The lure of Gambia's fresh water is the totally unspoilt nature of this huge stretch of river, untouched by commercialism , this area offers a taste of the real Africa. Here fish species can live out their natural life cycle without the fear of interaction with the man made modern world.

The settlement of George Town on McCarthy Island, 230 miles up the River Gambia, is steeped in colonial history and is the traditional route of African Traders. At present its main visitors are a few tourists and local traders but the locals themselves are starting to see a new breed of visitor arriving in the form of the travelling angler, the species specialist looking for these elusive sporting fish in remote and natural environments untouched by the Anglers hook.

Up-River provides an abundance of fresh water fish in an unspoilt and beautiful setting that can only be called the heart of The Gambia.

AVAILABLE AS A 4 OR 7 DAY TRIP.
Suggested itinerary for 7 day trip

Depart from the UK flying out to The Gambia (5 hours flight time) to Banjul Airport with World Sport Fishing. Upon arrival at Banjul Airport the Coach Transfer with Gambia Experience will take approximately 20 mins to your hotel accommodation situated directly on the coast close to the beaches, shops, and nightlife.

Two days in resort gives you the opportunity to relax around the poolside or stroll down the unspoilt beaches of The Gambia. You will have chance to explore the favourite tourist spots or charter a fishing boat to sample the excellent in-shore salt water fishing that The Gambia has to offer. The Nightlife is varied providing something for everyone. There is unlimited choice of quality restaurants, local bars and nightclubs, as well as traditional local haunts.

DAY 3:

7.30am after breakfast you will join your 4 -wheel drive land rover loaded with fishing kit and travel bags and begin the 5 hour journey by road winding our way parallel to The Gambia River as we head off to its fresh water regions.

We will make the occasional stop on route as we pass through the different provinces of The Gambia travelling through open African Bush and farmlands as we follow the river east inland.

Once we reach the fresh water regions of the River you will notice the immediate riverbanks turn lush with sub-tropical ravine forest and dense foliage. Deeper up-river we go with a final local ferry crossing onto McCarthy island itself then a 15 mins drive to our Camp. On arrival at the camp (mid afternoon), anglers will be allocated their accommodation and time to cool-off from the drive before lunch is served at the camp restaurant.

THE CAMP

The Safari Camp is set on the meandering riverbanks of McCarthy Island, The Gambia. Deep in the African Bush, this peaceful location provides a perfect base for the adventurous angler. The camp offers comfortable accommodation in delightful round thatched cottages or safari tents each comprising a double and single bed with cool interiors and ceiling fans. All the accommodation is fitted with locally made bamboo furniture, a fresh water shower and bathroom facilities. (Electricity is supplied mornings and evenings). Enjoy a refreshing cool drink by the fresh water swimming pool and soak up the tranquil atmosphere whilst breakfast, lunch and evening meal is served by the friendly staff who are keen to make your stay at the camp a memorable occasion.

THE FISHING

The first fishing trip commences in the afternoon and will continue on until after dark, fishing from a 18ft skiff . This gives the angler plenty of room to fish whilst being kept cool in the provided shade. The large sunroof can also be used to fish from or relaxing in the sun. We will be fishing at various locations along the river but you don't have to move too far to find the fish!!!!!! Using combinations of light tackle bottom fishing with dead and live baits, spinning lures and baits at anchor or on the drift or trolling close the river edges with a variety of lures, provides plenty of action to keep you occupied.

At Twilight, the River Banks come alive with the barking calls of Baboons which echo over the water as family groups can be sighted congregating in the tree tops. The bird life is breath taking , flocks of native African species sore across the river heading for their nighttime roosts. An orchestra of insects reaches its crescendo as the sun sets.

Fishing in the cool of the African night is welcome relief after the heat of the day . We light up the pirogue and fish a few hours for night-feeding species. At around 9.00pm we return to the camp for our evening buffet and entertainment from the colourful and traditional local dancers. For those anglers who wish to continue fishing during the evening, the boat is moored along side the camp's private jetty, providing a platform to fish from, and the bar is a stone's throw away.

DAY 4

Starts with an early morning breakfast. Any early risers, bird and wildlife lovers should take the opportunity to witness an African dawn as the sounds of the night are lost in the dawn chorus of waking birds . Guided bird watching trips can be arranged at the camp for the keen bird lovers.

Back to the skiff and set off to return to the fishing grounds. Today, we will prepare and serve lunch on board not returning to the camp until early evening for our evening buffet and entertainment. Again, the chance to continue fishing into the night can be done from the jetty.

DAY 5

Early Breakfast and then we will spend the morning fishing a few last hot spots . There will be the opportunity for those anglers, who choose not to fish, to cross to the North Bank of river via ferry and visit the two thousand year old sacred stone circles , traditionally used in homage to the local gods.

After Lunch we set off on our return journey back to the resort hotel arriving back at about 7.30pm.

DAY 6
Back at your hotel it is time spent at your own leisure with the perfect opportunity to sample the local craft markets and barter for a bargain or two and top up your suntan!

DAY 7
Breakfast in the hotel and then time for last minute shopping before being picked-up by the transfer coach back to the airport for your return journey to the UK.

• THE PRICE INCLUDES

• HALF-BOARD SAFARI CAMP

• UP-RIVER TRANSPORTATION

• SAFARI CAMP ACCOMMODATION

• HALF BOARD

• ALL BOAT FISHING TRIPS INCLUDING TACKLE AND BAIT

• COST: Dependant on season but prices from 90 pounds per person per day.