There are a number of operators who run these trips using anything from large old army trucks for a day out to Land Rover variations on the 4 wheel drive theme, who will travel for a few days.

Prices vary considerably. Members can use the GTS vehicle with Lamin and plan any trip they like, mixing and matching their destinations.

So for instance, they can start with a trip up river to Tendaba in time for the evening bird watching, stay overnight and catch the dawn chorus before making their way to Georgetown and across the river visit the stone circle sites.

The trip back along the North bank takes them through any number of seldom visited villages including Lamin's home village at Jerrunku and down the slave trail to the museum at Albreda. Maybe a boat trip to James Island, before heading over the Senagalese border to visit Dakar, which is totally different to Banjul and the Gambia as it gets.

The whole trip might be as much as 4 nights and 5 days but can be longer or shorter as required.

We really recommend this sort of safari with GTS during the second week of your stay, when you will go with Lamin as a friend rather than as a guide and driver.

We will shortly have a feedback item on such a trip and you will hopefully be able to contact members who have done the safari by email so you can discuss the safari with them.

(GTS does not currently run trips to the Casamance area)
Ziguinchor, the capital of the Casamance region in southern Senegal, is about 95 miles south of Banjul (a 3-hour driver).

It is a former Portuguese settlement on the Casamance River and has a good crafts market and several good French restaurants. Pirogues may be rented for birdwatching along the river. Also, you can make several interesting excursions from Ziguinchor including Cap Skirring on the coast, the Basse-Casamance park, and visits to old Jola impluvium houses.

Before travelling to the Casamance however, check with the Embassy Administrative Officer. The Casamance is frequently off-limits due to activity by a separatist rebel group in that area.

Other excursions in neighbouring Senegal could include

Djoudji Bird Refuge in northern Senegal

St. Louis-former French West African capital on a island at the mouth of the Senegal River

Kafountine, Misirah, and Toubacoutta - all tourist spots along the coast with accommodations and French cuisine

Kaolack’s municipal market

Touba-religious capital of one of Senegal’s leading Moslem sects which has the largest mosque in sub-Saharan Africa

A tapestry museum at Thies

Niokolo Koba Park in eastern Senegal which has a number of lions, elephants, hippos, antelope, and other small animals.
GTS Members Tony and Bec Delahay spent a 5 day safari with Lamin to the Nikolo Koba National Park - They have travelled a lot, but met us on their return and said that being with GTS made their holiday the best and most exciting they had ever had "Lamin was brilliant it was like being with a friend you had known for years"