The Gambia

Understand

The Gambia essentially consists of the flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills — the highest point is just 53 m above sea level, and it is less than 50 km across at its widest point.

Get in

The Gambia is becoming a popular vacation destination for Northern Europeans. Therefore, many charter and holiday operators offer reasonable airfare and accommodation if desired.

thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of The Gambia thumb|upright=1.3|A beach in The Gambia

See

thumb|Entrance to Abuko Nature Reserve Abuko Nature Reserve outside the village of Lamin near Yundum, offers a good introduction to the Gambian wildlife. For instance there's monkeys, crocodiles and some 300 species of birds Bijilo Forest Park at Kokoli, has birds and monkeys. You can bribe the animals with peanuts for better photos. Makasutu Culture Forest in Brikama, is a 1000-ha reserve of mangroves, palm groves and savannahs with baboons, monkeys, birds and monitor lizards. Sanyang Beach, north of Gunjur, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Gambia. Public transport leaves from Serekunda and Brikama regularly, and private taxis can also be hired for day trips.

Do

thumb|Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool At Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool in Bakau you can touch West African Nile Crocodiles. Four Wheel Drive Adventure. Very popular tours visiting schools, country homes, and distilleries. "Roots" tour to Kunta Kinteh Island. You can go there on cruise up the centre of the wide Gambia river, towards the former French trading post of Albreda and the village of Juffureh. Views of the river bank are distant. Visit the setting of Roots, an old slave trade station. Tourists are overwhelmed by locals who appear only when the boat arrives, and disappear when the boat leaves. Locals are persistent in begging for money and thrusting craft items under tourists noses. Locals insist on being paid to appear in photos. Or you go by car, e.g. with the official tourist guides on the small roads on the North Bank and sail in a pirogue from Juffareh.

Eat

Benachin or Jollof rice — a traditional West African rice dish with onions, spices, tomatoes or tomato paste mixed with meat, fish or vegetables. Chicken Yassa — chicken boiled with onion, black pepper and lime or lemon. Domoda — meat stew with rice and peanut butter sauce. Lots and lots of peanuts, the main crop of The Gambia.

Drink

Gambia's own beer, Julbrew is worth a try. It's made by Banjul Breweries, who also make soft drinks. Palm Wine is juice from palm trees that is collected and fermented. It is used as a kind of wine by the locals, and you may get a chance to try it if you go on a tour to rural The Gambia. Baobab juice

thumb|Baobab fruit

Sleep

There are many luxury 4- and 5-star resorts along the Atlantic coastline. Further in land there are eco camps and lodges which offer basic accommodation usually in natural surroundings.

Stay safe

thumb|typical craft shop thumb|Batik at the Brikama Market

There are a number of very commonly used scams in The Gambia. If someone stops you on the street, they may tell you that they remember you from the hotel you're staying at and that they work there. They may invite you to another hotel, but this could be a scam to attempt to rob you. Also, because people are constantly looking for ways to support themselves, if they offer you assistance or directions, it may be understood that they expect some monetary compensation.

Sadly, many Gambian military have an unfavorable view of Brits (sometimes white people in general) and can be extremely racist. Expect it especially at border crossings as you will almost always be asked to pay to have your passport stamped and receive more than a few insults aimed at not only your country but also yourself when you refuse to pay. As always, do NOT pay any bribes as you're only making the problem worse, not just for tourists but the locals that are already struggling to fight the rampant corruption. Absolutely do not mention calling an embassy as this will only enrage them and start another string of abuse, as your embassy has no control over them and they hate the thought of it. If you've made friends with a Gambian they might possibly be able to help but as The Gambia is seen as one of the most repressive countries in Africa, they may be putting themselves at risk of punishment - so don't get annoyed if you're not assisted.

Scams also …

Stay healthy

Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended. Meningitis vaccination is recommended. Anti-malaria pills are also necessary. Most cases of malaria in The Gambia are contracted between June and December. Mefloquine, Doxycycline or Malarone are the medicines of choice for The Gambia, and for most of sub-Saharan Africa, because of the increasing chloroquine resistance.

It is a good idea to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and other health items from your home country since these may be hard to find in some areas.

Residents say the tap water is drinkable, but for travelers bottled or boiled water is advised, because you may get sick from the different minerals and microbes in the water.

Respect

Always ask before you take a photo of anyone. Some Gambians have certain beliefs about having their picture taken, in particular by a stranger.