Gambia is one of the smallest country's in Africa, but despite this the country has plenty of atmosphere and attractions to offer. It possesses the River Gambia - which is surrounded by rainforest and bamboo, great savannahs with mahogany, oil palms and gum trees. And it has the coast - a 50 kilometre unspoiled white stretch of sand where the river thunders into the Atlantic Ocean. Gambia has plenty of sights and attractions, but the country's biggest prize is the people. Whether you sail the River Gambia or bask in the sun on the beach, you will meet with open Gambians bidding you a warm welcome to their beautiful country.Find your travel arrangement to Gambia here
Region and City Guides
City:
Facts
Local name
The Gambia
Capital
Banjul (50.000)
Size
11.300 square kilometres
Principal Languages
The official language is English. However, a great deal of local languages are spoken, such as: Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola og Serahule.
Principal Religion
90 per cent of the population is Muslim
Inhabitants
1.300.000
Government
Republic
Geography
Gambia borders Senegal all the way around except for the 50 kilometres of Atlantic coastline. The country consists primarily of low tableland interrupted by hills and the Gambia River. In areas around the river you find rainforest and bamboo, as well as areas of savannah with different varieties of trees.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The best time to travel in Gambia is from November to March. At this time of year the weather is relatively cool and dry. The rainy season is from June to October; it is no problem to visit the country during this season, but some roads may have been washed away by the rain.
Literature
Lonely Planet The Gambia & Senegal
Lonely Planet West Africa
Lonely Planet Africa on a shoestring
Lonely Planet West Africa
Lonely Planet Africa on a shoestring
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Gambia they use the following weights and measures:
Distance: The metric system
Distance: The metric system
Photography
You should avoid taking pictures inside churches and mosques. Furthermore you should get permission before you photograph other people.
Drinking water
All water used for icecubes, drinking and brushing your teeth should be boiled before use.
Electricity
In Gambia they use the following power source:
220 volt AC, 50 Hz.
220 volt AC, 50 Hz.
Behaviour
There are no specific rules of conduct; people in Gambia are normally kind and very hospitable. With regard to dress code you should not wear mini skirts or shorts.
Business Hours
Stores are open from 9 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm (Monday-Thursday), and 9 am to 1 pm (Fridays and Saturdays).
Offices are open from 8 am to 4 pm (Monday-Thursday) and from 8 am to 12.30 pm (Fridays).
Banks are open from 8 am to 1 pm (Monday-Thursday) and from 8 am to 11 pm (Fridays).
Offices are open from 8 am to 4 pm (Monday-Thursday) and from 8 am to 12.30 pm (Fridays).
Banks are open from 8 am to 1 pm (Monday-Thursday) and from 8 am to 11 pm (Fridays).
Food and drink
It is possible to get Western food at most tourist hotels and restaurants. But you could also try the colourful Gambian cuisine, which usually means excellent food. In Gambia they often serve a lot of vegetables, rice and beans with different kinds of flesh. This flesh is usually seasoned with spices. Local fruits such as mango, bananas, grapefruit and oranges are a speciality and can be bought easily on the markets. With regard to beverages you can get good wine and reasonable beer. The local fruit juice is excellent.
Disabled travellers
Gambia is not suitable for disabled persons to travel in; almost no places are designed to receive disabled persons. Therefore, if you want to travel in Gambia the journey should be thoroughly planned with contact to all the places you want to visit.
Holidays
New Years Day, 1 January
Independence Day, 18 February
Workers Day. 1 May
Virgin Mary's Day, 15 August
Christmas Day , 25 December
Independence Day, 18 February
Workers Day. 1 May
Virgin Mary's Day, 15 August
Christmas Day , 25 December
Accommodation / Hotel
Compared to African standards overnight accomodation is reasonable in Gambia. During the last couple of years quite a few new hotels have turned up and travellers will find a rather good standard at these hotels. The hotels are usually full during the tourist season (November to May), for which reason it is necessary to book a room beforehand. In addition there are a few hostels and guest houses in Gambia.
Book your Hotel in Gambia here
Book your Hotel in Gambia here
Camping
Camping is not widely known in Gambia. If you do come across it, it is on chartered tours.
With time quite a few good and comfortable hotels have turned up in Gambia. They are primarily situated in Banjul and along the coast. During the tourist season (November-May) the hotels are quickly fully booked for which reason it will be wise to book beforehand.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
There are very few B&B's and guest houses in Gambia - see hostels.
Hostels
There are no hostels in the cities. There are a few hostels along the River Gambia where you can stay overnight. The hostels often seem as small hotels or guest houses.
Local transport
Overall there are two main routes through the country: an asphalt road along the southern side of the River Gambia and a dirt road along the northern bank. The southern part is serviced by public transport buses whilst the northern part is mostly serviced by taxis.
Planes
There are no domestic Flights in Gambia; a few national parks offer sightseeing Flights to show the park from above.
Bus
There are public bus connections to most towns in the country; the buses are often crammed.
Trains
There are no railways in Gambia.
Taxi
There are many taxis in the cities and along the coast. It is easy to hail them in the streets.
car rental
car rental companies are situated in the cities and along the coast.
Boat or Ferry
There are many options for travelling on the River Gambia. A ferry departs from Barra Point to Banjul every second hour; once a week a ferry departs from Banjul to Basse. Otherwise there are several private charters who organise tours on the river.
