IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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Accommodation & Food

Where is the project located in Gambia?

The project is based at the coast at the Baobab Holiday Resort (don't be put off by the name, it is basically a small hotel with a pool!) where we have stayed over 40 times and are wonderfully supported by our friends, the staff. We will use this base for trips in the coastal area and then (when people have acclimatised) move up-country to Janjangbureh (formerly Georgetown) for our inland/river studies.



What type of accommodation will i be staying in?

The accommodation varies throughout the trip, from hotels with pools to more basic lodge style during research trips up river. We class all of our accommodation as comfortable but basic. During out telephone consultation, we will provide you with more information and can send pictures of the various accommodation you will be staying in during your trip



Will i have WIFI?

While most of the accommodation you will be staying in will have WIFI. In some remote areas the internet is not available- but don't be dissapointed as this is an incredible chance to disconnect from the social media world and admire Africas wildlife in all it glory. You will cherish this moment forever.



Is food included?

The price of the trip includes Bed and Breakfast, ensuring you are fueled and ready to go for the increadble day(s) ahead. Lunch and evening meals are not included, but can range from 2GBP-15GBP per day (Our advice is to fill up at breakfast).



I am vegan or vegetarian, do you cater for this?

All of our accommodation has a great selection of traditional Gambian and European dishes, including to meet the dietry requirments of vegan, vegetarion, pescatarian and all others.



Medical

Do i need any vaccinations or Anti-malarial medication?

Project `Wild Gambia is unable to offer any medical advice as we are not qualified or licensed to do so.

We urge that you visit your GP doctor or seek the advice from a health care proffesional before participating in any of our trips. When making an appoinment, explain the type of expedition you are participating in and the country in which you are travelling to (Gambia, west Africa).



What To Expect?

How large is the reserve/national park that you operate in?

We work at a number of locations, including some of the country's largest protected areas e.g. Pirang Forest and River Gambia National Park, but will spend most of our time surveying the coast, River Gambia and other wild or community-reserve areas.



What are the day to day activities that research assistants carry out?

Acrivities include a week of introducing the main habitats/species/issues and collecting some data while people get used to the heat. In the second week, we perform focussed data collection which is likely to include boat-based surveys in Central River District and elsewhere, Forest surveys, Assessment of catch and bycatch at Fisheries, Trailcam surveys, torchlight surveys and road transects.



Have you acquired the necessary research permits to perform these activities?

Yes, we have run many courses in The Gambia before and have a good working relationship with the regulatory bodies. The cost of the trip includes a permit from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management.



How long are the expeditions?

The expeditions are generally 2 weeks long as there are some very urgent studies of a critical nature that we need to undertake asap We intend to add more dates later in the season and have extended visits for people wishing to be more involved in the long-term research.



Who travels with us?

What is the minimum age to participate?

Project Wild Gambia is designed to create wildlife experiences for people of all ages. One of our main aims is to inspire and teach the next generation of wildlife biologists, who will lead the way in wildlife conservation. Please see below the suitable age categories for each project we offer: Volunteer programmes- participants must be 16+ (unless accompanied by an adult)
Wildlife & Conservation Tours- Suitable for families and couples (under 16's must be accompanied by an adult) School, College & University Field trips- We cater for a broad range of age groups, please conatct us directly for a bespoke field trip plan.



Do i need any qualifications to participate?

No. All you need is sheer passion for wildlife and willingness to learn how to best protect the species we work with.



Health & Safety

Is working with wild animals dangerous?

Working with wild animals can always pose a small level of danger and it is important to understand this before participating in our trips. You will be accompanied by highly expereinced and qualified UK zoologists at all times.

On arrival you will undergo a comprehensive health and safety briefing of what to expect, followed be day to day safety briefings to reflect the activities in which you will be doing.



Is Gambia a safe country?

Gambia is a well known tourist destination, which welcomes holiday makers from all over the world.

We have a team who will provide you with 24/7 in country support from the moment you step off the plane.



Are there any chances of war or political unrest?

We keep in regular contact with relevant embassies and foreign offices to ensure we give you the most up-to-date information and travel advice regarding our locations. Should any unforeseen situation arise which warrants your removal from a country or specific region for safety reasons, we’ll do so immediately.



Visas & Documents

Do i need a visa or any documents to gain entry into Gambia?

Visas are only required for stays longer than 28 days.



There are many “wildlife volunteer” organisations and “eco-tour” operators that may appear, on first inspection, to be contributing to conservation.  These often include the big charismatic species e.g. elephants, rhino’s, bigs cats and turtles.  While some of these make genuine contributions, many contribute little to the actual conservation of “wild” animals and may have a negative impact on real conservation efforts and local communities. While we would encourage anyone to help the better organisations, when considering possible options, please make sure you are clear on the following:

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  • Where does my contribution go?

  • By participating, will my money benefit local communities, wildlife and governmental bodies?

  • Will the research I choose to be involved in, be published in scientific journals and contribute to the international conservation of nature?

  • What conservation successes has the organisation had?

  • Travelling to these countries has a huge environmental carbon impact on the environment, how is the organisation working to offset this and to become a carbon neutral organisation?

  • Will I develop skills that will benefit my career in wildlife conservation?

  • What is the academic background and experience of the staff?