Basic Information...
Location: The Gambia.
Date: On request.
Duration: 7 nights and 8 days.
Group size: From 6 - 12 people.
Price: From £449 (8 days) including accommodation, some meals, transportation and activities as per itinerary (excluding) flights
Activities: Music, education on sustainable issues, excursions to small/medium tourism enterprises, etc...

The Trip...
On this 8 day sustainability educational holiday you will participate in a workshop in Responsible Tourism at the Institute of Travel and tourism, pay a visit to Maalis Music School and discover traditional storytelling through the means of the Kora (traditional instrument), learn about sustainable development at Sandele and Kartong, meet local suppliers and visit a community based ecotourism camp, discover local dance and taste traditional food.

The itinerary... 
Day 1: Arrival in The Gambia.
Meet representatives from ASSET and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Workshop in Responsible Tourism at Institute of Travel and Tourism in The Gambia (ITTG).
Workshop/class with the students at ITTG. Visit Timbookto ASSET Information Center and Culture Encounter.

Day 3: Visit to small scale enterprises (ASSET members).
Travel with guide and transportation to visit small scale enterprises. At each place you will be introduced to the project and how it benefits the local communities. 

Day 4: Maalis Music School to Sandele and Kartong.
Visit Maalis Music School and meet famous Kora storyteller Alagi MBye. After lunch transfer for Kartong and Sandele Ecoretreat built in partnership with the community, the private sector and the environment.

Day 5: Sandele and Kartong to Central Gambia.
We will continue to have sessions and visit to Kartong village.

Day 6: Meet local suppliers and visit a community based camp.
Visit representatives from fruit sellers and juice pressers. Learn about community based camps, visit the village, enjoy lunch at the camp and spend time with the local people.

Day 7: Sum up and farewell dinner at Kololi Village Gallery.
The day is free to own activities. We can suggest some optional programs that can be arranged.

Day 8: Departure The Gambia.
Your trip has come to an end. This day is free until departure to airport. Transfer in the afternoon.

"Although more than a year has passed since our visit, I can still recall the feeling of Gambia in my body: The colours, the scents, the warmth, the humming of voices, and of course all the people..."
Andreas Poppe with family, 2009

The difference...
You will benefit the local community by visiting their projects, owned and operated by the local people. Your visit contributes to create local economic growth; sharing culture and tradition and supporting sustainable solutions to poverty reduction and conserving the environment. ASSET (Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism in The Gambia) has been successful in promoting small scale enterprises and promoting responsible tourism initiatives. ASSET aims to "bring together, advocate for, and promote a large number of small scale enterprises that are active in the tourism industry in The Gambia." You will meet and share your culture with locals.