MENU CLOSE

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

West Africa Cruise, Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Unravelling the Rivers of west Africa

10-Day package holidays

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.

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights from the UK
In-destination transfers
7 Night Cruise on a Full board Basis
2 Night Hotel in Dakar on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Port Charges
ATOL Protection

Don’t miss…

Incredible bird-life

Wonderful wildlife 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

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Thursday – Dakar

Upon landing transfer to Radisson Blu hotel for 2-night stay. Evening at leisure for an early swim – the beach is 20m away, and the chance to explore for dinner.

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 2

Friday – Dakar

You might want a day on the beach, or to explore the local area but, if you’re a culture /history vulture try the optional Dakar and Goree. Goree island today is a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a reminder of human exploitation. From the 15h to 19th century it was the largest slave trading centre on the West African Coast.

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 3

Saturday – Dakar

Meet us on board between 2PM and 6PM. Spend some time getting to know your home at sea and fellow voyagers, then join us for a welcome dinner before we set sail southwards, towards the Saloum River Delta. In particular get to meet the on board naturalist who will help you identify the sea life, river life, bird life and wild life. Overnight at sea.

Embarkation Time: 14:00

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 4

Sunday – Djiffere – Banjul

Dolphins, crocodiles, turtles and manatees – keep your eyes peeled for all of these and more as we venture into the Sine-Saloum Delta, Senegal. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, this important birding area is home to around 200 different bird species including flamingos, pelicans and raptors. Today our optional excursion visits JOAL FADIOUT best an island built of clam shells. This afternoon, we begin our sail to Banjul, The Gambia. Overnight in Banjul.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 5

Monday – Banjul – Abuko Nature Reserve

Banjul is The Gambia’s capital city and gateway to the 700-mile long Gambia River. We’ll sail the river this afternoon, but this morning we have an optional half-day tour of Banjul itself, plus the town of Bakau; known for its kachikally crocodile pool and botanic garden. Mid-afternoon we sail upstream on the Gambia River to Tendaba. Overnight docked in Tendaba.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 6

Tuesday – Tendaba

Today, we offer two optional excursions out of Tendaba, a small Muslim fishing village with a population of around 600 people. It’s reachable from our ship by motor pirogue – small canoe-like boats. In the morning we’ll walk from Tendaba to Batelling to visit the Kiang West National Park – home to many rare species of bird as well as Guinea baboons, Senegal bushbaby and marsh Mongoose. When you’re all primated out, we’ll jump in a safari truck heading back to the ship, via Tendaba, passing local villages as we go. In the afternoon the excursion is to Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve – with six major bolongs (creeks) and remarkable birding and boating opportunities. Overnight docked in Tendaba.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 7

Wednesday – Gambia River – Kuntaur – River Gambia National Park

Early morning we continue our journey upstream on the Gambia River, heading to the bustling port town of Kuntaur. This is the last inland stop navigable for ocean-going vessels, even our small one. The optional excursion this afternoon is a motor pirogue journey further inland to Baboon Island, a part of The Gambia National Park where a local park ranger teaches us all about the park’s flora and fauna. Then, as we drift slowly and peacefully back towards Kuntaur, keep a look out for the chimpanzees at a rehabilitation project en route. You may also spot hippos, crocodiles, Red Colobus monkeys, and more. An exceptional dance, the Kankurang, is performed on our return to Kuntaur. The Kankurang is believed to dispense justice and ward off evil spirits.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 8

Thursday – Kuntaur – Janjanbureh – Kaur

Our optional tour today takes us first to Janjanbureh via bus and local ferry. Janjanbureh, formerly known as Georgetown, is one of the oldest towns in The Gambia. Wander the streets and take in the laid back vibes before we head back to the bus and on to our second destination: Lamin Koto. Here, you’ll see a new school in the process of being built, thanks to generous donations from Variety Cruises and our clients. From here we’ll visit the mysterious stones of Wassu, a sacred burial ground thousands of years old, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch we sail downstream to the small fishing village of Kaur where you can see how local Gambians live here today. Lastly, join us in the evening for our signature Captain’s Farewell Dinner as we sail downstream, back towards Banjul.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 9

Friday – Kaur – Banjul

One more day in The Gambia, with lots more to learn and discover. This morning we anchor at Kunta Kinteh Island. Strategically located in the middle of the Gambia River, the island has a dark history in the slave trade, the story of which has been told to the world via author Alex Haley’s book, Roots. A local guide will teach us about the history, after which you’ll have some time to walk around before we head back to Banjul. Tonight we host Gambian Night on board, complete with a concert performed on the kora, a west African string instrument. Overnight at sea, heading towards Dakar.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Day 10

Saturday – Dakar

Early morning arrival in Dakar and one last breakfast before our trip comes to an end and we transfer you to your onward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

What is included:

Flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester.

All local transfers

2 nights at Radisson Blu hotel (Dakar) on a bed and breakfast basis

On Board M/Y Harmony G

Accommodation on board M/Y Harmony G for 7 nights in your chosen grade of cabin with private SH/WC & air conditioning, mini fridge and flat screen TV with complimentary movies.

Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local themed party evening and Captain’s Dinner.

Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day, plus abundant fresh fruit.

Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment, sea kayak and stand up paddle boards (subject to availability).

Professional English speaking Cruise Director / Gambia River Naturalist

Port charges

Flights

Flights to Dakar are available from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham.
All flights are indirect via either Madrid, Lisbon, Istanbul, Barcelona depending on the airline.
Exact flight details and timings will be advised at the time of booking. Flight supplement may apply.

Outbound – Thursday

  • Depart Heathrow:11:30 Arrive Madrid:15:00
  • Depart Madrid: 18:00 Arrive Dakar: 20:40

Inbound – Saturday

  • Depart Dakar:21:50 Arrive Madrid:-4:10
  • Depart Madrid: 07:00 Arrive Heathrow: 08:25

ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 9511

Transfers

  • Dakar airport to Radisson blu hotel – approximately 1h 15 min
  • Radisson blu hotel to Dakar port (cruise embarkation) – approximately 30 min
  • Dakar port to Dakar airport – approximately 1h

What is Extra

  • Beverages except regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water.
  • Shore excursions or other land arrangements.
  • Crew gratuities (optional – recommend Eur10-14 per passenger per day).
  • Passenger personal expenses
  • Wi-Fi (available at charge)

Ports of call: Dakar – Banjul – Gambia River– Kantaur - Gambia River National Park – Kaur – Tendaba – Djiffere – Janjanbureh

Cruise routes may need to be varied in the event of adverse weather and operating conditions at the Captain’s discretion, in the interests of the comfort and safety of guests. The Captain and Cruise Director will will keep you fully briefed on the daily programme.

The Weather

Reliable sunshine is virtually guaranteed throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s in winter and up to the high 20s or even low 30s in the height of Summer. The climate generally provides warm or hot days with cooler nights and virtually no humidity

Your vessel: The M/Y Harmony G

Mega Yacht Harmony G

The Harmony “G” is a modern mega yacht with a sleek high-tech profile, boasting spacious and comfortable accommodation . At 53 meters long / 7.2 meters wide, she is large enough to offer superior comfort for up to 42 guests in 21 guest cabins.  whilst permitting access to small harbours and islands beyond the reach of large cruise ships. There is a spacious lounge and bar plus a dining room and a spacious sun deck. The vessel was launched in January 2001 and renovated most recently in 2019. She complies with the most stringent SOLAS safety regulations ,while its powerful engines and state of the art stabilisers allow for safe and comfortable cruising.

Home at Sea

  • Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge – Bar
  • Indoor Restaurant
  • Audiovisual in Lounge
  • Mini library
  • Beach Towels
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Kayak
  • Board Games
  • Wi-Fi

Comfort Zone

  • Large portholes: upper deck cabins
  • Portholes: lower deck cabins
  • Triple Occupancy cabins: Category A
  • Flat-Screen TV
  • Mini Safe
  • Mini Fridge
  • Individually controlled A/C
  • En suite bathroom with shower
  • Hairdryers
  • Telephone for internal use
  • Central music

Cabins

Category C

LOWER DECK- 1 DOUBLE OR 2 LOWER BEDS.

(10-11 sq.m. / 108-119 sq.ft.)

The Category C cabins are located on the lower deck. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV (Satellite channels), CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V).

>Category B

MAIN DECK – 2 LOWER BEDS

(10.50-11 sq.m. / 113.5-119 sq.ft.)

The Category B cabins are located on the main deck. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV (Satellite channels), CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V).

Category A

MAIN DECK – 2 LOWER BEDS.

(10.50-11 sq.m. / 113.5-119 sq.ft.)

The Category A cabins are located on the main deck. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV (Satellite channels), CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V).

Category P

UPPER DECK – 1 DOUBLE BED OR 2 LOWER BEDS.

(15-18 sq.m. / 162-195 sq.ft.)

The Category P suites are located on the upper deck. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV (Satellite channels), CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V).

Public Areas

Interior Lounge

Life on board centers around the Indoor/Outdoor lounge and its American Bar (inside/outdoor). The interior lounge has relaxing couches and comfortable lounge chairs where you can have a drink and gaze out of the large windows into the breathtaking sceneries you are cruising to, relax and read a book, watch television on the satellite TV or one of our documentaries on the next place you are visiting.

Sun Deck

The spacious sun deck is the ideal place to bask under the sun and just completely unwind, or you can just sit under the shaded area and let your senses drift while looking at the view.

Outdoor Dining Area

Located on the Upper Deck, the outdoor dining area provides beautiful views of the ports of call visited, and meals are served “al fresco” depending on the weather and the ship location. It accommodates all guests in one single seating and provides a high standard of cuisine, always with some local flavour.

Dining Area

The classy Dining Room offers large windows providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to, while accommodating all guests at one single seating and provides a high standard of cuisine, always with some local flavours.

Deckplans

Sun Deck

West Africa Cruise, Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Upper Deck

West Africa Cruise, Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Main Deck

West Africa Cruise, Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Lower Deck

West Africa Cruise, Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Your Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza

Located in the affluent Fann Corniche area of Dakar, Radisson Blu is housed in a contemporary building with outdoor pool. It features nearby golfing facilities.

Air-conditioned rooms at Radisson Blu Dakar are fitted with marble floors and designer furnishings. They all include a flat-screen TV and en suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Some rooms overlook the Atlantic Ocean.

Guests can enjoy a fusion of international dishes at the restaurant of the hotel. The chef also offers a modern take on traditional Senegalese specialities. Drinks and cocktails are served outdoor by the pool bar.

Located only 20 yards from the beach, Radisson Blu hotel is a base to explore Dakar’s IFAN Museum of West Africa and Gorée Island.

Facilities

  • Free WiFi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Room service
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms

Room options

Superior room with garden view (included in your holiday)

The following room types are available with a supplement

  • Superior room with balcony sea view
  • Superior room with terrace garden view
  • Premium room with balcony sea view
  • Junior suite with balcony sea view
  • Royal suite with terrace sea view

Dakar

The capital, Dakar, is a vibrant city famous for its lively markets and rich musical culture. Elsewhere, Senegal boasts beautiful colonial architecture, secluded beaches blessed with world-famous surf breaks, and remote riverine deltas teeming with wildlife.

Prices

december, 2023

2023- 2024 Full Package Holidays

Rivers Of West Africa flight inclusive package

Including cruise, 2nights Dakar, Radisson Blu Sea Plaza, Transfers, Flights from LGW, Port Charges"

Prices (£) per person from:
Departure DatesCategory CCategory BCategory ACategory P
21/12/2023Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
23/12/2023Banjul£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
28/12/2023Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
30/12/2023Banjul£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
04/01/2024Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
06/01/2024Banjul£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
11/01/2024Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
13/01/2024Banjul£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
18/01/2024Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
20/01/2024Banjul£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
25/01/2024Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
27/01/2024Banjulsold outsold outsold outsold out
01/02/2024Dakarsold outsold outsold outsold out
03/02/2024Banjulsold outsold outsold outsold out
08/02/2024Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
10/02/2024Banjul£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806
15/02/2024Dakar£3,380£3,988£4,336£4,806

Rivers of West Africa Cruise - Single & Triple occupancy

Category CCategory BCategory ACategory P
Single use£4,734£5,647£6,169£6,873
3rd person£2,689N/AN/AN/A
Port chargesIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded

2023 / 2024 Cruise Only

Rivers Of West Africa

Prices (£) per person
Departure DatesCategory CCategory BCategory ACategory P
23/12/2023Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
25/12/2023Banjul£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
30/12/2023Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
01/01/2024Banjul£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
06/01/2024Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
08/01/2024Banjul£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
13/01/2024Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
15/01/2024Banjul£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
20/01/2024Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
22/01/2024Banjul£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
27/01/2024Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
29/01/2024Banjulsold outsold outsold outsold out
03/02/2024Dakarsold outsold outsold outsold out
05/02/2024Banjulsold outsold outsold outsold out
10/02/2024Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
12/02/2024Banjul£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383
17/02/2024Dakar£1,957£2,565£2,913£3,383

Rivers of West Africa Cruise - Single & Triple occupancy & port charges

Category CCategory BCategory ACategory P
Single use£2,935£3,848£4,370£5,074
3rd person£1,370N/AN/AN/A
Port charges£309£309£309£309

2025 Full Package Holidays

Rivers Of West Africa flight inclusive package 2025

Including cruise, 2nights Dakar, Radisson Blu Sea Plaza, Transfers, Flights from LGW, Port Charges"

Prices (£) per person from:
Departure DatesCategory CCategory BCategory ACategory P
09/01/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
11/01/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
16/01/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
18/01/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
23/01/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
25/01/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
30/01/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
01/02/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
06/02/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
08/02/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
13/02/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
15/02/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447
20/02/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£3,167£3,654£3,933£4,447

Rivers of West Africa Cruise - Single & Triple occupancy

Category CCategory BCategory ACategory P
Single useSpecial Offer£4,447£5,177£5,594£6,419
3rd personSpecial Offer£2,551N/AN/AN/A
Port chargesIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded

2025 Cruise Only

Rivers Of West Africa 2025

Prices (£) per person
Departure DatesCategory CCategory BCategory ACategory P
11/01/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
13/01/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
18/01/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
20/01/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
25/01/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
27/01/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
01/02/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
03/02/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
08/02/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
10/02/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
15/02/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
17/02/2025Early Booking DiscountBanjul£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984
22/02/2025Early Booking DiscountDakar£1,704£2,191£2,470£2,984

Rivers of West Africa Cruise - Single & Triple occupancy & port charges

Category CCategory BCategory ACategory P
Single useSpecial Offer£2,348£3,078£3,496£4,059
3rd personSpecial Offer£1,193N/AN/AN/A
Port charges£309£309£309£309
0208 324 3117
[email protected]

Book your flights with us to ensure full financial protection for your holiday.

West Africa Cruise, Rivers of West Africa Cruise Your flight inclusive holiday with us is financially secure as we are ATOL licensed and the full package is ATOL protected.
We have been trading since 1995 so  you can book with total confidence.

More Cruises Destinations to tempt you