I firmly believe that adventure awaits on river cruises outside Europe.
Case in point: the seven-night hybrid river-sea cruise I sailed with Variety Cruises in West Africa in February. From there we explored parts of Senegal, but mainly sailed from Gambia along the Gambian River.
There aren't many river cruises in Africa. Sailing on the Nile in Egypt and the Chobe River in South Africa between Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia make up the majority of options.
That's what makes Variety's West Africa program a hidden gem. On a Nile river cruise, you can expect to see pyramids, ancient temples, and massive tombs, and on a safari river cruise, you can expect to see lions, elephants, rhinos, and other Big Five wildlife, but it's hard to predict what you'll see in West Africa. was difficult.
The itinerary operates on board the 44-passenger Harmony G vessel, sailing on the Gambia River and seas along the Senegalese and Gambian coasts (expect to feel the movement of the sea at some point during the trip).
Naturally, West Africa has a deep connection with the slave trade, as this is where most of it originated. The history of the slave trade is a recurring theme in ports from Dakar to the Gambian town of Janjanbureh and Kunta Kinteh Island. Travelers on this itinerary will visit historic sites that played an important role in the slave trade.
Harmony G is a 44-passenger small ship used by Variety Cruises on West African voyages between Senegal and Gambia. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
In Senegal's capital Dakar, a visit to Gori Island, now a colorful, car-free island village but historically known as the largest slave trading center on the African coast during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, is a must. From the 15th century to the 19th century.
In Janjanbureh, I visit the Freedom Tree Monument in Triangle Park and learn about the history of its creation, which serves as a symbol of freedom and a memorial to the millions of lives lost in the slave trade. I was particularly moved by this.
It's sometimes hard to fathom that the same buildings and hallways you're walking through were once the site of one of the worst crimes against humanity, but I think it's powerful and a privilege to be able to see these places in person. Hear stories about history from an experienced local guide.
Cultural experiences in Senegal and Gambia
But historic visits aren't the only experiences on this itinerary. I found that the destinations we visited between Senegal and Gambia were full of cultural and safari-like experiences.
Our group interacted with many locals in the small towns we visited. While anchored in Tendaba, we encountered a drum and dance club in the village of Dumbutu and took part in a village tour of Kuntaur. While there, some of us got to visit the house of our village guide.
The Liberty Tree Monument in Triangle Park on Janjanbure Island in the Gambia River. The island was a refuge for escaped slaves from the surrounding area. When you arrive at the island and touch or hug a tree, your name is recorded on the list and you are set free. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
Variety worked with several villages in the port and could see how big a deal the arrival or departure of a ship was for the villagers, especially the children, who were some of the friendliest people. You can find it in this section.
Wildlife viewing in Gambia
Wildlife seekers can expect some of the most exciting encounters in The Gambia, especially when boats call Banjul, Tendaba and Kuntaur.
Guests of Variety Cruises photograph great egrets during a boat trip through the mangrove forests of Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, located next to Tendaba along the Gambia River, a village requested by Variety Cruises during its sailings in West Africa. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
During the trip to Banjul, guests will visit Bakau, home to the Kachikally Crocodile Pool. This is both a tourist attraction and a mystical place where locals believe it can bring good luck to those struggling with fertility.
As the name suggests, you can see a lot of crocodiles in Kachikally. But don't expect there to be a barrier between reptiles as if you were visiting a zoo. Crocodiles here roam freely, so visitors should watch their steps when walking through the park. You can actually pet the crocodiles, but only with proper guidance from staff.
Luckily we didn't have to worry about getting bitten or crossing the road by a hungry alligator. These guys eat well every day before the park opens, so by the time visitors arrive they think about nothing but relaxation.
Bird watching in The Gambia is abundant and popular and can be done by visiting Tendaba, home to Tendaba Tourist Camp and Kiang West National Park. The park is where we took a flatbed truck to spot several species of birds whose names I can't remember but were definitely cute. Later, we took a small boat through the mangrove forest of Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and saw additional birds such as pelicans in their natural habitat.
On our way back to the ship that day, we anchored in the more brackish waters of the Gambia River, so we spotted a pod of dolphins who jumped into the water and gave us a great show.
We also got to see some chimpanzees and hippos on a boat tour around Baboon Island in the Gambia River National Park, which was as exciting as anything you can imagine. Guests visit the park while anchored in Kuntaur, a small town upriver. Here we explored the community and met many of the people who live there.