10 reasons why you should visit The Gambia in 2017

From golden beaches to sleepy fishing villages, The Gambia has a lot to offer, says Marta
Marta Portocarrero20 July 2017

From golden beaches to sleepy fishing villages, The Gambia has a lot to offer. The warm-hearted and smiley Gambian people, make it a destination that ought to be on your bucket list.

What’s more, with direct flights from Gatwick via tour operator The Gambia Experience, it’s never been more accessible.

Here are 10 reasons to explore one of the smallest countries in Africa.

1. The beaches

Despite being surrounded by Senegal and only having 80km of coastline, Gambia boasts magnificent golden beaches backed by swaying palms and sprinkled with scenic lagoons. With temperatures ranging between 29°C and 34°C all year round, there are no excuses not to go for a swim. However, be aware of the strong currents and high waves.

If you like buzzing beaches, head to Senegambia, Kololi or Paradise Beach, where you can ride horses, play drums with the locals and even get involved in boxing lessons. If you’re more into peace and seclusion, then Nginki-Nganka or Fajara are ideal for relaxing on a sunbed while sipping a cocktail.

2. The markets

There are several street markets where you can find anything from food to clothes. Albert Market, located in the heart of Banjul, is the biggest one and fills the capital with its colours and smells. Serekunda and Brikama are other main ones. Going to a market in The Gambia can be an overwhelming experience, with locals trying to sell you everything they possibly can while you figure your way along the maze. Take a local guide along with you for an easier experience.

Gambian market

You'll find salted fish, meat, exotic fruits or traditional clothes- or, if you're after souvenirs, then local craft markets, such as Bakau and Senegambia, are good options to buy wood-carved pieces or jewellery for friends back home.

3. Wildlife

The Gambia is well known for its wildlife, especially birds. There are nearly 600 bird species, plus bush pigs, crocodiles and hippos or cheeky monkeys, which you can sometimes spot on the beach. If you’re seriously into animals, visit the tiny and easy-to-reach Abuko Nature Reserve, home to hundreds of species and one of the region’s best bird-watching haunts.

At the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, in Bakau, you can touch one of its 100 crocodiles or bathe in their pond for good luck.

There is also a monkey park in Senegambia, where you can see several different trees and plants or play with green monkeys and the endangered western red colobus monkey.

A cheeky monkey

4. Food

Gambian cuisine is simple, yet full of mouth-watering flavours. There are four main traditional dishes (Benachin, Domoda, Superkanja and Yassa), all of them a variation of rice stews, served with either fish, meat or chicken. Boss Lady, in Kotu, is a good restaurant to check out. But there are also plenty of international fine dining establishments to spoil your taste buds. Try Clay Over for Indian, Al Rawshe for Lebanese and Luigi's for Italian.

5. Stunning hotels

Whether you are going on a family holiday, business trip or romantic break, you’re going to love your accommodation. The majority of the hotels in The Gambia faces one of the beaches and have beautiful gardens and swimming pools.

Former colonial mansion Ngala Lodge is the perfect option for a peaceful break. The adult-only boutique hotel offers hand-crafted suites, tropical gardens, and a stunning cliff-top infinity pool with dazzling views towards the sea. The Gambia Experience is offering seven night holidays at this hotel from £599 per person in September, a saving of £383 per person from the brochure price.

The Gambia: A look inside Ngala Lodge

6. Nightlife

Apart from during Ramadan, there are areas in The Gambia that never really sleep. Along the strip of Senegambia, several bars and clubs pump a mix of pop, hip hop, Salsa and Ndaga until early morning. Head down to the beach for African and Caribbean reggae and Dancehall parties where you'll mingle with the locals. Many of the hotels also have visiting dance troupes and musicians to entertain guests in the evenings.

7. The people

It’s not by chance that The Gambia is called “The Smiling Coast of Africa”. Gambian people are extremely friendly and hospitable. Life is taken at a very relaxed pace and they are always willing to share their culture with tourists.

Children playing

A few minutes into a conversation and you’ll certainly be invited for lunch or dinner at their homes. If you visit a Gambian “compound”, you’ll get a remarkable insight into the local way of life. Children are also very curious about tourists and will want to hug you… and ask for sweets!

8. The river

The river is "The Gambia". The country exists as a small strip of land area to either side of the river, which is a major tourist attraction. A great example is the fishing village of Tanji, where colourfully-painted fishing boats bob rhythmically in the waves as local women carry the day’s catch to shore in buckets atop their heads. It is a vibrant must-see place, full of colours and wildlife.

Fishing boats

It is also interesting to travel from Banjul to Barra by ferry just for the trip. You’ll see hundreds of people (plus cars and animals) rushing in and out the ferry. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, just enjoy the views as the boat slowly crosses the river.

9. Volunteer in schools

An alternative way of spending a few days in The Gambia is volunteering in a local school. There are many options around the country which take in volunteers for some time to play with the children or teach them how to speak English. The Geedema Sweet Water Project, in Brikama, is one of them. The charity - that also provides accommodation for volunteers - has helped opening a school last year to teach underprivileged children whose families can’t afford their education.

Volunteering

10. It’s easier than ever

Visiting The Gambia is now easier - and cheaper - than ever before thanks to direct flights from Gatwick to Banjul, operated by Titan Airways and Small Planet Airlines. The flights run twice a week in Winter and once a week during summer, with a flight time of approximately six hours. With The Gambia Experience, prices for a week-holiday pack (including hotel and flights) start from £499 per person.