Tumani Tenda offers a whole range of interesting and fascinating activities for the visitor.

HISTORY TALK - (D25 per person) This is a one hour-long talk about Jolla culture. It gives a unique description of the history of the Jolla people in Senegal and Gambia region. The Jolla's have over the centuries developed particular family structures and social community traditions.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE - (price TBA) Experience one of the traditional ceremonies and watch the villagers enact a play about one of the following different traditional ceremonies that are carried out in the life of Tumani Tenda, including the Naming Ceremony, Marriage Ceremony and Initiation for boys and girls.

LOCAL CUSINE COOKING LESSON - (D25) Learn how to cook the infamous delicious dishes made from freshly grown produce of Tumani Tenda. Vegetarians are also catered for from a wide selection of locally grown organic vegetables. The women will be happy to demonstrate the skills required to cook on log fire.

FARMING TOUR - (D50 per person or D200 for a group of 4+) This tour explains the different methods of farming used in the subsistence life of the community. Information will be given on the different crops grown and the process of preparation, planting, growing and cultivation. If you want to try some Gambian methods of farming there is an opportunity to experience some hands-on work in the fields. The typical farming calendar is as follows: from October to December is preparation of the fields; January to June is harvesting and gardening of groundnuts and rice; July to September is planting, ploughing, cleaning and preparing the fields.

HORTICULTURAL GARDEN TOUR - (D50 per person or D200 for a group of 4+) Visitors are invited to take a tour of the bountiful garden and discover the vast variety of vegetables, fruits and salads that are grown in the village community garden.

EXPERIENCE LIFE IN AN AFRICAN FAMILY - This is an opportunity to spend the day with one of the village families at Tumani Tenda. Donations greatly received.

CANOE TRIP ON THE BALONG - (D200, max 5 people per canoe) Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing boat trip in the calm waters of Balong. Learn how to collect oysters from the mangroves or learn how to fish from the canoes. There is also plentiful bird life along the waters edge and in the mangroves. If you are keen to know how to row the dug-out canoes then ask for a demonstration.

COW CART SAFARI - (D200 per cart) Explore the forest and surrounding areas in true rural style.

TREE PLANTING - (D10) This is an opportunity to support forestry preservation and plant a tree in memory of your visit. Visitors are encouraged to return to Tumani Tenda and see how their tree has grown.

VILLAGE TOUR - (D200 for a group of 4+) This consists of a tour of the village community development projects in order to understand the structure of the village. This includes the schools, the poultry and the women's project.

COMMUNITY FOREST TOUR – (D200 for a group OF 4+) This tour consists of a walk into the forest and a talk about the history of the forest and its wealth of herbal medicines that it provides for the village. A guidebook is available (D10) for details about all the species of trees inside the forest.

OYSTER COLLECTION – (D200 max 5 persons) Oysters are a staple part of the village diet as well as a versatile building material for plastering and white washing. The oysters are found on the roots of mangroves situated out on the river. So this trip encompasses a peaceful journey out into the calm waters of the balong in dugout canoes. A demonstration will be given on how to collect oysters from the mangroves.

FISHING SESSION - (D200 per canoe) Experience net fishing on the Balong and see whether you can catch some barracuda, ladyfish or tilapia.

BIRDWATCHING and WILDLIFE TRIP - (D50 per person or D200 for a group of 4+) A guidebook is available (D10) detailing all the birds and wildlife, which the visitor can expect to see at Tumani Tenda.

SALT MAKING WORKSHOP - (D100 per group) Experience the fascinating methods used to make salt from the river. 

SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP - (D100 per group) Experience the economical methods for making soap.

BATIK/TYE AND DYE WORKSHOP – (D50 per person or D200 for a group of 4+) Learn how to do this beautiful art which produces bright and colourful designs on fabric. If you have a piece of clothing or material you would like to dye then bring this along or you can purchase material from the village for a small charge. 

VISIT TO THE BEEKEPERS – (D10 per person) This activity gives an opportunity to see the village beekeeping project and also purchase a variety of products made form beeswax, including candles, honeycomb and honey body cream moisturizer.

JOLLA DANCING AND SINGING - (D500). Join in or watch the women dance and sing the amazing rhythms of Jolla music.