We are the voice for responsible volunteering and eco-, rural- and community-based travel in The Gambia.
The Sustainable Tourism Program in the village of Kerewan Samba Sira in The Gambia combines cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and the development of local tourism. Volunteers support the enhancement of a local museum that showcases the life of two ethnic groups — the Fula and the Mandinka — and help develop authentic tourism experiences based on respect for nature and tradition.
As a volunteer, you will contribute to preserving cultural heritage and developing sustainable tourism. You will assist in updating the museum exhibition, collect objects, photographs, and stories, and support villagers and schools in creating new tourism activities such as traditional craft workshops, environmental initiatives, and local guided experiences.
local cultural centers, schools, and creative collectives in The Gambia
Various locations in The Gambia
Mon–Fri, 09:00–14:00
Study Visit / Voluntary Work / Group Expedition
Open year-round
Minimum 2 weeks; maximum duration is not limited.
The project connects museum work, local tourism, and environmental initiatives. The museum presents everyday life, traditions, and handmade crafts of the Fula and Mandinka communities. The project also includes developing sustainable tourism routes and workshops for visitors.
Your contribution helps preserve local culture and share it with visitors in a respectful way. Through your work, you support the community in creating new opportunities for sustainable income, increase interest in local crafts, and promote environmentally responsible tourism that benefits both people and nature.
Bring lightweight clothing, suitable footwear, sun and mosquito protection, and basic technical equipment (camera, notebook, voice recorder). Living conditions are simple — there is no hot water or stable internet. We recommend a local SIM card, flashlight, and power bank. Please respect local customs and religious practices.
This program is ideal for anyone interested in culture, history, art, sustainable development, and tourism. It welcomes students of humanities, ethnology, cultural heritage, tourism, and environmental studies, as well as anyone wishing to contribute to preserving community identity.
As a volunteer, you will:
• carry out ethnographic research and collect objects, stories, and photographs,
• assist in organizing the museum space and preparing descriptions of exhibited items,
• help coordinate tourist visits and workshops,
• support the training of local guides,
• develop proposals for promoting sustainable tourism,
• support workshops of traditional skills (weaving, spinning, etc.).
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the volunteer coordinator. After a short introduction in Kololi, you will travel by public transport to the village of Kerewan Samba Sira. There, the village chief and local coordinator will introduce you to the work and present the weekly activity plan.
In the end: a reflection of your experience and, if desired, a volunteer certificate.
To preserve cultural heritage, strengthen local tourism, and create new employment opportunities. The program connects tradition, sustainability, and development, helping the community build its future using its own resources.
Every volunteer is encouraged to contribute to fundraising efforts. With minimal effort, it is usually possible to raise at least €250, which is used to improve museum equipment and materials, train local guides, develop tourism routes and workshops, and support other village projects.
Click HERE to learn everything you need to know—in one place—about how volunteering with us works and how to prepare.
This can’t be started differently than to say that the experience was amazing, and it truly warmed my heart. If you are thinking of going to The Gambia as a volunteer, don’t wait any longer – just go for it. You won’t regret it. I know I should start at the beginning, so I’ll go back now.