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Holidays in Gambia

Gambia Main Guide | Places to visit | Things to do

Gambia (more correctly Republic of the Gambia, or just The Gambia) is a small nation located on the west coast of Africa. The capital is Banjul, a city of some 45,000 people. The population is predominantly Muslim (about 85%) with most of the remainder following Christian or Animist beliefs.

The Gambia has a short coastline on the Atlantic. Most of the nation lies on a long thin strip of land flanking the Gambia River. The climate is subtropical, with dry (November to May) and rainy (June to October) seasons. It is generally hotter inland, away from the coastal region. Light, casual clothing is acceptable under most conditions, though beachwear is really only appropriate at the beach.

The terrain is mostly flood plain along the Gambia River, with mangrove swamps and low hills in some areas. The lower reaches of the river are flanked by tropical forest. There are forests of other types including mahogany and rosewood away from the river.

The nation achieved independence from the UK in 1965, but retains many British influences. English is the official language of The Gambia, though several local languages are also spoken. Tourism is very important to the economy, along with agriculture.

West Africa has a reputation for being unsettled, but for the most part The Gambia is a safe place to visit. Travelling to Casamance in Senegal by road is inadvisable due to banditry. However most visitors are more likely to encounter hazards from wayward local driving than deliberate violence.

Cruises on the River Gambia are popular. Many operations are quite lavish, with meals aboard the vessel and possibly a live band. There is no regular transport service using the river, but bus services are reliable, if crowded. As an alternative there are 'bush' taxis which will take you anywhere in the country (agree the fare in advance). Car and bike hire are also available.

The Gambia's hotels cater mainly to package tours and tend to be very busy in the high season (November to May). Most hotels belong to The Gambia Hotel Association and have good facilities including bars, restaurants, swimming pools and sports facilities. Most major hotels are located in the capital, with smaller (and usually less well-appointed) establishments elsewhere in the country.

Food and Drink

Western food is easy to find in The Gambia. Some restaurants also serve traditional Gambian food. This includes Base Nyebe, a beef or chicken stew; Domodah, a dish of rice and meat stewed in groundnut puree; and Benachin, which is spiced meat and rice with vegetables. Food is, on the whole, fairly inexpensive.

Tropical fruits are readily available to eat or juiced. Although much of the country follows Islam, alcohol is also easily available.

Gambia Facts At A Glance

Area: 11,300 km 2

Climate: Tropical. Hot and rainy June to November, cooler and drier November to May

Terrain: Flood plain and hills

Population: 1.6 Million

Languages: English, Mandinka, Wolof, Fula and others

Currency: Dalasi (GMD)

Time Zone: GMT -3 hours

International Dialling Code: +220

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Places to visit

The capital, Banjul, will reward leisurely exploration. Many elegant building survive from the colonial period of the 19 th century. The nightlife is not particularly lively, though there are a few clubs in the capital and some of the larger towns. If you like traditional handicrafts, there is an excellent craft market in Banjul. Among the goods on offer are jewellery, carvings and handbags made by local craftsmen.

The ruins of St James Fort stand as a reminder of the region’s colonial past. Built by the Germans in 1651 on an island in the river, the fort was an important trading centre for four centuries. Occupied by various powers and blown up on one occasion, the fort is part of The Gambia’s colourful history.

The Gambia has retained much of its traditional culture despite colonial influences. You can see displays of traditional dance and music, and sometimes other activities such as fire-eating, in the capital and other towns.

Alternatively, the Gambia National Museum will let you learn about the nation and its culture in a more academic fashion. Exhibits date from the early stone age, right up to the present day. The museum’s archaeology section deals with early human origins, while the history section presents a fascinating picture of the migrations of various peoples in the region.

Things to do

The coastal region offers a range of watersports including surfing, windsurfing and water-skiing. There is a sailing club at Banjul, or you can take a sea-angling trip if you prefer. The fishing is also good from the beaches or in the river.

The Gambia has a good golf course at Fajara, which hosts an international tournament each year. Cricket and football are also popular, with many local teams competing against one another. For something a bit more physical, wrestling is traditionally the national sport of The Gambia. Contests are organised in most villages and towns. The local sport of Bouts is also played at weekends in some areas.

Away from the sporting arena, The Gambia is a haven for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. Birdwatching tours run from a number of safari lodges in the coastal region, and aboard boats on the river. The Abuko Nature Reserve is also worth a visit. The reserve is dedicated to conservation as well as observation, with the animals living wild in their natural habitats. It has crocodiles plus monkeys and many species of birds.

In a similar vein is the Kiang West National Park. The largest of Gambia’s parks, KWNP contains forest, mangrove swamp and savannah and is home to hundreds of species of animals and birds including antelope, bushpigs and crocodiles.