An exciting voyage of discovery, unraveling the Rivers of west Africa
Don’t miss…
- Incredible bird-life
- Wonderful wild life on the river bank
- The Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
- Native markets
- A trip in a traditional pirogue
- The school funded by Variety Cruises’ clients
- The incredible Gambian people
This is a cruise with a difference, deep into the interior of West Africa along the length of the Gambia River. In many ways it’s a chance to follow in the footsteps of famous Explorers and discover the ‘dark continent’ at a leisurely pace, stopping at traditional fishing villages and colourful bustling market towns.
The first part of the itinerary runs along the Atlantic coast of Senegal and Gambia. Then we enter the river Gambia and sail 240 miles upstream, discovering the fascinating and hugely varied rich flora, fauna and bird life along the river banks. En route we make regular stops at towns and villages brim-full of amazing local colour and some of the friendliest people you can imagine. In all honesty it’s a unique experience that you can only make on a small vessel. And what a vessel you have – Harmony G, total air-conditioned comfort and exceptionally spacious wide decks from which to observe Africa sliding past.
Ports of call: Dakar – Banjul – Gambia River– Kantaur - Gambia River National Park – Kaur – Tendaba – Djiffere – Janjanbureh
The Weather
Reliable sunshine is virtually guaranteed throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the low 70’s in winter and up to the high 80’s or even 90’s in the height of Summer. The climate is typically desertic, giving warm or hot days with cooler nights and virtually no humidity.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAKAR / SENEGAL
Late afternoon embarkation. Sail to the Saloun River Delta. Overnight at sea.
DJIFFERE – BANJUL
Morning arrival at Sine – Saloun. Optional excursion to Djiffere and Joal Fadiouth. Fishermen Night.
BANJUL – ABUKO NATURE RESERVE
Morning half day excursion to Bakau. Late afternoon to “Kunta Kinteh” and sail to Tendaba. Mediterranean Night in Africa.
TENDABA
Reach Tendaba by motor pirogues for a morning optional excursion. Optional excursion to the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
GAMBIA RIVER – KUNTAUR – RIVER GAMBIA NATIONAL PARK
Early afternoon arrival to Kuntaur. We board a large motor pirogue for a 3 hour optional excursion on The Gambia River
KUNTAUR – JANJANBUREH – KAUR
Morning optional excursion to Kuntaur. Through the generosity of Variety Cruises and of its guests, a new school building is being built. Sail to Kaur. Captains Farewell Dinner
KAUR – BANJUL
Afternoon arrival in Banjul and sail to Dakar. Gambian Night with Kora instrument Concert
DAKAR/SENEGAL
Early morning arrival in Dakar. Disembarkation after breakfast.
Your vessel: M/Y Harmony V
The Harmony V is a modern elegant yacht with a sleek high-tech look very similar to the private yachts to be found in the famous ports of the world. The 56 meter long/8.4 meter wide Mega-Yacht was launched in June 2009 and complies with Eurosolas safety regulations while its powerful engines, generators and state of the art twin stabilizers will allow for safe and comfortable cruising.
A spacious lounge with classy seating and an American Bar leads into a dining area decorated with warm colors. Both areas offer large windows providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to.
The 200 m2 sundeck offers a shaded outdoor area for all day dining and a bar as well as sun chairs and loungers. The swimming platform on Harmony V stern will allow for easy access to the ship and for a wide range of sea related activities.
Home at Sea
- Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge – Bar
- Indoor & Outdoor Restaurant
- Audiovisual in Lounge
- Mini library
- Beach Towels
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayak
- Board Games
- Swimming Platform
- Wi-Fi
Comfort Zone
- Windows: upper & main deck cabins
- Triple Occupancy cabins: Category A
- Flat-Screen TV
- Mini Safe
- Mini Fridge
- CD & DVD player
- En suite bathroom with shower
- Individually controlled A/C
- Hairdryers
- Telephone for internal use
- Central music
Category C:
Main Deck
1 Double Bed
Category B:
Main Deck
2 Lower Beds or 1 Double bed
Category A:
Upper Deck
2 Lower Beds or 1 Double Bed
The category A cabins are located on the main deck offering large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Category P:
Upper Deck
1 Double Bed or 2 Lower Beds
The Category P cabins are located on the Upper Deck offering a sofa, large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Interior Lounge
External Dining Area
Dining Area
Cruise & Stay Option
If you’re new to this part of the world it really would be a shame not to extend your stay for a few days to really get acclimatised to the rich and colourful experience. The 5 star Terrou Bi hotel by the beach is the best place to round up your trip. Just ask us and we will add it on.
Immerse yourself in the local ambience by extending your stay in 5* hotels in either Dakar or Banjul with our 1 night pre-cruise and 2 night post cruise stay in Dakar at the Radisson Blu Sea Plaza, or 2 night pre-cruise and 1 night post cruise stay at the 5* Kairaba hotel in Banjul. These packages are designed to fit perfectly with the flights to both destinations.
Prices
Rivers of West Africa
2020 Cruise Only Prices ($) Per PersonDepartures from Dakar or Banjul
Vessel: Harmony V
20% Early booking discount for all reservations made until 30th April 2019
| Departure dates from Dakar | Category C | Special Offer | Category B | Special Offer | Categorey A | Special Offer | Category P | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/01/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 18/01/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 25/01/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 01/02/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 08/02/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 15/02/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 22/02/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| Departure dates from Banjul | ||||||||
| 06/01/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 13/01/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 20/01/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 27/01/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 03/02/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 10/02/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
| 17/02/2020 | $1,990 | $1,592 | $2,390 | $1,912 | $2,890 | $2,312 | $3,490 | $2,792 |
Rivers of West Africa Cruise - Port Charges and Supplements 2020
| Category C | Category B | Category A | Category P | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port charges (mandatory) | $320 | $320 | $320 | $320 |
| Single supplement | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| 3rd Person reduction | N/A | N/A | 30% | N/A |
- Accommodation in your chosen grade of cabin with ensuite SH/WC, individually controlled air conditioning, mini fridge and flat screen TV with complimentary movies.
- Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, local themed party evening, fun BBQ on the beach or on deck (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day, plus abundant fresh fruit.
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment plus sea kayak (subject to availability).
- English speaking expert Guest Speaker.
- Professional English speaking Cruise Director.
- Flights & transfers (where booked as a flight inclusive package)
- Beverages, except regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water.
- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
- Crew gratuities (optional – recommend Eur10-14 per passenger per day).
- Passenger personal expenses
- Wi-Fi (available at charge)
- Flights & transfers (unless booked as a flight inclusive package).
From London Heathrow to Dakar via Madrid. Approximate duration 8 hours.
ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 9511
Dakar airport to harbour approximately 30-45 minutes by car.
