Mountain Lion Excursions Managing Travel, Tourism & Hospitality with a Cultural flair !! HERITAGE TOURISM AT ITS BEST
AIRLINE CONTRACTS * VISA & CONSULAR SERVICES * HOTELS * GUEST HOMES * INCENTIVE, MEDICAL & RELIGIOUS GROUP TRAVEL * EXECUTIVE MEET & ASSIST * GROUND TRANSPORTATION * Eco & SPECIALTY TOURS
FREETOWN | GAMBIA | DAKAR | MONROVIA
Banana Island Excursion
History, cultural heritage, flora !!
** NEW SEASON, NEW SCHEDULED TOURS **
THIS SEASON WE WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER SPEEDBOAT SERVICE, HOWEVER WE HAVE A 'NEW' MORE EFFICIENT AND LOCALLY BUILT AND CERTIFIED VESSEL. THIS OF COURSE ASSISTS US IN MAINTAINING SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT FOR HER LOCAL OWNERS, CREW AND SUPPORT STAFF.
************** HISTORY *********** October 1970 marked the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the occupation of Banana Islands as a FREEHOLD SETTLEMENT for the original descendants. The Banana Islands consists of two small Islands, Dublin (where we will land) and Rickett connected by a bridged piece of land (walkable during low tide).
The original owners were reported to be the Caulkers of Shebro when the British imagined a fitting place for soldiers (ex-slaves) of the American War of Independence who had fought on their side, to reside. After purchase by the Colonial Government the first settlers were taken there on October, 1820—thus the names George St, Abbott St and King’s yard. The unofficial history of this intriguing island will also surprise you. Join us as we investigate the story of pirates, those who sought them, the cannons they used, a limestone gravestone dating back to the 18th Century and majestic Anglican churches calling for attention (both in their historical significance & need for preservation).
The principle occupation on the island was farming and fishing. The lush vegetation will sure amaze you. Expect to see (within season) Mangos, breadfruit, grapefruit, kola nut, palm kernels (palm oil), pineapples, coconuts, YES BANANAS and much more---a once in a lifetime opportunity to touch and eat without chemical processing (provided courtesy of mother nature).
PRICE: $45-75 per Adult/$30-50 child (Variations based on land/sea package) Part of the proceeds this season will be donated to preservation and social projects being undertaken by the WEST AFRICAN METHODIST CHURCH, BANANA ISLANDS CIRCUIT(WAMC). --- TOUR INFORMATION ---
DURATION: 8:00AM-4.30PM FULL DAY INCLUSIONS: Transportation to & from Kent Village and 15MIN boat crossing OR direct service from Aberdeen area 1hr 30min crossing/full lunch with drinks/ snacks/guided historical tour & viewing marine, plant and wildlife/bird watching. Additional drinks and souvenirs available for purchase on the island.
OPTIONAL SIDE TRIPS: Snorkeling & Hooker Reef Diving/Fishing trip. BANANA ISLAND CHALET STAY- $50 sgl./$60 dbl./$70 tpl. (see additional information)
DRESS CODE SUGGESTED: Comfortable! Bring along swimming or snorkeling gear, walking shoes, change of clothes.
WARNINGS: 1.) STAY AWAY FROM THE LOCAL PALM WINE. 2.) IT'S MANDATORY THAT YOU RELAX AND HAVE FUN!
--------------------- Information: courtesy of SL National Museum, video and pictures by staff of Afrikasgems Tours/Mountain Lion Excursions & Banana Island Youth Association. ----- AFRIKASGEMS TOUR/MT. LION EXCURSIONS Tel: SL 22 230478/076813187/033488310 Tel: US 301-322-2762/fax 301-560-5287 email: gems1@mail.com
Date(s): updated Nov 20, 2007. Album by Mountain Lion Excursions. Photos by AfrikasGems/Mt.Lion Excursions. 1 - 42 of 42 Total. 3529 Visits.
1 Idealic view of Banana Islands from one of our take-off points near Kent Village. Trips organized by Mountain Lion Excursions (an Afrikasgems Tour affiliate) and in conjunction with local representatives of the Island.
2 Optional speedboat journey directly from the Cape Area(City of Freetown) available. Its about a 2hr ride along the coastline.
3 Although powered by an outboard motor, this is our most popular mode of transportation. The 20min journey with the local fishermen can prove to be an informative adventure.
4 Local boat, timed to arrive the same time as the speedboat.
5 Safety is key, so get comfortable and relax during the 20 minute crossing.
6 *** movie clip ****
7 The approach. Do the islands remind you of a banana?? We'll be learning all about this !
8 Arrival point at Shebro Wharf
9 Welcoming committee for Banana Island project at Shebro Wharf, a good starting point with its majestic & huge Cottonwood Tree (100s of years old)in the background.
10 Local fisherman
11 A natural bird sanctuary near the approach to Shebro wharf.
12 *** MOVIE CLIP, PLEASE ALLOW A FEW MOMENTS TO UPLOAD ***
13 Bird watching, another favourite pass time on the island.
14 Feel free to walk through the village of Dublin and hear stories from the past and present.
15 TRECKING AND DISCOVERY WALKS FOR ALL AGES
16 Canons from the BRITISH Royal Navy, dated 1813.
In the early 1800's at the request of merchants in West Africa and the 'Gold Coast' a squadron was sent to Banana Island in an attempt to wipe out the pirates.
17 Royal Navy Canon at Old Wharf firing point
18 One of the Canons located near the Old Wharf at Dublin. Look closely, 1813
19 Ruins of an old Anglican Church
20 Church bell at the old Anglican Church (dates back to early 1800)
21 Fresh water well dating back to the early Portuguese settlers. Still the primary source of drinking water. Notice the wrought iron lamp post that would have kept the area lit.
22 Portuguese lamp post that would have provided a navigational landmark near Shebro Wharf.
23 The old cemetary--Dublin.
The oldest (limestone)tombstone here is said to be that of captain Reid, dated 1712
24 Limestone Tombstone amidst the overgrown flora
25 We will also visit Poet Browne the second oldest resident of Banana Island and accomplished poet and recipient of a most prestigious award.
26 ** Before you leave the Islands you will learn about the abundant vegetation and flora **
kola nut
27 Palm kernels picked from the tree in preperation for various by-products (i.e. palm oil)
28 Mango Tree
29 Mata Odoe
skillfull food preparation
30 Big Sand Beach, Banana Island. This small beach is located on the other side of the island and offers a chance for swimming,waveboarding,or just relaxing while your fresh fish is being prepared.
31 Lunch anyone
32 Zion Church. One of the sites earmarked for renovation.
33 Zion church
34 Banana Island Chalets
'in the beginning...' October, 06
35 BANANA ISLAND CHALETS, DEC 06/Jan 07 Single $50,Double $60,Triple $70 Includes modern amenities,breakfast,tax and a guaranteed 'good time'.
36 KING WHARF (adjacent to Chalets)
37 -- Enjoy the tranquility? Then stay a night or till whenever --
We promise to check in on you once in a while.
38 Relax
39 Historical facts to think about.
During the 18th century the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) was to inspire 17 of his scholars to travel to distant corners of the world to document local nature and culture. Their travels covered all the continents, and they came to be known as THE LINNAEUS APOSTLES.
Banana Island is mentioned in many of the writings.
40 Banana Island Chalets
YOUR DESERVE THE PEACE AND QUITE
41 John Newton's ( Amazing Grace)exploits in the waters off Sierra Leone. He settled on Plaintain then Banana Island in 1745.
42 Henry Smeathman's role in discovering the rich botanical aspects of Banana Island 1773
