as out of service. Its multi-day trips use a day boat with overnights on land in lodges or camps. Check what the booking really includes.
When is the best time for the river?
One operator recommends November to April for birdwatching, with dry conditions and European migrants present. The wettest months at Banjul are July to September, and UK advice names June to October for possible floods. See the weather page.
Is the Banjul to Barra ferry safe?
UK advice says the ferry runs but warns of overloading and inadequate safety and rescue equipment. The Senegambia Bridge near Farafenni is named as an alternative crossing. German advice says waiting times are hard to predict.