The hidden gem of Africa
Tucked in the western corner of the African continent, The Gambia is a small but beautiful holiday destination beside the Atlantic Ocean. This former British colony achieved independence in 1965 and since then, its natural beauty and well-preserved culture have steadily attracted visitors.
In The Gambia, you’ll find a superb blend of the sun, sand and the sea. Visit villages such as Brufut and Kololi to relax on pristine beaches carpeted with soft white sand. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the The Gambia River or go on a bird-watching trip in the forests near Bijilo and Cape Point.
Explore the unique traditions of African culture in the vibrant fish and craft markets near Kotu. The Gambian nightlife is a vibrant affair and the annual calendar is packed with colourful festivals featuring the age-old practice of wrestling, tribal dance and music and a taste of authentic local cuisine. For a nation so small, The Gambia offers innumerable delights indeed.
FAQ
How can I get around the city?
The national bus service in The Gambia is irregular and taxis are the best way of transportation. Car rental facilities are available from various agencies. There are also water taxi services along the river between the port cities.
Where can I change money?
The Foreign Exchange Bureaus are good options for exchanging currency in The Gambia and their service is available in the major cities.
Is tipping required?
A small tip of around 7 to 10 percent of the bill amount is normal at restaurants. For the hotel staff, you can tip a small amount at the time of checking out. Tipping taxi drivers is not the custom unless they have provided exceptional service.
Is smoking allowed in restaurants and bars?
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor workplaces and public places.
Useful Information
Time Zone
The Gambia follows GMT throughout the year.
Language
There are a diverse range of languages spoken in The Gambia, including at least 10 different ones from the various ethnic groups. English is widely understood and a dialect of The Gambian-English is commonly used in most regions.
Currency
The currency used in The Gambia is Dalasi. Coins of 25, 50 and 1 dalasi are available, along with banknotes of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 Dalasis. The currency system is mostly cash based but debit and credit cards are accepted at major establishments.
Electricity
The standard electrical supply in The Gambia is 230 volts, 50 Hz. The power points and sockets used are of plug type G.
Business Hours
Most government and private business centres are open from Monday to Saturday. The business hours for shops vary but in touristy areas, the shops generally remain open from 8.00 to 18.00 hours.
National Holidays
Apart from Christmas, Good Friday, May Day and Eid Ul Fitr, the other public holidays include The New Year, Independence Day (18th February), Africa Day (25th May) and Revolution Day (22nd July).
Sites of Interest
There are plenty of spots to visit in The Gambia. The beaches are a primary destination but there are also beautiful nature reserves to explore. The river cruises are ideal for exploring nature at close range while trips to a few other places open a window into the colonial past. Walk through some of the fishing villages to take a close look at the life of the fishermen or capture the diverse range of wildlife through your camera lenses.
Abuko Nature Reserve
Formed in the 1960s, this is the first nature reserve of the country and ideal for wildlife lovers. The whole area is rich with wildlife and species like the antelope, porcupine, African palm civets and crocodiles are found in plenty. It is also home to more than 300 varieties of birds.
Tanji
This fishing village is the perfect spot to witness the life of the local fishermen as they take their boats out to the sea. The town also has some lovely beaches and a nearby bird reserve. Take a trip to the village museum to learn about the local traditions or opt for a camel safari along the beach to have some fun. All in all, its a great choice for a wide range of activities.
Wassu Stone Circles
A piece of heritage
These circular shaped stones and monoliths puzzled archaeologists for many years. Multiple excavations revealed relics like various types of weapons, pottery vessels and bronze ornaments. Now, the area is believed to be the burial ground for kings and chieftains from a period between 750-1000 AD. The spot was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
James Island
A chapter from the past
James Island was the last piece of African soil that many slaves saw, before they were transported via the ships to America. It was the first British outpost in West Africa and contains the ruins of an old British fort. Currently, the island is subject to erosion from the sea but it still contains some remnants from the past days of slave trading.
Bijilo Forest Park
A charming little reserve
Though small in size, this park has a fascinating landscape comprising forests, scrublands and sand dunes. The well-laid footpaths make this reserve a great place for enjoying a nature hike. The forests are the habitat of various species of monkeys like the Vervet Monkeys, Western Red Colobus Monkeys, Callithrix Monkey, Campbell’s Mona Monkey and others. It is also known as the “Monkey Park.”
Janjangbureh
A town with colonial heritage
This town located on Maccarthy Island in the Gambia River was an old colonial administrative centre. Visit the old commissioner’s house which is over 200 years old. There are plenty of activities around the town to keep you busy—river cruises, fishing and bird watching are some exciting options.
Sanyang Village
A village of immense beauty
A sleepy little village with some great beaches around it, Sanyang is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. The beaches with golden sands surrounded by mangrove forests offer good options for enjoying nature walks. There is also the bustling fish market, an ideal spot to explore the local way of life.
The Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Up close with the reptiles
Located in Bakau, this pool covers an area of nine acres. The waters are considered sacred by the locals and said to have healing powers. The area also has a museum, nature trails and a mini-bar. There are about 80 crocodiles in this pool.
Best Experiences
The Gambia has plenty of experiences to offer for every kind of traveller. The activities range from relaxing walks on the beaches to exciting angling sessions on the river. The various local markets are definitely a must-visit for enjoying the ambience. Photographers will be delighted with the bird-watching opportunities in the nature reserves and on the river.
Cycling
A cycling trip through the cities and villages is a good way to get in touch with the local culture. Cycles are available for rent at reasonable prices from most hotels. You can ride on the beaches, enjoy the remnants of colonial architecture in the towns and through the markets that bustle with activity.
Bird Watching
Gambia has more than 540 species of birds including some unique ones like the Ruby–throated Bee-eaters and the Mouse-brown Sunbird. There are exclusive tours through the forests and river for viewing large colonies of Caspian Terns and a variety of Kingfishers. Make sure that you carry binoculars and your zoom lenses to spot these beauties.
Fishing
Fishing is an important activity in the country and you can enjoy it in various ways. Some popular methods for tourists are beach-casting and creek fishing with live and dead baits. If you want some more serious catch, try out deep-sea fishing which is the real game.
Visit the Senegambia Craft Market
There are various local markets in The Gambia and a walk through them can bring you up and close with the local way of life. This is one of the biggest craft markets which sells various works of art including wood-work. It is a good place to buy gifts and collect souvenirs while interacting with the locals.
A river cruise
A trip along the Gambia River is a great way to explore the flora and fauna of the country. You can relax on a pirogue and enjoy the fascinating scenery as it floats down the river. Do not forget your camera if you want to capture the colourful birdlife or an occasional hippo in the water.
Explore the old town
Take a trip through the old town of Banjul to explore its colonial past. Check out the old architectural patterns of the buildings and visit the eye-catching structure of the historic Arch 22. Walk through the busy alleys of Albert market and then head to the National Museum near Banjul beach.
A trip to Senegal
With Senegal surrounding The Gambia from threes sides, you have the option to hop into the neighbouring country to explore the other facets of Africa. A trip to the Fathala wildlife reserve can bring you close to an African Bull elephant or a giraffe. There are also colourful markets and a treasure trove of African art and culture to discover.
Visit the mangrove forests
This peaceful island is a fascinating combination of mangrove forests and ancient Baobab trees. Take a boat trip through the forests or try your hand with some fishing. This is also another great spot for bird watching and numerous species can be spotted, especially during the morning and afternoon hours.
Beaches
The beaches in Gambia are great places for relaxing in a serene setting. The coastline extends over 80 kilometers offering the perfect tropical paradise setting. The golden sands, swaying palm trees and warm waters make them a key attraction. While the ones near the cities offer all modern facilities, the secluded stretches showcase the true splendour of the Gambian scenery.
Cape Point Beach
Located in the town of Bakau, this beach offers a wide expanse of white sand. There are plenty of parasols and thatched sun-lounges available for relaxing. The fishing boats lend colour to the setting. There is also a restaurant close by.
Kotu Beach
The soft sands of this beach are ideal for relaxing under the sun. Lined with shady palms and multiple restaurants, this beach offers all the touristy facilities. Take care while venturing in the deep as the currents are quite strong.
Fajara Beach
The Fajara beach is great destination to enjoy some quietude as the flat stretch of sand is free from crowds. Relax on a hammock under a shady palm or enjoy a drink from the well-stocked restaurant. A walk through the sandy paths can take you to the top of a cliff which offer great views.
Brufut Beach
To reach this beautiful beach, you need to hike through some steep trails through trees and bushes. The calm sea and the white sands lined with palm trees offer a great visual treat. It is mostly devoid of tourists and ideal for enjoying the warmth of the sun.
Batokunku Beach
With a serene ambience and beckoning blue waters, this is a great beach to soak in the sunrays. The white sands remain free from crowds and there is a single restaurant that serves drinks. Spend some time to watch the sunset as the views are glorious during that period.
Gunjur Beach
With unspoilt golden sands stretching out for miles, this beach is a great place to unwind. Take a walk to explore some flowing rivulets and rock pools guarded by boulders. Except for a few beach bars and resorts you will hardly find another soul in this vast beach.
Kartong Beach
This is a beach that is marked with a wild and original beauty. Located near the Kartong village, the beach is bordered by sand dunes and tropical trees that shelter wildlife like monkeys and birds. Apart from sunbathing, spend your time with activities like fishing and birdwatching.
Local Food & Beverage
The cuisine of The Gambia is renowned for its delicious seafood and spicy sauces, best enjoyed with steamed rice. You’ll get to savour freshly caught lady fish, barracuda, butter fish and Atlantic prawns at most restaurants and grills. Traditional The Gambian dishes include Benachin (rice cooked with meat or fish and vegetables), Domoda (meat stewed in peanut puree and served with rice), Superkanja (a mix of okra, fish or meat, palm oil, onions and pepper boiled together) and Chicken Yassa (chicken cooked with fresh lime, onions and ground black pepper) Palm wine is a popular drink and lakh, a kind of porridge made from the fruit of the baobab tree, is a favourite dessert.
Some of the top restaurants and food joints are listed below. Try them out for the best of flavours.
Woodies
Category: Dutch, International
A popular beachside dining spot, Woodies is known for its hearty fare and nightly musical entertainment. Try their butter fish with mustard sauce, ribs and burgers, washed down with beer.
TeJo’s Pannenkoekenbar
Category: Dutch, European
Located around the corner of the Senegambia strip, this is the perfect spot for pancakes and coffee. They have an open kitchen and a large seating area where you can watch sports matches on a large screen.
Address: Bertil Harding Hwy, t.o.v GTB bank, Kololi, Serekunda, The Gambia
El Sol
Category: Mexican
Start your evening with an Apple Mojito and round it off with one of their delicious desserts. El Sol is a large, relaxed dining space with a wide range of Mexican dishes and some of the best steaks in town.
Address: Senegambia Area, Opposite Holiday Beach Club Hotel, Kololi, Serekunda 1000, The Gambia
Gusto
Category: Italian
Helmed by an experienced Italian chef, this cosy restaurant serves authentic homemade pasta and other classics such as Chicken Milanese, Vitello Tonato and Gnocchi Quatro Formagi. They have a fully stocked bar, too.
Address: Opposite Holiday Beach Club Hotel next to El Sol Restaurant Kololi, The Gambia
Scala Restaurant
Category: European
This vegetarian-friendly Danish restaurant is known for its great steaks. It has a lovely garden setting as well as indoor seating. Sunday is an all-you-can-eat barbecue night.
Address: Serrekunda, The Gambia
Shopping
The Gambia is a paradise for unique clothing, accessories and souvenirs. Many good hotels have their own shopping galleries, where you can buy African and European designer clothing. But the authentic experience is in exploring the colourful open markets in Serrekunda, Bakau and Banjul, where bargaining is the norm and local craftsmen are happy to customise certain items to your requirement at reasonable prices. Good value local products include wood carvings, straw-based items, leather and cloth, silver jewellery, sand paintings and batik pictures.
Albert Market
Named after Britain’s Prince Albert, this large and crowded shopping complex is packed with fabrics, carved wooden masks and fresh produce. Explore the labyrinth of alleys lined with stalls where both locals and tourists can find plenty to buy.
Address: Liberation Avenue, Banjul, The Gambia
Senegambia Craft Market
Expect an explosion of vivid colour at this all-purpose market, packed to the gills with spices, fabrics, accessories and much more. You’ll get yourself a good deal on souvenirs if you bargain well—it is a delight to watch local artisans working on statues, woodcarvings, paintings, traditional musical instruments and even thimbles.
Address: Senegambia Junction, Kololi, Serekunda, The Gambia
Top-Shop
This is a popular store for good quality African arts, crafts and souvenirs. They also carry a wide range of recycled decorative items produced in their own factory. Top Shop has three outlets in The Gambia—Senegambia Beach Hotel, Kombo Beach Hotel and Bungalow Beach Hotel.
Address: Senegambia Hotel, Kololi, Serrekunda, The Gambia
Opening Hours: 10.00 to 21.00 daily
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Calypso-Bar-Restaurant-756648534398727/
Trends and Events
Both cultural and religious festivals are celebrated with a lot of gusto in The Gambia. You can expect to witness exotic music and dance performances, as well as slices of local customs and traditions. No matter what the occasion, the locals welcome you with warmth.
Dankunku Festival
This two-day event offers an interesting window into the cultural heritage, especially the manding tribe. Besides singing and dancing, there are masquerades, wrestling contests and visits to the region’s historical sites.
Schedule: End of the year
July 22nd Celebrations
Marked by official cultural performances and parades, this day commemorates the military coup of 1994 and has come to be among the important festivals in The Gambia.
Schedule: 22nd July
International Roots Festival
Held every two years, this festival was inspired by African-American author Alex Haley’s novel Roots, whose 18th-century slave hero, traced his ancestry back to The Gambia. The commemoration has evolved into an event where Africans in the diaspora connect with their roots and African heritage. You’ll witness musical concerts featuring international stars, traditional dances, boat races, pillow fights and greasy pole climbing, among others.
Schedule: May
The Gambia has all the right ingredients that deliver a perfect African experience for travellers. Moreover, it is a safe destination that does not have a high crime rate. The combination of a mild climate, smiling locals and a rich wildlife makes the small destination on the west coast of a great choice for a leisurely vacation. Quite simply, a great choice to plan for your next trip.
By: Suvajit Banerjee
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