African Adventures is excited to announce our newest destination, The Gambia, a small West African nation with huge potential for positive change.
From the Founder….
When I set up African Adventures, the mission was simple: connect people with communities most in need and create experiences that change lives in the UK and Africa.
Over the years, we’ve built something I am so proud of. Until now, we have been working with 34 partner schools across Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar. These schools are growing and are providing an increasingly better education to students across Africa. Thousands of UK volunteers have contributed to this change, and come home with a new outlook on the world after their volunteering experience.
Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share the next step in that journey. African Adventures is launching in The Gambia!
Why The Gambia?
The Gambia is Africa’s smallest mainland country, nestled along the banks of the Gambia River and bordered on three sides by Senegal. Known affectionately as ‘The Smiling Coast of Africa’, it’s a country of rich culture, extraordinary hospitality, and communities that are determinedly building a better future for the next generation.
However, that future needs support. Access to quality education remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Gambian communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Schools are often under-resourced, classrooms are crowded, and teachers are doing remarkable work with far too little. That’s precisely where our volunteers make a real difference, and it’s precisely why we chose The Gambia as our next destination.
“African Adventures now partners with 50 partner schools across five programmes in four countries.”
Our six new partner schools
We’ve spent months on the ground meeting head teachers, sitting in classrooms, and listening to communities. Now, we have partnerships with six schools in The Gambia – each chosen for dedicated leadership, genuine need, and a community ready to welcome our volunteers.
We have also worked with The Gambia’s Ministry of Education to support its strategy for young Gambians and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the framework for our work.
Dave Tuck, African Adventures’ COO, pictured with Mr. Musa Bah, Director Region 2, Baboucarr Jobe, African Adventures’ Project Coordinator, and Buba Manneh, Deputy Director Region 2.
These, like our schools in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar, are long-term relationships. We’re here to make a lasting difference. That takes time, trust, and commitment from both sides.
What our volunteers will experience
The Gambia offers something truly special. Volunteers work with local teachers in classrooms. They support English-language learning, literacy, sport, and enrichment activities that pupils would otherwise not have access to. Beyond school, they experience one of West Africa’s most welcoming cultures: a country alive with music, storytelling, colour, and community.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or heading to Africa for the very first time, The Gambia will stay with you long after you’re back home. That’s the African Adventures experience, and it’s one we’ve been proud to deliver, school by school, country by country, since we started.
The Gambia can also offer incredible tours and activities to choose from on weekends, whilst schools are closed. Find out more here.
Come and join us
I am excited to share that trips to The Gambia can be booked from today for travel in January 2027 and beyond.
If you’re ready to volunteer, or if you’re seeking a new adventure after travelling with us before, now is the time to make The Gambia your next destination. Book your place and be part of this exciting new chapter.
The Smiling Coast is waiting for you. Come and see why.
With real excitement!
Dan Mew
Founder & CEO, African Adventures
Dan with Baboucarr, our Project Coordinator.
