'Roots' Trips & Tours
According to Alex Haley's novel Roots, the Gambia River provided one of the clues that helped him trace his American family through the history of slavery back to AfricaWe offer an exciting alternative to the standard Gambia holiday hotel and beach package and the Roots tours organised by Arch will show the origins, history and remnants of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in The Gambia, Senegal and the surrounding West African region.
Roots, Kunta Kinteh & Slavery in The Gambia
The 'Roots Heritage Trail' is a popular excursion, inspired by the historic epic, based on the classic novel of the tragedy of the slave trade and triumph of freedom, a full circle, inspired by Alex Haley’s bestseller and movie “Roots” describing his ancestor, Kunta Kinteh, capture and journey to America as a slave some 200 years ago .
Roots by Land: Holiday Tours & Trips in The Gambia
The 'Roots by Land' trip lasts from 8am – 6pm
Cross the busy ferry with the local to “Barra”, the first town in the North Bank of the country.
This is the only means of connecting to the Northern part of the country and also links the country to the North of Senegal. This is an experience not to be missed. The ferry crossing gives you an insight into river traffic in the Country.
Join your jeeps and drive on to “Jufureh”/”Albreda”. Visit the historic slave museum before joining a boat trip to “James Island”, the place where most of the slaves transported from the Gambia were kept for a fourth night, before being transported to Goree in north Senegal on a journey of no return,
Come back and visit the 7th generation of “Kunta Kinteh”.lunch and a drive back at 15:00 hrs to the ferry terminal. These 200 years old history is something you must not miss having the opportunity to visit the Gambia.
Roots by River: Holiday Tours & Trips in The Gambia
The 'Roots by River' trip lasts from 8am – 6pm
Pickup from the entrance of your respective hotels. Drive to Banjul Sea port the (Capital City of The Gambia) and onboard a boat that all major tours operators in The Gambia use.
The a 3 hours cruise along the Rive Gambia, past Dog Island and lunch on board the boat. A visit to Albreda – Jufureh, which are the two most historical towns in The Gambia as far as history of The Gambia, is concerned with the coming of European presence in Africa.
A visit to Fort James Island, which changed hands from Portuguese, The Dutch and then finally, The English. A 200 hundred years of history that gives you a proper insight of what happened in those days.
A cruise back to Banjul Sea port and the chances of spotting Dolphins a possibility.
Our reputation with visiting holiday and tour operators is unsurpassed and we have instigated a programe of 'eco tour operator best practice' which is mirrored and respected throughout The Gambia.
Gambia Trips & Tours: Roots, Kunta Kinteh, James Island, Slavery & Slave Trade in Gambia & Senegal
Gambia Bird Watching Holidays: Bird Watching Tours, Trips & Safaris in Gambia & Senegal
Bird Watching in Gambia
Arch Tours are Gambian owned and internationally respected eco friendly and ethical ground tour operators offering bird watching tours, bush and beach bird safaris, bird spotting trips and ornithological excursions in The Gambia, Senegal and the surrounding West African region.We offer an exciting alternative to the standard Gambia holiday hotel and beach package. Imagine creating a bird watching expedition to West Africa that matches your specific requirements
At Arch Tours, we can make even the most passionate and adventurous bird watcher's dreams come true
Gambia Bird Watching Tours & Trips with Arch Tours
For the casual birdwatcher we offer the Early Birds & Breakfast Tour: 06:15 - 14.00 hrs
This bird watching tour starts before dawn at your hotel and after a 30 minute drive we arrive at Lamin Lodge, an Eco Lodge built right on the mouth of the Gambia River. Witness the dawn chorus Gambia style and enjoy a 3 hour cruise spotting the many species of birds that can be found around the tributaries of the Gambia River.
We stop for breakfast after the boat trip and then continue on foot with a bird spotting walk around the wet lands and rice fields around the Lamin area.
Then we drive slowly back to your hotel spotting the different species along the way.
Gambia Bird Watching Camps & Safaris with Arch Tours
For the more serious bird watcher we offer 3 different 2 day trips.to
- Tendaba Camp
- Tumani Tenda Camp
- George Town
Arch Tours continued success in the West African bird watching holiday sector is built on our close relationships with the local community, local schools, local villages and the owners or operators of local tourist attractions, hotels and resorts in the Gambia and Senegal.
Our reputation with visiting bird watching tour operators is unsurpassed and we have instigated a programe of 'eco tour operator best practice' which is mirrored and respected throughout The Gambia.
Changing Money Gambia: Gambia Banking, ATM, Travellers Cheques, Money and Currency Exchange
Changing Holiday Money
If you're in search of a budget beach holiday, a cheap family holiday or a luxury winter sun break then Gambia could be the perfect choice.
Gambia is outside the Eurozone so offers great value for money as a holiday destination. The exchange rate in Euraopean banks is notoriously low and Arch Tours advise travellers to the Gambia not to change holiday spending money into Dalasis while in Europe.
There are many legal change shops in Gambia offering exchange rates that can be as much as 20 % than the rates offered in Europe. The British Pound is widely accepted and there is no need to change pounds into Euros as some travel companies suggest.
Gambia Banking: Money & Currency Exchange
Scroll down for Gambian currency and holiday money information including foreign exchange rates, ATM's, banking hours, credit cards, traveller's cheques and currency restrictions.
Currency in Gambia: Gambian Dalasi
Gambian Dalasi (GMD; symbol D) = 100 bututs. Notes are in denominations of D100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of D1, and 50 bututs.Foreign Exchange: Changing Money in Gambia
There is a bank or bureau de change (Trust Bank) at the airport (Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Fri 0900-1230). The capital, Banjul, and the nearby towns of Serrekunda, Bakau, Fajara and Kololi have a number of banks where foreign currencies can be exchanged.
Exchange bureaux are found in all the main tourist resorts. Some hotels also offer foreign exchange facilities, but tend to charge high commissions. As The Gambia is a cash economy travellers are advised to carry sufficient currency to cover expenses of a planned visit.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards and ATMs in Gambia
While some hotels will accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa if arranged at the beginning of the stay, many local businesses only accept payment by cash or traveller's cheques.
ATMs are available in large urban areas, but are few in number and not always reliable. Due to credit card and bank fraud, caution is advised when using credit cards and ATMs.
Traveller's Cheques in Gambia
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or Euros.Currency Restrictions in Gambia
Restrictions apply.Banking Hours in Gambia
Mon-Thurs 0800-1330, Fri 0800-1100 (banks in Banjul); Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1600-1800, Sat 0800-1300 (banks elsewhere).
Holiday Travel in Gambia: Travelling In Gambia by Car, Taxi, Boat, Ferry & Canoe
Gambia Holiday Travel
Arch Tours offer a fascinating introduction to African culture. This genuine opportunity to explore West Africa in safety and comfort, meeting others and sharing the Gambia holiday experience of a lifetime
We are cheaper than hotel based tour companies, offering free lunch & soft drinks ( water and beer included) ensuring an enjoyable, informative, reliable and safe way to travel around The Gambia
We travel in open top 109 Land Rovers or air conditioned mini busses in small groups 2- 8 persons maximum. We are professional, punctual and always on time and each driver is an experienced safari driver and mechanic.
Travelling In Gambia by River: Boat, Ferry & Canoe
The River Gambia is the main artery that runs through the entire length of the country, and is navigable throughout the year by smaller vessels up to 300 kilometres Large ocean-going vessels can travel upstream as far as Kuntaur, about 190 kilometres from Banjul.
Several ferries are operated along the river; the main ones being Banjul to Barra and the river crossing at Farafenni on the busy Trans-Gambia highway. Vehicle and passenger ferries between Banjul’s commercial port and the town facing it across the river mouth, Barra, run at least once an hour in each direction until late evening.
The Government maintains a policy of upgrading these ferries, and procuring new ones when needed. Ferry operations are under the management of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), a public enterprise in the transport industry.
There are nearly a dozen other places where travellers can cross the River Gambia by boat or local dug out cannoe.
Arch Tourss run adventure and fishing trips using small motor boats or large converted pirogues, and offer day cruises along the river with lunch or dinner and a live band.
Travelling In Gambia by Road: Car Hire, Taxis & Bikes
Traffic drives on the right. In the districts around Banjul, the main roads are tarmac. Outside the Greater Banjul area, a much-needed highway building and repair programme has been underway for several years. Throughout the country, most minor roads are unsealed.
Bush taxis: Apart from private taxis, shared taxis (cars, minibuses or vans) are the only form of public transport between towns and villages. They wait at their starting point until full then travel along fixed routes, stopping wherever passengers want to get on or off. Fares are fixed.
Private taxis: There are two types; neither have meters. Tourist taxis are painted green and are licensed by the Gambian Tourist Authority to operate from ranks in the resort areas; each rank has a noticeboard listing tariffs by destination. Local taxis are painted yellow with green stripes and can be hailed in the street; fares are lower and should be agreed in advance.
Bicycle hire: Available at many hotels and resorts.
Car hire: Greater Banjul has a few local and international providers. Driving can be difficult due to variable road conditions; some minor roads become impassable during the rainy season (June to October).
Documentation: An International Driving Permit will be accepted for a period of three months. A temporary licence is available from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK licence.
Gambia Fishing Holidays: Sports & Sea Fishing Trips, Creek & River Trips in Gambia & Senegal
River & Sea Fishing Trip
Arch Tours are Gambian owned and internationally respected eco friendly and ethical ground tour operators offering river, creek and sea fishing trips and excursions in The Gambia, Senegal and the surrounding West African region.We offer an exciting alternative to the standard Gambia holiday hotel and beach package. Imagine creating a river or sea fishing expedition to West Africa that matches your specific requirements
At Arch Tours, we can make even the most passionate and adventurous fisherman's dreams come true
Gambia Fishing Tours & Trips with Arch Tours
For the casual fishing holiday trip we offer creek and sports fishing tours
Both fishing trips start with a pick up at your hotel around 5 am and a short drive to Denton Bridge.
River & Creek Fishing Trips in The Gambia
From Denton Bridge board a double decker boat for a complete day of fishing on the Gambia River. Explore the mangrove lined creeks and tributaries and enjoy free drinks and a packed lunch.
Sea & Sports Fishing Trips in The Gambia
This trip lasts from 10.00 untill 17.00 hrs and is for a maximum of 4 people. fish from a fully fitted out sports fishing boat as the captain drives 10 miles out to sea in the search for Barracuda, Red Snapper, Lady Fish, Captain Fish and several species of Shark.
Arch Tours continued success in the West African fishing holiday sector is built on our close relationships with the local community, local schools, local villages and the owners or operators of local tourist attractions, hotels and resorts in the Gambia and Senegal.
Our reputation with visiting fishing holiday and tour operators is unsurpassed and we have instigated a programe of 'eco tour operator best practice' which is mirrored and respected throughout The Gambia.
Gambia Trips & Tours: Roots, Kunta Kinteh, James Island, Slavery & Slave Trade in Gambia & Senegal
River Gambia River Trips
The River Gambia is the main artery that runs through the entire length of the country, and is navigable throughout the year by smaller vessels up to 300 kilometres.
Large ocean-going vessels can travel upstream as far as Kuntaur, about 190 kilometres from Banjul.
Several ferries are operated along the river; the main ones being Banjul Barra and Farafenni on the busy Trans-Gambia highway.
River Cruises & Excursions in The Gambia
We are trying to create a new type of tourism, which involves the local communities in the ecotourism decision-making process and has a high success rate in creating and sustaining profitable ecotourism projects that benefit the tourist, the local villages and the environment.
We are very sensitive about the environment and many of our tours are designed to give our visitors another experience of The Gambia - slightly different from what is generally offered to tourists by the hotels.
Sunset Cruise: River Cruises & Excursions in Gambia
The Sunset Cruise ' trip lasts from 2:30pm – 8:30pm
Pick up at the entrance of the Hotel and a 30 minutes drive to Denton Bridge. We are then onboard a double decked boat on a four hour river cruise that takes us through the Mandinar Bolong (river). Feast on the beauty of the Gambia River which gives us the opportunity of seeing women in Dugout Canoes collecting Oysters from the Mangroves swamp.
And a site not to be missed is the Sunset over the Mangroves Swamp. Arrival at Lamin Lodge to be welcomed and entertained by a Cultural Group from the Jola Tribe (try your skills at African dancing). Free ice cold drinks provided onboard the boat and a buffet dinner at Lamin Lodge in a romantic atmosphere. More Cultural dancing before heading back to our respective Hotels.
Roots by River: River Cruises & Excursions in Gambia
The 'Roots by River' trip lasts from 8am – 6pm
Pickup from the entrance of your respective hotels. Drive to Banjul Sea port the (Capital City of The Gambia) and onboard a boat that all major tours operators in The Gambia use.
The a 3 hours cruise along the Rive Gambia, past Dog Island and lunch on board the boat. A visit to Albreda – Jufureh, which are the two most historical towns in The Gambia as far as history of The Gambia, is concerned with the coming of European presence in Africa.
A visit to Fort James Island, which changed hands from Portuguese, The Dutch and then finally, The English. A 200 hundred years of history that gives you a proper insight of what happened in those days.
A cruise back to Banjul Sea port and the chances of spotting Dolphins a possibility.
Our reputation with visiting holiday and tour operators is unsurpassed and we have instigated a programe of 'eco tour operator best practice' which is mirrored and respected throughout The Gambia.
Holidays in Gambia: Holiday Trips, Tours & Excursions in Gambia, Senegal, West Africa
First Holiday In Gambia?
The Gambia is peaceful and stable. Crime rates and the cost of living are among the lowest in the world. The sun shines for all 12 months of the year! The Gambia offers you the best climate in the world and one of the most beautiful landscapes. This makes the Gambians warm and friendly people with a contagious relaxed attitude to life.Arch Tours offer well organised, hassle free holiday tours, bush and beach, tourist trips and historical and cultural excursions throughout The Gambia. Our escorted tours are worry-free and hassle-free, as all the details are handled for you.
As an introduction to The Gambia or simply as the best way to see as much of the Gambia in one day as possible, Arch Tours offer 4 trips in one day. This entails 4 major tours rolled into one. These samre 4 tours that are usually offered individually by Tour Companies in the Gambia
First Time Visit to Gambia: What to See & What To Do
The Arch Tours brand of ecotourism offers an insightful, mindful and participatory holiday or travel experience in natural and culturaly vibrant environments around The Gambia.
We involve the local communities in the tourism business process and have a high success rate in creating and sustaining profitable businesprojects that benefit the tourist, the local villages and the environment.
Experience the Real Gambia with 4 tours in 1 day
starts 08.00 hrs and back at 18.00 hrs.
This Tour starts with a guided walk in;
Serrekunda Market which is teh biggest local market in the Gambia. As we go through the market, we tell you about local products tha are made and sold in the Gambia
Crocodile pool. We visit one of the 3 sacred crocodile pools in the Gambia. A change to touch a crocodile in a pool of more than 100 crocodiles.
Visit to the Lamin cattle market and we would tell you the important role that cattles play in our average Gambian way of life.
Lamin Lodge for a 30 minutes coffee or tea break.
A jeep safari into almost 20 villages or hanlets is the west and south of the Gambia. Stop in one of the villages for a family visit where we would be telling you all about family life in the Gambia and how we live as a social family.
Stop on Paradise Beach for 2.5 hours for lunch and swimming in the ocean.
22 kilometers drive along the beach and stop in the major fishing village of Tanji. Just in time to see the days catch and a visit to the smoke houses.
Last stop at a Brewery run by a man from Belgium where you can sample cashew wine, grape fruit wine, chocolate wine etc.
We offer the Alternatives. Try us and see the difference. !We look forward to helping you plan the best holiday you've ever had!