Gambia Lazy Day Cruise: Review of Lunch, and Fishing

So, you’re thinking about spending a day chilling out on the Gambia River? You’re possibly picturing warm sun, maybe a drink in your hand, also the chance to catch some fish, too, eh? Very, very much sign me up. Well, actually, that’s pretty much what the Gambia Lazy Day Cruise promises, and honestly, it is that simple to do. Yet, how well does it live up to the chilled vibes it advertises? Let’s take a closer look, alright?

Setting Sail: The Experience Begins

Getting on board the boat is usually where the experience properly starts. Depending on which tour you pick, the departure location might be near your hotel, that is if you’re lucky, or there might be a pick-up from your hotel. Very, very handy, right? After you hop on, what you’ll find is that the boats usually are pretty roomy, usually enough space to stretch out. Plus, you know, most boats tend to have a covered area in case the sun gets, very, intense, also a deck for soaking it all up when the sun goes a bit behind the clouds, right? People on board usually come from all walks of life – some solo travellers, small groups and very, very often couples. Yet the common ground everyone shares is usually a thirst for something mellow, that is relaxing. Which is so good.

The boats, now, they tend to be locally operated, too it’s almost as if that gives a good vibe from the very beginning, you see the Gambian flag waving as you leave the shores and start getting away from land. You find out more about the area usually too, yet with more focus on keeping passengers entertained and looked after. After all, that’s great too, innit?

Lunch on the River: A Taste of Gambia

A real highlight of the cruise is honestly lunch. What happens is that most cruises tend to include lunch in the price, and they usually serve Gambian dishes. We are talking maybe benachin (a traditional rice dish), or perhaps domoda (a peanut stew), or maybe some fresh fish grilled on the boat. Just a little warning – depending on the provider, vegetarian options could be somewhat limited. So, really it could be good to confirm when you book. Anyway, as I was saying, having food on the riverbank feels different from the lunch that we eat every day, and makes the dishes, the tastes and the aromas even more tasty.

What often happens, too, is that they tend to put some drinks on the boat at cost too, local beers often come in the form of Julbrew, that too tastes totally different and adds a proper, like, genuine feeling of being out there. A nice touch, indeed. Now, that said, bringing your own snacks, anyway it never goes a miss to keep hunger at bay. Alright?

Fishing Fun: Casting a Line

The fishing portion of the cruise, that really can be a bit hit or miss, to be honest. Sometimes the fish bite, yet sometimes, anyway, the fish just don’t cooperate. Boats are usually armed with very basic fishing gear – that, as I was saying, you should not be expecting professional level equipment. The crew will give you tips if they are nice. Very, very good. The thrill, mind you, is rather less in reeling in a big catch and a bit more in relaxing, as a matter of fact chilling out on the water, actually you just have a go and appreciate your time. Now, that being said, you might hook something, it might just be your lunch!

The people in Gambia seem to have a big respect for the River, just something to do with local traditions too, I assume. Which means anyway that fish are being respected as the fishing gets carried out, with the idea of keeping things nice. After all that makes good sense, innit?

Wildlife Sightings: Nature’s Show

One of the best bits regarding the Lazy Day Cruise has to be that you just see some wildlife. The Gambia River really is home to all sorts of animals, and the further you get out there, well the better the views get. Birds are pretty hard to miss – very colourful kingfishers, herons usually standing still in shallow water, also the occasional swooping pelican. Now, you’ve got a camera, bring it with you!

If your eyes are peeled, sometimes you might, like, even see monkeys chilling on the riverbanks or crocs getting some sun too. Clearly it pays to keep a lookout all the time to be sure, to be sure, so that you won’t miss those once-in-a-lifetime shots, right?

What to Bring: Being Prepared

So, really, here’s a brief bit about stuff you might like to bring with you for that trip, clearly. Number one would be sunscreen – now the sun on the river tends to feel stronger, anyway, as I was saying be sure to slather that lotion on liberally. Sunglasses really do help stop you squinting as well as, just to point out, actually a wide-brimmed hat for maximum protection. Don’t forget anyway your camera, especially the camera, because really there can be views and sightings that need recording. Also, anyway, a good book could be handy, just in case that fishing proves unsuccessful or actually if you like to read as you lie on deck. Some Gambian cash might just come in useful to purchase extra drinks, and also definitely something comfortable to wear – I’m thinking loose clothes, something airy. Of course, you’re aware you might get wet and so on.

Final thoughts

All in all, then, is the Gambia Lazy Day Cruise actually worth doing? It really could be if you fancy just spending some hours relaxing. Anyway it’s a far cry, I guess, from thrilling and is usually a mellow trip, with pretty views, perhaps some fishing, as a matter of fact some wildlife watching, right? This type of trip tends to suit people who like kicking back and getting, like, a taste of Gambia from another angle.

While your trip can vary depending on tour operator and weather conditions. Still if you do your due diligence and ask the questions. Then chances are the river could prove to be the highlight for a proper Gambian escape. All in all though, clearly, very worthwhile.