Monday, March 23, 2009

The Gambia


Republic of The Gambia
Local Time = UTC
Capital City: Banjul (pop. 35 000, with suburbs 500 000)
Other Cities: Serrekunda (pop. 200 000), Basse Santa Su, Georgetown (Jangjang-bureh), Juffureh.
Government: Type: Civilian.Independence: 18 February 1965 (from the UK).
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean surrounded by Senegal.
Area: 11 300 sq. km. (4 360 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by low hills.
Climate: Tropical; hot rainy season (June to Nov.); cooler, dry season (Nov. to May).
Population: 1.5 million.
Ethnic groups: Mandinka 40%, Fula 18%, Wolof 14%, Jola 10%, Serahule 9%, Serere 8%, Krio/Aku Marabout, Manjago, Bambara.
Non-Gambians 13% of the population.
Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 4%, animists.
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula (Pulaar), Jola, other indigenous languages.Literacy: 38%
Roots
Take a boat to Jufureh and meet the descendants of Kunta Kinteh. The claim by author Alex Haley, to have traced his ancestors back to Kinteh Family has made the former slave trade trading post Jufureh and the nearby Albreda, a popular visiting site. The slave house and the Cannon still remain from the French trading post which was foundind in 1681. Accross teh water is James Island, founded by the British in 1651. The water is gaining ground on the island and it is now only one third of it's orriginal size.
Up Country
For the more adventurous who wish to explore further afield, excursions can be arranged through various tour opperators. Take it slow and easy ona 10 day boat cruise to Basse and back, or over land by 4 wheel drive. Do make sure that you use knowledgable and experienced operators, some of the roads are not so good! Some trips may last several days staying at up country camps. Tours can also take you into the Casamance region of Senegal, or by crossing at either Banjul/Barra or Manso Konko/Farafenni to reach the north bank and into North Senegal.


Enjoy your Gambia Holidays!

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website www.ttag.gm

Monday, February 23, 2009

Jane's Boat's

Jane’s boat has been in operation since the mid 1980s. We offer private boat charter as well as scenic river tours. Our vessels are large African Pirogues (60ftx8ft) with a sun canopies and are well suited for casual fishing trips on the meandering creeks and tributaries of the Gambia River.


Lazy Day
The very popular Lazy Day cruise has been going for 18 years. Your tour operator will drop you off at our mooring. Morning coffee is served once we are underway. Sit back and relax and take in the passing scenery. See local women harvesting creek oysters, catch a glimpse of the local water birds, like herons and kingfishers, or immerse your-self in a holiday paperback.
While cruising you will be served snacks and a glass of chilled bucks fizz. You may like to take a swim in the calm waters of the creek or paddle off a sandbar and cool your feet. A buffet lunch will be served before you try your luck at fishing. On our cruise back to Denton bridge tea and biscuits will served before you return to your hotel.


River Adventure
For those of you of a more adventurous nature, Jane's Boats can offer a trip up the Gambia river up the coast to Basse toward the far eastern end of the country of Gambia. You will be able to sleep under the stars on-board (with the protection of a mosquito net) African Queen style.


This trip takes in the whole country. On our way you will see Farafenni, Georgetown, or Janjanburreh, which is an island town and contains a number of relics of the slave trade. Here you may even see Hippos and crocs. This trip can be tailor made for bird watching with your own bird guide on-board if needed.


Creek Fishing
Enjoy a day of creek fishing, depart Denton Bridge at around 10am and return from a full day in the creeks at around 4pm.
Included in this excursion you will be given a hot drink upon arrival and a sandwich lunch (i.e. Hot dog or Cheeseburger, Tuna Sandwich). The boats are fully insured and carry life jackets. All fishing equipment and bait is provided and our experienced staff are at hand to help if required.

Whilst the Gambia Creeks boast a wide variety of salt-water fish we are very conscious that over fishing of the waters is detrimental to the survival of many species. It is therefore our policy that all juvenile fish are released back into the water.
This excursion is also suitable for a family group as you can sunbathe and cool yourself with a dip in the refreshing waters of the Gambia creeks.


Private Boat Charters
Our boats are available for private charter. You might take your partner for a romantic day on the creek, or you could take your friends for a sports fishing trip on the river. Our boats are usually available on Fridays and Saturdays (other days can sometimes be arranged on request).


+220 7768074
info@janesboats.gm
http://www.janesboats.gm/

Enjoy your Gambia Holidays!

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website www.ttag.gm