How Volunteering Works
Everything you need to know—in one place—about how volunteering with us works and how to prepare.
We’re a local humanitarian host organisation working with partner NGOs and trusted local providers. This isn’t an all-inclusive tour; you’ll handle most travel logistics. The good news: our international coordinators are on the ground year-round to guide you before you arrive and support you throughout your stay. Follow the steps below to get ready.
Application & Support
Once you’ve chosen your program, dates, and duration, apply via the application form. Our coordinators will invite you to a short video call and share pre-departure information. Coordinators are based in The Gambia and available on WhatsApp for ongoing support. Depending on your program, we may ask for a CV, proof of education/qualifications, and a basic background check.
Volunteer Pass – 150€
To secure your placement and ongoing support, payment of the Program Fee is required. This contribution helps us prepare you properly before you travel and look after you throughout your stay.
What the fee includes: pre-departure support; airport greeting (transport fee is not included), project orientation; two volunteer T-shirts; in-country support; 24-hour coordinator support; certificate (issued on request upon successful completion).
What the fee does not include: airport pickup/airport drop-off; flights; vaccinations; visas; insurance; local transport; most meals (if accommodation is self-catering); personal expenses.
Age Requirement
Our program is for anyone 18 years and above who loves service above self and social experiences with people from all over the world. We also accept volunteers of 15+ years of age if they are in a group with a guardian or supervisor above 18years. Volunteers under 15 years old are only considered when accompanied by a parent/guardian. There isn’t a maximum age limit, though a reasonable fitness level is necessary. Families are encouraged to apply and are welcome!
Visas
Visitors to The Gambia require a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. For EU countries, visa on arrival is available and visitors can stay for up to 28 days with this visa. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Check VISA and entry conditions HERE.
Travel Health & Safety
Consult a travel clinic in advance. The Gambia is malaria-endemic. A yellow fever vaccine is mandatory if arriving from a risk country; commonly recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A/B, tetanus, typhoid, and meningitis (follow medical advice). Carry travel/medical insurance valid in The Gambia. Pack basic medicines, mosquito repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, light/modest clothing, and a refillable bottle. Sleep under a mosquito net, practise food and water hygiene, and seek medical care promptly if you develop fever during or after travel.
Flights (Banjul International Airport – BJL)
Seek for flights arriving at Banjul International Airport (Yundum, BJL). Major airlines include Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, TAP Portugal, ASKY Airlines, Vueling, Royal Air Maroc, TUI, and others—usually via Europe or West/North Africa. Use comparison sites (e.g., Skyscanner, Expedia, Kiwi) to research, but book directly with the airline where possible. Check baggage allowances, taxes, and fare rules. If you can, keep your itinerary with one airline/alliance to simplify rebooking after delays. When you arrive at Banjul, our team will meet you there.
Arrival & Airport Pickup
After you book flights to Banjul, inform our volunteer coordinator about exact arrival date and time, so a Volunteer Trails member will meet you at arrivals.
Orientation
Orientation and placement happen the next day. Orientation covers: SIM card setup, local shops/supermarket, beach and public transport basics, money exchange, accommodation rules, free-time options, and T-shirt distribution. On your first workday, a coordinator accompanies you by public transport and introduces you to the project lead for a handover on mission, expectations, and community/site introduction.
Volunteer Accommodation
During your volunteer work in Gambia, you can choose accommodation that fits your needs and budget. There are friendly and affordable options available, as well as a wide selection of 3- to 5-star hotels. We can assist you in choosing the right accommodation, or you may book it independently.
Through a local partner, we can help you reserve accommodation that ensures safety—both from potential theft or break-ins and from illnesses common in this region. In our opinion, living conditions should be similar to those you are used to in Europe. After all, this trip is also your holiday, and it is advisable that you sleep and live in conditions that feel comfortable for you.
A complete prevention of all risks is not possible; however, in the “better” and more tourist-developed areas, both hygiene and safety are at a significantly higher level. Access to electricity, internet, water, and sanitation is also better compared to poorer regions with less acceptable living conditions. This, of course, means that prices for improved living standards will be higher.
The choice of accommodation depends on the work location and the program you select. Most programs take place in coastal areas, where there are many accommodation options available—from apartments and holiday homes to hotels. For programs located further inland, accommodation options are limited, and lodging with local hosts is provided (Gunjur, Abuko, Kerewan Samba Sira, Njau).
Conditions with local hosts are not entirely basic, but they are not at the level of European standards. Typically, you will have your own room with separate toilet facilities, and bedding, towels, and a mosquito net are provided. Hot water and Wi-Fi are generally not available. Accommodation with local families starts at 1000 GMD and usually includes local meals.
For some programs, a homestay managed by the local coordinating team is the only option. Conditions are basic; hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are normally not available. You will have your own room, most likely with a private bathroom.
- GUNJUR: 1,100 GMD (accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner – local food)
- NJAU: 900 GMD (accommodation, breakfast, lunch)
- KEREWAN SAMBA SIRA: 1,000 GMD (accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner)
For all other programs, you can choose tourist accommodation (hotel, holiday home, apartment) depending on your requirements, your estimated budget, and our recommendations regarding safety and distance from your work location. We assist with finding accommodation through local tourism providers.
Prices are indicative and may change; we’ll confirm current rates during placement.
Donations
As part of joining Volunteer Trails, each volunteer is encouraged to raise at least €250 to support the activities of the programme where they will be placed. Because we are a non-profit, all donations go directly into our projects, and together we’ll discuss how your contribution will best support the work you’ll be involved in—whether that’s education, skills training, community development, conservation, or another local initiative. Fundraising can be fun and meaningful: many volunteers invite family and friends to contribute, create online campaigns, host events, or organise workshops and sales. We’ll gladly provide tips and promotional materials to help, and past volunteers have often raised far beyond the minimum through creative efforts. While material donations are also possible, we encourage buying supplies locally to support the Gambian economy. Donations can be transferred by bank or PayPal, or brought in cash, and we keep things transparent by sharing updates online so you and your supporters can see the difference your efforts make.
Weekends & Free Time
Over the weekends or evenings, participants are free to eat out and explore the different delights that The Gambia has to offer. We arrange city day tours and long-weekend excursions. No matter what your interests, there is always something for everyone to enjoy!
Group Volunteer Trips
Prefer company? Join our scheduled group departures or propose a school/university group. We’ll align dates, roles, and logistics to suit your team.
Long-Term Volunteering
Thinking of staying longer? Message us. We’ll advise on timing, packing, extra health precautions, visas, and day-to-day logistics.
Application Overview and Travel Schedule
JANUARY 2026
Jan 26 – Feb 9, 2026 – WINTER CAMP I 2026 – Applications closed
FEBRUARY 2026
Feb 12 – Feb 22, 2026 – Study Visit and Volunteering in the Field of Education – Applications closed
Feb 19 – Mar 1, 2026 – Study Visit and Volunteering in the Field of Education – Applications closed
MARCH 2026
Mar 19 – Apr 3, 2026 – Confirmed individual arrivals
APRIL 2026
Apr 25 – May 9, 2026 – SPRING CAMP 2026
Apr 26 – May 4, 2026 – TREASURES OF THE GAMBIA & HOLIDAYS (Palma)
MAY 2026
Apr 25 – May 9, 2026 – SPRING CAMP 2026
May 24 – Jun 1, 2026 – TREASURES OF THE GAMBIA & HOLIDAYS (Palma)
May 24 – Jun 5, 2026 – Confirmed individual arrivals
JUNE 2026
Jun 20 – Jul 11, 2026 – PRE-SUMMER CAMP 2026
JULY 2026
SUMMER CAMP – FIRST TERM:
Jul 18 – Aug 1, 2026 or longer
AUGUST 2026
SUMMER CAMP – SECOND TERM:
Aug 1 – Aug 15, 2026 or longer
SUMMER CAMP – THIRD TERM:
Aug 15 – Aug 29, 2026 or longer
SEPTEMBER 2026
SUMMER CAMP – FOURTH TERM:
Aug 29 – Sep 12, 2026 or longer
SUMMER CAMP – FIFTH TERM:
Sep 11 – Sep 26, 2026 or longer
OCTOBER 2026
Oct 24 – Nov 7, 2026 – AUTUMN CAMP 2026
Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2026 – TREASURES OF THE GAMBIA & HOLIDAYS (Palma)
NOVEMBER 2026
Nov 14 – Nov 28, 2026 – WINTER CAMP III 2026
Nov 26 – Dec 20, 2026 – Confirmed individual arrivals
DECEMBER 2026
Dec 19, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 – NEW YEAR CAMP 2026–27
You can travel to The Gambia at any time of the year; however, during the 30-day fasting period from 17 February to 9 March 2026, our activities are adjusted.
You can also extend or shorten your stay, or shift your dates by a day or two — just make sure to arrange this with us in advance so we can check availability.
The difference between individual and group departures is simply that group programs include a larger number of volunteers, and activities and excursions are carried out as a group.
If you need help choosing your travel dates, feel free to contact us at any time.
For available spots, write to us at info@volunteertrails.com.