Gambia

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Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Banjul

Population

1,229,000

Government

Republic under multiparty democratic rule

Religions

Islam, Christianity

Languages

English

Calling Code

+220

Nationality

Local name

Contributors

• Utrecht (85%)
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• Peter (15%)
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Introduction

Spices at the market

© All Rights Reserved travelbug_

The Gambia looks like an inverted tongue in the mouth of Senegal, as it slivers alongside its prime geographic landmark and namesake river. It's a compact destination with more attractions than its size warrants.

With a whoppin' 80 km of coastline to speak of, Gambia's tourist industry has largely been geared towards these 80 km and the resorts which mark them. And sure, the combined joys of beaches and sunshine are a worthwhile holiday, but Gambia isn't a one-trick pony. A hearty African culture is evident in most places away from the Atlantic resorts and it is here that you can start to see the real Gambia. Soccer and wrestling are the prime sports here, and you'll be welcome to join in (though you might want to just watch the latter). Bird lovers are in for a treat, with Gambia hosting over 600 species. Not bad for one of Africa's smallest countries.

Brief History

Geography

Regions/Divisions

The Gambia is made up of 5 divisions

• Lower River
• Central River
• North Bank
• Upper River
• Western

Cities

• Banjul - The capital
• Serekunda
• Bakau
• Brikama
• Farafenni
• Sukuta
• Janjanbureh (Georgetown)

Sights and Activities

For such a small country, Gambia still has some fine attractions to keep you busy for a week or so. The colourful friendly people are one of the reasons alone to visit this small West African country.

Wasu Stone Circles

Wasu Stone Circles are part of the Stone Circles of Senegambia. In total there are four areas with these Stone Circles, of which Wasu is one of the best known and most visited. It is located in the northern central parts of the country, close to the main east west road across the country, north of the Gambia River. The stone circles represent an extraordinary concentration of monuments in a band 100 km wide along some 350 km of the River Gambia. In total the four groups have 93 stone circles and numerous burial mounds. It is believe they date back to the 3rd century BC up to the 16th century AD, forming a vast sacred landscape of ancient graves representing an organised society. Therefore they are on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Beaches

Gambia is a very popular gettaway for package tourists from Europe, escaping the European winters. Although it only has a short coastline and only a handful of really good hotels, these fill up quickly. The Atlantic beaches are long white and sandy areas fringed with palms and some fine swimming. There are several villages where hotels are concentrated, all offering restaurants, bars and some nightlife. The seafood is particurly good here.

Gambia River

River Gambia

© All Rights Reserved Malysh

The Gambia River, especially in the eastern half of the country is an interesting waterway with some great cultural and natural highlights to explore. From Georgetown in the east there are half a day trips along the river where you will definately see some crocs and hippos and many bird species. There are even chimpanzees on the chimpanzee island in a bend in the river. The chimps have been placed here a few years back and are doing well. You have to be lucky to see a few, but you definately here them when passing by the island (it is forbidden to set foot on the island itself). Georgetown itself (also known as Jang Jang Burreh) had a slave building but was converted into other purposes since the slavery was abolished in 1807. Today some ruins still remain on the southern shore of the Gambia River where Georgetown is located.

Other sights and activities

Monkey in Abuko park

© All Rights Reserved Rraven

• James Island - a former slave post
• Banjul - the only large city in the country
• Mangroves
• Abuko Park - wildlife including monkeys

Events and Festivals

Weather

Gambia has a hot and humid tropical climate with temperatures well over 30 degrees Celcius during the day most of the year. Night temperatures are above 20 degrees but can drop below more inland, although it rarely gets colder than 15 degrees. The rainy season lasts from June to October with most rain falling from mid-July to September. The hottest months are February to April when temperatures can rise above 40 degrees Celcius in the east and well above 35 still in the western part and the coastline. The best months are probably November to February with sunny and dry days and still not overly hot.

Getting there

Plane

Banjul International Airport (BJL) near the capital Banjul is where all international flights to Gambia arrive and depart. International destinations with the national airline Slok Air Gambia are Conakry, Dakar, Accra, Freetown, Monrovia, Abidjan and Bamako. Other flights are mainly within the region as well, but both scheduled and chartered services include those to Amsterdam (Transavia), London, Manchester, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Brussels, Frankfurt and Madrid.
Afrinat International Airlines flies between Banjul, Accra, Freetown, Bamako, Conakry and Dakar.

By Car

It's relatively easy to reach Gambia overland, even from Europe via Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. It's a popular route for people wanting to seel their car in West Africa. Be sure to have your papers and insurance in order and to have all documents in case you want to seel the car.

By Bus

Gambia only borders Senegal on both the southern and northern parts of the country. To the north, after taking the ferry from Banjul to Barra you can take onward transport to Karang at the border. Dakar bound buses from here take another 6 hours. In the south, there is transport (change at border) from Serekunda to Ziguinchor. From Brikama there is also transport to Zinguinchor. Finally, in the east, bush taxis run from Basse Santa Su to Vélingara and onwards to Tambacounda.

By Boat

In the past, there used to be boats between Gambia and Dakar, but for now travelling overland is the only option and much faster and cheaper as well.

Getting Around

By Plane

There are no domestic scheduled flights in Gambia.

By Train

There are no rail services in Gambia.

By Car

You can rent cars in Banjul and several of the resort areas along the Atlantic coast. In the west, roads are tarred and some roads to the interior are upgraded, parts of which are tarred and without potholes. Many other roads are of a lesser quality and most are dirt roads. Travelling around by car is not particularly dangerous though. Traffic drives on the right and you need an international driving permit.
Still, it is expensive and chartering a taxi might even be cheaper.

By Bus

Bush taxis are the way to go in Gambia. They vary from regular minibuses to the seven seat Peugeots. They travel along fixed routes and leave when full. You can hop on and off wherever you want. Many cities, towns and villages are serviced on a daily basis.

By Boat

The Gambia River is navigable along its entire length, but there are no scheduled services. However, there are companies offering cruises or smaller trips on the river as part of a multiple day tour. Some parts are extremely lush and it is a great way of getting around if possible.

Red Tape

Nationals from most West African countries, as well as citizens from most Commonwealth countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden do not need a visa to visit Gambia.
Others need to apply for a visa at the nearest embassy or consulate.

Money

See also Money Matters

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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