Jamali Ganyado
"The Village of the Giraffe"
Jamali is a Fula agricultural village on the north bank of the River Gambia, known for its traditional architecture and strong farming culture. The village name, Jamali, is said to mean giraffe, a story shared locally and passed down through generations.
Lamin Koto
Jamali
Arrival and Welcome
Visitors are welcomed with traditional music, setting the tone for a day shaped by community life rather than performance. The sound of the Fulani riti, a one-stringed instrument made from natural materials, introduces a living musical tradition that visitors can learn about —
and sometimes try — during the visit.
Village History and Daily Life
The Alkalo (village chief) shares the history of Jamali, with interpretation provided by a trained local guide. As you walk through the village, you see traditional homes and learn how community life is organised around family, farming, and shared spaces.
Your guide for the tour is Wuri Bah, a locally trained guide who supports communication between visitors and hosts while ensuring the visit remains respectful and welcoming.
Craft and Skill Sharing
A visit to a local wood carver offers insight into an ancient craft passed down through generations. Visitors can try carving a traditional bowl using handmade tools, with the option to purchase locally made items as a personal memento of the visit.
Women's Cooperative Garden
The tour continues to the women’s cooperative organic garden, where visitors learn about local agriculture and food production.
Guests may help with simple tasks such as, watering crops,
or ploughing, gaining a practical understanding of daily village work.
Preparing Grandma's Porridge
Back at the bantaba, visitors take part in preparing traditional grandma’s porridge. Peanuts are pounded by hand, mixed with rice and soured milk, and cooked in a communal kitchen, reducing the need for individual fires in family compounds. The meal is shared using a calabash spoon and a hand-carved bowl, bringing the day together through food and conversation.
Travel and Environment
The Jamali journeys form part of the experience.
Visitors travel sustainably by ferry between Janjanbureh and Lamin Koto, on the north bank,
then continue through open countryside by horse and cart,
keeping environmental impact low while supporting local livelihoods.
Closing the Visit
The day often ends with music and movement, as your guide invites visitors to join in simple dancing — a shared moment rather than a staged performanc
