Day 1 - The Adventure Begins!

The adventure began long before sunrise. At around 1am, pupils departed school, setting off on their journey with a mix of excitement and sleepy anticipation.

After navigating check-in and security, there was just enough time to recharge with a quick breakfast before boarding. As the plane lifted, the route carried them west before curving south, passing over the Channel Islands and stretching across the skies of Spain and Portugal. Soon after, they crossed the Atlantic and entered African airspace, following the dramatic west coast of the continent.

Just over six hours later, the descent into Banjul began. Stepping off the plane, they were welcomed by a warm evening temperature of 26°C — a clear sign they had arrived somewhere very different.

The evening was spent settling into the hotel, with pupils already impressed by what was quickly dubbed “the biggest swimming pool in The Gambia.” With excitement building for what lies ahead, an early night was in order—tomorrow marks their first full day in The Gambia!