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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to topBe prepared for some basic accommodation in the Gambia with limited availability of electricity and hot water. Please note that some of the roads are in a poor state of repair making journey times unreliable (day 5). As this tour includes travel by small boat, an ability to swim is essential.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Saloum Delta N.P. - Bird watching trip £12.
Ndangane - Calesh Ride £10.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly, you should allow £25-30 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Gambia: Dalasi. Senegal: CFA Franc.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Gambia: Sterling, Euros and US Dollars cash. Senegal: Euros cash.
ATM Availability: Usually only available on days 1, 3 and 4 of your itinerary.
Credit Card Acceptance: Very limited and cannot be relied on.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques are difficult to exchange and therefore not recommended.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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| UK | Gambia | Senegal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.50 | €1.20 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.50 | €1.20 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.80 | €1.80 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £1.30 | €2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £3.00 | €12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £7.00 | €24.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £10.00 | €12.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Gambia: visas are not required for UK, AUS, & NZ citizens. Visas are required by CAN & US citizens and should be obtained before departure.
Senegal: visas are not required by UK, CAN, & USA citizens. Visas are required by AUS & NZ citizens and should be obtained before departure.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topAlthough not compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid, polio and yellow fever. You may also want to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis. Yellow fever is only compulsory if arriving from an endemic area. Malaria is present in the region so consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topSenegambia has a tropical climate with a rainy season between June-October, with more rainfall in the south. Temperatures are in the mid 20s centigrade from November to April and can rise to 35. Humidity is higher and temperatures lower on the coast. Temperatures inland fall at night. Average sunshine hours per day between November to April ranges from 8 to 10 hours. The Harmattan is a dry wind which blows from the north, usually from December to February
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage (a soft bag/holdall or rucksack) and a daysac , total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage in and out of hotels – so we recommend you pack light.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topPack essentially for 'Hot Conditions'. Light cotton clothing is recommended plus protective headgear in case of strong winds. A light fleece is advisable for cool nights. Long sleeved shirt and trousers help give protection against mosquitoes try avoiding dark colours. A wide-brimmed sun hat is useful for protection during boat trips and sunglasses.
Please note: Senegambia is predominantly Muslim and women will need a headscarf plus a full length skirt or sarong for visiting the mosque in Touba.
Back to topComfortable shoes and sandals.
Back to topTake a sleeping sheet for the Gambia accommodation as it is basic. Sheets and blankets are provided for the river cruise. Binoculars for bird watching and game viewing, a small torch, insect repellent, water bottle and swimwear. A mosquito net may come in useful – many hotels are close to water and although hotels have nets on the windows and over the beds, these are not always 100% effective.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topEID AL ADHR 2013 - 15th to 17th October
The 'Festival of Sacrifice' or Greater Eid is the 2nd most important celebration in the Muslim calendar and is a public holiday. This means that many shops and restaurants may be closed during this period so that families may join together to enjoy the festival. There may also be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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