It may be a small African country, but its attractions are grand. Travelers booking flights to The Gambia will be mesmerized by the country’s culture, traditions, art, food and music.
The Gambia’s capital city, Banjul, is a high-trafficked tourist area that provides travelers with a hint of African indulgence thanks to its street markets and festivals. A quick trip up the River Gambia offers tourists an expedition through villages and forests brimmed with welcoming residents. The country’s heart is in its music and the people of The Gambia are passionate about music and dance.
The Gambia is one of the tiniest countries in Africa, but also one of the friendliest. The people lace great emphasis on greetings and welcome travelers deplaning Gambia flights with a warm “Salaam aleikum” (“Peace be with you”). Take a travel guide and pocket dictionary with you on your flight to The Gambia and learn a few responses to this greeting. The people will be appreciative of your efforts.
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Sited between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, The Gambia enjoys constant sunshine and barely fluctuating high daytime temperatures all year round. The rainy season is between July and October, when humidity is high and short, spectacular rainstorms characterize the evenings. Between November and June there is virtually no rainfall. During winter months evenings can be cool.
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Peak season:
October through April is when there is the least rainfall. Many tour operators only have packages to The Gambia in this time, though it is possible to fly to The Gambia independently year-round. Prices for The Gambia flights and accommodations are higher during this period. Temperatures can get very warm inland, but stay cooler along the coast.
Off season:
June to October is the low season as this is when most rain falls. Some accommodations may be closed in the rainy season, but cheap flights to The Gambia can be found.
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Transportation is limited in this small country. There are no domestic flights or trains. For traveling inland, there are only two main roads, one each bank of the river. Both are in poor condition, though the North bank is slightly preferable. Taxis, or tankatankas, are the cheapest and easiest way of getting around. They have yellow license plates and are mainly used by locals. Don’t expect “unnecessary” luxuries such as upholstery or wing mirrors, and be prepared to hold on tight.
Renting a car is possible, but the state of the roads is so bad that many people would prefer to leave the driving to those accustomed to it. Many tourists who have rented cars report immediate punctures or other breakdowns due to bad maintenance.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Banjul (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in The Gambia.
| | Road | Water |
|---|
| Serrekunda | 0.20 | - |
|---|
| Bakau | 0.15 | - |
|---|
| Basse | 10.00* | - |
|---|
| Barra | - | 0.30-0.50 |
|---|
| Jufurreh | 2.00** | 6.00 |
|---|
Note: *The journey time by road to Basse is at least 10 hours, as road conditions vary.
**By cruise
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- The sleepy capital city of Banjul has hardly been altered by tourists and is still a good place to see the “real” West Africa. One of its main draws is the sprawling market, the clientele predominantly locals and not tourists. Vegetables, fruit, meat and fish are all on sale here, along with clothes and household equipment.
- Kololi and Kotu are the two most popular beach resorts. Though The Gambia is not top on a beach-lover’s destination list, the beaches here have everything you could ask for: white sand, hours and hours of sunshine and a cool breeze from the Atlantic. Windsurfing and sailing are both possible.
- The resort of Bakau is on the northern point of the coast. Along with the tourist hotels and beaches, it is still an important fishing town and one of its most interesting spots is the fishing market, where the boats come in to every day.
- It may be pricey, but don’t leave the country without taking a cruise along the River Gambia. There are a number of operators offering cruises – book before you arrive, or you can find local cruises in Georgetown. You’re guaranteed to see some fascinating wildlife, such as hippos, chimpanzees and birds, as well as the country living along the riverbanks.
- For more wildlife, visit the Abuko Nature Reserve, which is easily reached from the main beach resorts in a day trip. The reserve is home to crocodiles, monkeys and lots of lizards, as well as an animal orphanage with enclosures for hyenas, antelopes and a solitary lion. It’s nothing compared to the nature reserves of East Africa, but a half-day guided walk through the forest can be a welcome break from the beaches.
- Three African tribes are predominant in The Gambia: the Wolof, the Mandinka and the Fulua. Because of their prevalence in Banjul (almost 50 percent of the population), the culture and language of the Wolof is the most widespread.
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Banjul (BJL) (Yundum International) is 11 miles southwest of the city.
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All visitors require a passport valid for three months along with a return ticket or proof of further travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Those requiring visas to enter The Gambia and who are unable to obtain these in their country of origin are issued with a visitor's pass on arrival. The pass allows for 24 hours stay if arriving between Sunday and Thursday, or up to 72 hours if arriving on Friday or Saturday. This enables visitors to go to the Immigration Office in Banjul to obtain a visa that is valid for one month at a cost of GMD200. One month extensions are possible.
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United States citizens must have a passport and visa to enter The Gambia.
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