The Gambia Tour - February 1-10 2011 - Black History Month

Cultural Arts and Educational Tours to Africa

The Gambia West Africa

“Release the Shackles, Re-connect with Africa”

February 1-4, 2011 African Drum and Dance Classes, February 4-8, 2011 “Roots Festival”

Accommodations, meals , RT Air from JFK

(If in Dakar, will road trip it to The Gambia)

All African drum and dance group classes are included

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Arrive in the Gambia West Africa. Accommodations' at the G B Hotel, Beach side hotel. Settle in before walking tour within the community. Get fitted for costume. Meet & Greet Reception with Arts and Community Representatives. Evening African dance class.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Enjoy African dance-drum-song classes beach-side. Rehearse short African dance presentation for opening of “Release the Shackles, Re-connect with Africa” Meet by the campfire at night.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Arrive back at G B Hotel. Enjoy African dance-drum-song classes. Visit the market of Serekunda and Banjul; fabric, art-work, musical instruments (custom-designed). Rehearse/Tech short African dance presentation for opening of “Release the Shackles, Re-connect with Africa”.

Friday, February 4, 2011

African dance-drum-song classes, “Release the Shackles” Black History Month 1st day of programming; Kairaba Beach Hotel, Kololi, 7-9 pm; Food, local drinks, cultural extravaganza.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

“Release the Shackles” Black History Month Programming. Banjul Carnival and Official Opening of festival; 22 July Square, Banjul 10am-2pm; Carnival procession in the streets of Banjul, Dance troupes, Drum Symphony.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Participate in African dance-drum-song classes. “Release the Shackles” Black History Month Programming. Roots pilgrimage to Juffureh: Land of Kunta Kinteh; Albreda/Juffureh—Upper Niumi, NBR 8 am *Film Night / Symposium, Jerma Beach Hotel - Kololi 8:30 am.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Participate in African dance-drum-song classes. “Release the Shackles” Black History Month Programming. Excursion to Eco-Tourism and cultural centers. Banjul, Nat’l Museum of The Gambia; Bakau, Kachikally Crocodile Pool; Bijilo, Bijilo Monkey Park; Tanji, Tanji Fishing Centre and Batokunku; Mama Africa Women’s Museum.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Futampaf (Rites of Passage), Kanilai, 8 am, Futampaf dances and Songs, wrestling contest.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Customized for you-by you. Officially the last day of the tour. But you can make arrangements to stay later. Optional visits; Schools, SOS Orphanage, Banjul City Tour and the National Museum of The Gambia.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Makasutu Cultural Forest.