BeachGambia Beach Week
- 5★ beach hotel, half board
- Flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham
- Return airport transfers
From£749per person · 2 sharing
View details
Gambia River & Wildlife
Seven nights at Kotu with breakfast, a river trip and a wildlife day, return flights and airport transfers.
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- Direct in winter, or with one stop
From
£899
per person · 2 sharing
About this holiday
A week on the coast at Kotu, with time on the river and in the nature reserves. Kotu has a quiet beach and Kotu Creek, a well-known spot for birdwatching, and the hotel is a base for day trips.
The package includes return flights, a 5-star hotel with breakfast, return airport transfers, a river boat trip through the mangroves and a guided day at a wildlife reserve. Other excursions, such as a forest reserve or a fishing village, can be added.
- Duration
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Board
- Bed & breakfast
- Hotel
- 5★ at Kotu
- Flights
- UK direct in winter, or one stop
- Includes
- River trip and wildlife day
- Good for
- Couples, friends, nature lovers
5★ hotel at Kotu
You stay in a 5-star hotel at Kotu, close to the beach and to Kotu Creek, with a pool, gardens and breakfast each morning. Hotels here are usually smaller and quieter than at Kololi. We confirm the hotel with each quote.
Hotel features
- Breakfast served daily
- Pool and gardens
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Air conditioning
- Near Kotu Creek
- Family rooms on request
Times from your hotel
- The beachapprox. 10 mins on foot
- Kotu Creekapprox. 15 mins by taxi
- Senegambia stripapprox. 15 mins by taxi
- Bijilo Forest Parkapprox. 15 mins by taxi
- Cape Pointapprox. 15 mins by taxi
- Banjul Airportapprox. 30 mins by road
Times are approximate and depend on your hotel.
Included in the price
Included
- Return flights from the UK, with checked baggage
- 7 nights in a 5★ hotel at Kotu
- Breakfast every morning
- Return airport transfers
- A guided river boat trip
- A guided wildlife reserve visit, with entry
- ATOL protection under ATOL 10416
- A UK consultant before and during your trip
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Entry requirements and any health costs
- Other excursions and tips for guides
- Lunches, dinners and drinks
- Extras such as seat selection or extra baggage
Before you go
Flight time
Approx. 6 hours direct from London, Manchester or Birmingham to Banjul (BJL) in the winter season. At other times, one stop.
Time difference
The Gambia is on GMT all year: the same time as the UK in winter and 1 hour behind in summer.
Money
The currency is the dalasi (GMD). Carry cash for markets, taxis and small shops; hotels and some restaurants take cards.
Local customs
The Gambia is a Muslim-majority country. Away from the hotel and beach, dress modestly, and ask before photographing people.
Language
English is the official language. Mandinka and Wolof are widely spoken, and a greeting in either is welcomed.
Weather
November to May is dry, with daytime highs of around 32–35°C. June to October is the rainy season, and the sea is at its warmest, at around 28°C. Birdlife is busiest in the dry season.
Day by day
The river trip and the wildlife day are included. The other days are suggestions, and any extra excursions are not included.
- Day 1
Fly to The Gambia
Fly from the UK to Banjul, approx. 6 hours on the direct winter flights. Your driver takes you to your hotel at Kotu, approx. 30 minutes.
- Day 2
At leisure
Rest after the flight, with time at the beach and the pool.
- Day 3
Birdwatching at Kotu Creek
Walk along Kotu Creek, approx. 15 minutes from many hotels by taxi, where herons, kingfishers and other waders are often seen. Early morning is the quietest time.
- Day 4
River trip
A guided boat trip on the Gambia River, through mangrove creeks with birdlife on the banks. Pick-up from your hotel is included.
- Day 5
At leisure
A free day. You could visit the craft stalls at Senegambia or the forest park at Bijilo.
- Day 6
Wildlife day
A guided visit to a nature reserve, such as Abuko, where monkeys, birds and crocodiles can be seen on shaded forest paths. Entry and the guide are included.
- Day 7
At leisure
Time on the beach, then dinner at a local restaurant.
- Day 8
Fly home
Breakfast at your hotel, then your transfer to Banjul Airport for your flight to the UK.
Questions about this package
What is included in the river trip and wildlife day?
A guided boat trip on the Gambia River through the mangroves, and a guided day at a nature reserve, with entry fees and pick-up from your hotel. Meals during the day are not included. We confirm the details with your quote.
Do I need to be a birdwatcher?
No. The creek and the river are good for walking and boat trips whatever your experience. Bring binoculars if you have them, and go early in the morning, when it is cooler and the birds are most active.
Are there direct flights to The Gambia?
Yes, in the winter season, roughly October to April, from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, taking approx. 6 hours. At other times of year you fly with one stop. We confirm the flights with your quote.
Can I add more excursions?
Yes. We can add trips such as a forest reserve with a guided walk, a fishing village or a day in Banjul. Tell us your dates and we’ll price them with your holiday.
How do I book this holiday?
Send an enquiry or call us on 020 7871 4545. We’ll confirm the price for your dates, then a deposit secures your booking and you receive an ATOL Certificate.
More The Gambia holidays
You might also like
A week on the beach, or a short stay with a day in Banjul.
Beach
Beach and cityBanjul & Beach
- 5★ hotel near Cape Point
- Flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham
- Guided day in Banjul
From£649per person · 2 sharing
View details
Questions about this holiday?
Talk to a UK consultant
Call us or send an enquiry, and we’ll check prices for your dates, suggest hotels and change the package to suit you.