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- where to stay
The Gambia offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resort hotels, self-catering apartments and guesthouses, to sophisticated spa and eco-lodges and upcountry mud-hut-style housing and bush camping.
The main tourist strip, which has most of the accommodations, covers more than 10km of the Atlantic coast, and is located about a 20min drive southwest of Banjul and about a 15min drive from the airport. Listed below are a few of the many accommodations available:
Note: The stars given to each accommodation are based on the star ratings of The Gambia so they may differ from other countries' standards.
Resorts and Hotels (alphabetical order)
**Badala Park Hotel, Kotu
Basic accommodations, pool and restaurant, about a 5 minute walk to the beach, AC's for rent.
*****Coconut Residence, Kololi
Luxurious accommodations with a great eclectically designed lounge and a wonderful restaurant. All the 22 suites have AC, fans, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, balcony/terrace, hairdryer, down pillows and duvet, and either a king or queen size bed. Four private villas with private pools are also available as are personal butlers. Facilities include several swimming pools, Internet cafe, currency exchange, and laundry.
*****Coco Ocean Resort and Spa, Kololi
Same owners as Coconut Residence, this newly developed resort is one of Gambia's loveliest accommodations with superior luxury suites, various swimming pools, nice beach location, and a fabulous Moroccan inspired spa. All amenities and facilities available including two on-site restaurants and a bar.
****Corinthia Atlantic Hotel, Banjul
This hotel is situated away from the majority of tourist hotels and as it is in the centre of Banjul it would be a good choice if your holiday is hotel based. Corinthia is a popular place for those on business to The Gambia. Banjul has little to offer tourists by way of nightlife and many of the restaurants in the city close early. Good beach, Internet cafe, various sport activities, and all the rooms have AC, mini-bars, phone, TV, and hairdryers.
*Eddy's hotel & Bar, Farafenni
Really the only reliable place to stay in Farafenni, Eddy's is well known and with its basic rooms and cheap food, it's not a bad choice. A/C is available and be aware of the bar noise well into the night.
**Holiday Beach Club Hotel, Senegambia
Basic accommodations, pool and restaurant, on the beach, great location, if you get a cheap price it may be worth it for the flight itself.
*****The Kairaba Hotel, Senegambia
Large hotel with 156 rooms, one of the better hotels in The Gambia. All the rooms have AC, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, balcony/terrace, and hairdryers. Good facilities, including four restaurants and several shops, nicely kept grounds, a good beach, and right in the centre of the main tourist area. It also has the only observatory in The Gambia and a giant outdoor chess board.
****Kombo Beach Hotel, Kotu
Good value, popular with younger couples, good beach and nice breakfast buffet. All the 258 rooms have AC, TV, mini-bars, hairdryers, and a balcony/terrace. Kombo Beach now also offers a nice poker room called Spades with nightly games of Texas Hold'em and others.
*****Ngala Lodge, Fajara
Perched on a cliff, this former colonial mansion has an amazing view of the ocean, and private, eclectic surroundings. Some of the suites have their own private outdoor Jacuzzi. There are 18 suites in total and all come with AC, fans, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bar, hairdryers, and mosquito nets.
*****Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort, Cape Point
Nice large hotel with 195 rooms. All the rooms have AC, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, balcony/terrace, and hairdryers. Popular with couples, large pool, great beach, and the Ocean Clipper restaurant next door serves excellent food.
**Safari Garden Hotel, Fajara
Small and basic but a popular choice for volunteers and independent travellers, has a small clean pool and the beach is a 10 minute walk away. The restaurant on site serves good fresh food. AC's and fans are available for rent.
The owners have opened another hotel called Sandele in Kartong. Apparently it is an eco-style lodge with a few suites already available. Destination Gambia will review and comment on Sandele in the near future.
****Senegambia Beach Hotel, Senegambia
The first established tourist hotel in The Gambia, next to the Kairaba Hotel, youthful atmosphere and great bird viewing on-site. There are a total of 328 rooms, making it the largest hotel in The Gambia, with accommodations ranging from basic to fully furnished. There are two nice pools, lots of beach activities, and even a daily vulture feeding display.
*****Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa, Brufut
Opened in May 2007. It is a bit out of the main tourist area, with a beautiful mix of African and modern architectural design, an infinity pool overlooking the calm Atlantic ocean, and a nice brunch on Sundays even for non-guests. There are 195 rooms, all with AC, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, phone, Internet, balcony/terrace with ocean views, tea & coffee making facilities, and hairdryers.
****Sunbeach Hotel & Resort, Cape Point
Popular with families, large pool, great beach, situated right next to Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort. It has 184 rooms that all come with AC, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, phone, terrace, and hairdryers.
***Sunset Beach Hotel, Kotu
Nice wide stretch of beach and standard accommodations. Some rooms have AC.
Guest Houses and Camps
*Alaka-bung Lodge, Janjanbureh (Georgetown)
Cheap, some electricity, basic round cement huts and nightly entertainment. Restaurant on-site makes nice Benechin.
*Baobolong Camp, Janjanbureh (Georgetown)
Probably the best option for accommodation in Janjanbureh, this basic camp on the river has comfortable round cement huts with fans, flushing toilets, showers and electricity for part of the day. If there are enough guests, the camp will put on a dance show and buffet dinner consisting of a local dish and a few other items.
*Bird Safari Camp, Janjanbureh (Georgetown)
More expensive then the Baobolong Camp but offers similar accommodations plus safari-style tents on the river and a swimming
pool. It is located on a quiet, far end of the island and is currently converting to solar power.
***Guesthouse Gambia, Sanyang
Beautiful B&B in the laid-back fishing village of Sanyang. Offering 3 double rooms in a large villa, private balconies, lush garden, swimming pool, tennis court, and only a 10min walk to the beach. Electricity, maid services, and airport pick-up and drop-off.
**Leybato Guest House, Fajara
On the beach with nice lazy hammocks, basic rooms, and a simple restaurant. Go for the location rather than the accommodations.
Lodges
*****Mandina Lodge, Makasutu Cultural Forest, Brikama
A true eco-lodge situated on a river with luxurious floating accommodations, lodge rooms and stilted suites amidst a dense jungle forest full of life.
Camping
Practically anywhere you would like, though make sure to ask for permission at the nearest village (you may be asked to pay a small fee) and be aware of the wildlife, bush fires, and flooding during the rainy season.
Camping equipment will be very hard to find in The Gambia so be prepared with your own tent, mosquito net, sleeping mat, travel sheet/sleeping bag liner, a stove, and cooking and eating utensils.
Other
*****The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust's Camp, Baboon Islands, River Gambia National Park
Established in 1969 by Stella Marsden who sadly passed away in 2008, the Trust is Africa's longest running chimpanzee rehabilitation project and is now home to more than 80 chimps which can be viewed on organized trips with the Trust. Four private, all-inclusive, safari-like accommodations in sophisticated en-suite tents are available here. Note: The Trust is currently undergoing some changes, although accommodations are still available, please contact them for further information.
- what and where to eat and drink
A large variety of fruits and vegetables are available throughout the year, though many are seasonal. Oranges, grapefruits, limes, lemons, melons, papayas, mangoes, avocados, strawberries, passion fruit, apples, bananas, pineapples, dates, coconuts, ground nuts (peanuts), cashew nuts, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergine (eggplant), courgette (zucchini), lettuce, onions, spring onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, green beans, maize (corn), okra, peppers, and herbs (mint, parsley, dill, coriander/cilantro) can be found at many market stalls, though of course not all at the same time.
Some of the fruit and vegetables sold at the markets are locally grown but most of them are imported. The grocery stores often carry some fruit and vegetables also, though not as fresh and more expensive.
Lady fish, barracuda, bonga fish, butter fish, captain fish, catfish, tuna, squid, octopus, Atlantic prawns, lobster, crab, beef, chicken, lamb, pork, bush meat (wild boar or bush rat), and eggs are also widely available.
Note: upcountry the availability of fresh food is very limited. Also, animal protein is the focus of most Gambian dishes, and even meat or fish stock will often be used for cooking rice. Therefore, if you are a strict vegetarian, you may have to stick with purchasing your own food from the markets and cooking your own meals to ensure your vegetarian standards. Some restaurants will offer vegetarian options in their menus but it cannot be guaranteed that the food is truly free of animal products.
Gambian dishes
Below are some of the common Gambian dishes and food available at many restaurants and street stalls. Check out the recipes section for how to make some of these dishes.
Benachin – rice dish made with tomato paste and spices, a variety of vegetables such as green peppers, cassava, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and topped with meat, fish, and/or chicken.
Jollof rice – similar to Benachin, rice dish made with palm oil, tomato paste, a variety of vegetables such as hot red peppers, aubergine, carrots, and meat, fish, or chicken.
Plasas – meat and/or dried fish cooked with okra or cassava leaf and lots of palm oil, served with rice.
Chicken Yassa – chopped-up chicken fried with onion, green pepper, black pepper, and lime, served with rice.
Domodah – meat or fish stew made with peanut butter and tomato paste, served with rice.
Afra – basically chopped-up and grilled beef, chicken, or lamb with lots of black pepper and salt, often served with mustard.
Tapalapa – dense version of a French baguette, served either plain or with butter, mayonnaise, chocolate spread, boiled or fried eggs, boiled potatoes, fried beans, fish balls, meat balls or luncheon meat. Your choice and depending on availability.
President's Bread - a new baguette-type bread produced by a government-run bakery, simply the best choice of local bread available as is indicated by the daily and nightly line-ups at the store front.
Senfour – lighter version of the tapalapa. Though check with the shop as a new version of the senfour is currently out and is very good! Very similar to the French baguette without the denseness of the tapalapa.
Restaurants in The Gambia are tremendously varied with choices of Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, Mexican, Swiss, and Eastern European restaurants serving up everything from sandwiches to sushi, and pizzas to prime rib.
Listed below are but a few of the many great restaurants in The Gambia. Keep in mind that although these restaurants may specialize in a certain ethnic cuisine, they will usually all offer seafood, common favourites, and local dishes as well:
Note: Tourists are at times told not to go outside of their hotel compounds, notably in the evenings, by their tour operator representatives. They are told that it is not safe. This is likely done so as to keep the tourists from spending money outside of the hotel! The Gambia is perfectly safe and has so much more to offer than just what is inside of the hotel compounds. Please do go out and experience The Gambia and its wonderful restaurants.
Average prices per person, not including alcohol
$ = under US$5
$$ = between US$10-15
$$$ = between US$15-$20 or more
Chinese
$-$$ Bamboo, Fajara
One of Gambia's older established restaurants, this cheap and cheerful hideout is located on one of the sandy side streets in Fajara. Sister restaurant is located in Senegambia under the name Jade, just past The Kora Bar & Restaurant .
$$$ The Mandarin, Kololi
Close to the Senegambia strip, offering good Chinese food and nice elegant surroundings. Same owner as the popular Clay Oven.
$-$$ Shanghai Chinese, Kololi
Good basic favourites including a nice hot & sour soup. This restaurant also serves afra outside, a Gambian favourite.
French
$$-$$$ Sinatras Bar & Restaurant, Bakau
With nightly entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere, this spot is popular for both the locals and tourists alike, with generous portions of good food and good service. A good place to go if you are staying at the Sunbeach or Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort.
Indian
$$-$$$ Jewel of India, Senegambia
This recently renovated restaurant has a good buffet night on Wednesdays and Saturdays, located right in the heart of the Senegambia tourist strip. There's also another location in the Kotu tourist strip near the Kombo Beach Hotel.
$$$ The Clay Oven, Fajara
Located in a quiet area of Fajara, this ex-pat favourite has a great all-you-can-eat sizzler night on Tuesdays. It remains a great place for Indian.
International cuisine
$$$ Avocado Restaurant, Kololi
Located in the opulent Coconut Residence, this restaurant has a nice variety of South-East Asian influenced gourmet dishes and great service. An elegant poolside dining experience with a good wine selection.
$$-$$$ Bizarre Cafe, Kololi (above Wishes shop)
This new cafe, currently open for lunch, offers wonderful paninis, fresh daily salads and soups, and a great selection of freshly baked cakes and pies. Free wireless Internet on site also.
$$-$$$ Captain's Table, Kotu
Designed in a modern yet traditional
setting, this place next to the Bakotu Hotel serves large portions of great food and has good service. Try the grilled Baracuda steak.
$$$ Gaya Café, Kololi
Great place for lunch, and browse the expensive world art for sale around you while dining.
$$-$$$ The Kora Bar & Restaurant, Senegambia (author's favourite)
Beautifully built restaurant at the more serene side of the tourist strip with a luscious garden, great food & service, and has pool tables on site. Try their chicken fajitas, grilled fish dishes, and the seafood feast for two. Also, the fresh profiteroles, cheesecakes and very good coffees are a must. Great place for pina coladas, margaritas, and other cocktails as well.
$$$ The Green Mamba Garden, Senegambia
Mongolian Grill-style buffet with lots to choose from for your stir-fry. The Green Mamba is also a great place for a drink while listening to cool music, has draft Julbrew and pool tables on site also. Ex-pat favourite hangout. Try one of the many unique cocktails infused with local juices.
$$$ Ngala Lodge Restaurant, Fajara
A romantic place to enjoy a good glass of wine, though the lunch menu and service is not what it used to be. Perhaps dinner is a better option.
$$$ Ocean Clipper, Cape Point
Elegant surroundings and it serves a nice but expensive sushi appetizer, located at the Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort.
Italian
$-$$ Paradiso Pizzeria, Senegambia
One of the more popular places on the strip with cheap food for good prices. Not really an Italian restaurant but serves one of the best pizzas in The Gambia, available for take-away as well.
$$ Luigi's, Palma Rima
Good pizzas and pastas and family friendly with an indoor play area for children.
Lebanese
$ Sultan Sweets, Kairaba Avenue
Cheap fast food and sweets, open 24hrs, has nice fresh juices (in season).
$-$$ Chef's Fast Food and Restaurant, just off of Kairaba Avenue
Great for lunch, for the adventurous try the boiled sheep brain.
$$$ Al Basha, Senegambia
Great food & service in elegant surroundings, one of the first established restaurants in the area.
$$$ Shiraz, Palma Rima
Another good Lebanese restaurant complete with water pipe smoking (shisha).
Spanish
$-$$ La Taberna, Kotu
Large portions for good prices and serving tapas upon request.
Swiss
$$-$$$ Henry's, Kotu
Home-cooking flavours. Try the wonderful cheese, meat, and chocolate fondues, needing 1/2 day advanced notice.
General
$-$$ Al Baba Bar & Restaurant, Kotu
Next to La Taberna, large portions, try the grilled half chicken for around US$4.
$$ Casa de Fernando, Senegambia
Good portions and good live music most evenings, located at the front of the Kairaba Hotel.
$-$$ Come Inn Bar & Restaurant, Kairaba Avenue
Ex-pat hangout, cheap draft Julbrew beer and decent cheap food.
$-$$ Francisco’s, Fajara
Good seafood grills in a quiet and luscious jungle setting, bring the mosquito repellent!
$$-$$$ Jo-Jo's Grill & Bistro House, Senegambia
Good service and food and live music on most evenings. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Dinner is recommended over the lunch.
$-$$ Leybato Restaurant, Fajara
At the Leybato Guest House serving simple Gambian dishes on the beach in a relaxed atmosphere.
$-$$ Mama’s, Fajara
Popular place for greasy English breakfasts on the weekend.
$-$$ Mr. Bass, Cape Point
Cheap & busy joint in between the Sunbeach and the Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort.
$-$$ Rainbow Beach Bar, Sanyang
Large and pleasant beach bar at a great beach in the quiet fishing village of Sanyang. Good food and even serves tandoori chicken. Popular spot for tours. Has simple accommodations at the back that are continuously improving and expanding.
$$-$$$ Sailor Beach Bar and Restaurant, Kotu
Good casual place to catch the sunset, right on the beach. Has good seafood and pizzas, and often entertainment on the stage in the evenings.
$ Sandplover Restaurant, Bakau
Very basic and situated on a quiet secluded beach. Try the local Gambian dishes there.
$-$$ Solomon's, Palma Rima
Best place for fresh fish and chips in foil in The Gambia, right on the beach, though order ahead as it can take some time, but it is well worth it.
Gambian drinks
Julbrew – Gambia’s own beer, comes in regular (a light flavour) and export (darker).
Palm wine – also known as jungle juice, made from the juice of the palm tree that is collected (tapped) and fermented.
Wonjo – deep red juice made from the leaves of the sorrell flower and lots of sugar.
Baobab juice – made with the fruit of the baobab tree.
Attaya – green tea with a lot of sugar.
Cocktails, wines, soft drinks, juices (freshly squeezed also), teas, coffees, and bottled water are available at most restaurants.
Keep in mind that The Gambia is a Muslim nation and thus drinking alcohol should be done inside restaurants and bars only, where available.
Note: Gambian tap water is relatively safe to drink in the Kombos area and if you are planning on a lengthy stay you might as well get used to drinking it, as salads, fruits, and vegetables are likely washed in tap water and many ice cubes are made with tap water too. During your first week here, drink mostly bottled water (water can also be purchased in plastic bags, though some are just tap water so be careful), and have about one glass of tap water a day or so to let your system get used to the new water.
You can probably continue to drink bottled water as it is widely available, but getting used to the tap water can come in handy. Upcountry much of the drinking water comes from well water but is usually safe to drink also.
- nightlife
Many of the hotels offer some form of evening entertainment, such as a lively stage show, an African dance troupe or live music from various instrument players. There are also several casinos in the resort areas.
Nightlife in The Gambia tends to start quite late, around midnight or even later. Listed below are a few of the popular hangouts (note that some of these places may charge a cover fee):
Aquarius, Senegambia (nightclub, popular place for tourists, locals, ex-pats, and the young Lebanese crowd alike)
Churchill's, Palma Rima (fun for karaoke though unfortunately many prostitutes hang out in the bar area)
Paparazzi, Senegambia (popular nightclub, entertaining bar manager, and good prices on drinks)
The Green Mamba Garden, Senegambia (restaurant and bar with pool tables, great atmosphere and music, ex-pat hangout)
The Kora Bar & Diner, Senegambia (author's favourite)
As well as being a great restaurant, The Kora is an excellent place for drinks, good music, and entertainment.
Very popular with the local ex-pat community and tourists alike.
Pool tables, shisha (water pipes), and board games are available as well.
Gambian favourites
Cotton Club, Fajara (live salsa in the late evenings for sophisticated locals)
Jokor's, Westfield (starts late and has live bands on Sundays)
Lama Lama Bar and Restaurant, Bakau (live music most nights)
Totties Nightclub, Senegambia (tourists attempt to join the busy dance crowd and bumsters here)
Wow, Senegambia (similar to Totties Nightclub)
- what to see and do
There is a broad range of activities and things to do in The Gambia, including land-based tours in a 4x4, river excursions, golfing, swimming, fishing, up-country trips, market shopping, visiting museums and villages, micro-flights, nature park walks, bird-watching, quad rentals, car rentals, bike rentals, horseback riding, camel riding, and much more. Below are some of the popular activities:
To see wildlife:
Abuko Nature Reserve
At 105 hectares (260 acres), this nature park is one of the smallest protected areas in Africa, however, it has a nice diversity of flora and fauna, and offers a good introduction to Gambian wildlife.
Close to 300 species of birds and 40 mammal species could be spotted at Abuko, including monkeys, baboons, porcupines, bushbucks, ground squirrels, and various reptiles such as the crocodile, monitor lizard, and royal pythons.
You can either walk or ride a bike (quietly) through the park, there’s a small observatory offering photos and park information and there’s a good view of the crocodiles basking in the sun outside.
In the middle of the park there’s a small hut serving water, soft drinks, and some snacks. Beware of the callithrix monkeys that hang around the bar waiting for a banana or two. Some angry, caged baboons are also visible at this rest stop.
Bijilo Forest Park
Often referred to as “The Monkey Park,” this small wildlife reserve features a well-maintained series of marked trails through dense, shady vegetation, with glimpses of the blue Atlantic waters and golden beaches along one side of the perimeter.
Both the Callithrix (Green Vervet) and Red Colobus monkeys are in abundance in the park as are numerous species of birds. It can take up to two hours or so to walk through the entire park, and it is located near the end of the main tourist strip in Senegambia. This park is but a remnant of what most of the Gambian coast used to look like.
Please do not feed the animals!
The Gambian Reptiles Farm
Owned by a Frenchman and aimed at educating locals and occasional tourists alike, the Gambian Reptiles Farm located between the fishing villages of Gunjur and Kartong is well worth visiting.
Many different species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and even several bushbucks are housed here, most if not all of them having been rescued by the Frenchman himself. He is both trying to prevent certain species from extinction and attempting to educate people on how to deal with reptiles, namely snakes (teaching locals as to which are poisonous, which are not, and how to safely get rid of the snakes without harming them).
For about D100/pp you can spend a good hour or so at the farm with an informative guide, getting an interesting insight into the wildlife that is found in The Gambia but seldom seen. Perhaps you may even get a chance to have a very close encounter with a relatively harmless African royal python!
Katchikally Sacred Crocodile Pool
Located in the midst of a poverty-stricken area of Bakau, this park is a sacred site for some Gambians who come here to pray as the crocodiles represent the power of fertility.
Close to 80 crocodiles live in the small, water lettuce-covered pool, and you can have the opportunity of touching one of the reptiles in relative safety while having your photo taken. There’s a good little museum housed in small rounded huts with artifacts, historical information, and photos. Clean bathrooms on site.
Makasutu Cultural Forest
This 1000 acre palm forest is situated on a beautiful meandering tributary of the River Gambia. Explore the dense forest on foot and the mangroves in dugout canoes.
Learn about Gambian culture and nature and perhaps catch a glimpse of the resident baboons. Legend has it that once a great tribal war took place in this amazing piece of jungle...
Tanji Bird Reserve
Although this large protected area of 612 hectares (1512 acres) seems to no longer be taken care of, it allows for a quiet and interesting opportunity to explore some of Gambia’s coastlines without many people around.
Good bird watching and beach combing and during the rainy season many butterflies will be present also.
Historical and Cultural Sights:
James Island
This small rocky outcropping resting in the River Gambia near Juffureh is probably the most famous historical sight in The Gambia. With its crumbling 17th century fort structures amongst a grove of ghostly looking baobab trees, this island is all but a relic of what was once a major Portuguese, French, and English slave trading station.
Various tours cruise by the island, including the popular tourist trap Roots journey, and there's always the possibility of hiring a pirogue to take a few passengers along.
Tanji, Sanyang, Gunjur, and Kartong
All four are small fishing villages, resembling Gambian coastal life as it used to be. Watch the pirogues coming in with loads of fish that the women will sell at the markets.
Many locals will be glad to tour you around (some for a fee, some for free), giving you an opportunity to see, smell, and if you want, taste the fish in the smoke shacks. In the south of Kartong the Hallahein River forms the border with Senegal and it is a beautiful, tranquil spot for long walks on the quiet beach.
Bakau also has a very busy fishing port that can be found by following the smell! Here you can see many types of fish being sold to locals, ex-pats, and restauranteurs alike.
Wassu Stone Circles
Archaeologists believe the Wassu stone circles are burial sites dating between AD 500 to AD 1000 and excavations have unearthed human bones and artifacts in the area, though the bones were likely buried after the circles were constructed. Each stone weighs several tonnes and the sizes range from 1m (3.3ft) to 2.5m (7.5ft) in height.
Organized Excursions:
Both land, river, and air-based excursions can be arranged and many are certainly not to be missed. Many of the places mentioned above in the -what to see and do section can be arranged in an excursion format, especially handy if you are only here for a week or so.
If you plan on staying longer in The Gambia however, then it is recommended to go to these places on your own (with friends for example) instead of with an organized trip. This would include the excursions below:
Bird Watching Tours
Many excursions are offered for the bird-watcher/lover and may be well worth it as the organizers will bring you to good viewing spots with informative guides, and many of the trips include boat rides on the River Gambia and its creeks.
Camel Safaris
Try a ride on a camel for half an hour or so, strolling through the small fishing village of Tanji along the beach. In an excursion format lunch can be included, as would the transport to and from Tanji.
Fishing Trips
Fishing is a popular pastime in The Gambia and many fishing trip excursions are available. Even fishing right from the beach is common.
Jeep Safaris
Usually a full day trip including food and beverages, rides can include convertible jeeps, large busses, or even buggies. Stops can include visiting a local school (where you can hand out pens and books if you like), a beach for swimming, and the bush for some wildlife spotting.
River Cruises
Any trip on the River Gambia and its creeks is well worth it. One of the popular trips is to Lamin Lodge, a simple restaurant built on stilts over a creek (bolon).
Boat trips can also go up to Janjanbureh (Georgetown) which would allow for much wildlife and village life viewing. Even take a dip in the River, just be aware of the crocodiles and eels.
Upcountry Trips
Whether on land or via the river, seeing the rural upcountry areas of The Gambia is a must, passing by mud-hut villages, staying overnight on a boat under the stars, and perhaps spotting the hippos hidden in the waters.
- the beaches
Of course many tourists come to The Gambia to enjoy the beaches. Though much of the coastline has eroded, there's still plenty of beach for everyone, ranging from popular tourist spots near the resorts, to quiet, endless sand and surf all to yourself outside of the hotel ranges.
In addition, a lot of the beach has been worked on by adding tons of sand and building up supports so the erosion is not as visible as it used to be a few years ago.
Many of the hotels have water-sports equipment available though the waters in The Gambia are not really ideal for activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Surfing can be done around the Kololi and Cape Point area where waves are a bit higher and currents are a bit stronger. See the swimming section for safety issues.
Below are a few nice beach spots:
La Pirogue, Kololi (at the southern edge of the main tourist strip, less hassle from beach vendors, and a friendly restaurant with a pool nearby)
Sanyang (an upcoming popular area, about a 20min drive from the main tourist strip, with turquoise waters and calm waves)
Sandplover, Bakau (small restaurant here and endless amounts of people-free beach, though it tends to be flooded during the rains)
Leybato, Fajara (popular place for volunteers, some larger waves but many bumsters)
Sunset Beach Hotel beach, Kotu (you can ask for beach mats and enjoy a cold drink from the nearby restaurant)
Beach by the Sunbeach and Ocean Bay Hotel, Cape Point (large, wide beach, few bumsters)
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During the rainy season (June to November), popular tourist areas are less crowded, though the rains can make some of the smaller dirt roads inaccessible, and diseases such as malaria are more widespread.
However, The Gambia is beautifully green and lush during the rainy season and the sun still usually makes an appearance each day during this time, with the rains generally falling during the night and early mornings. The peak tourist season lasts from October through April, which coincides with the visits of the migratory birds.
Note: During the "off" season (from about May till October), some of the hotels and restaurants in The Gambia are closed for holidays, renovations, and/or due to lack of tourists during this time.
Public and Islamic Holidays
The Islamic calendar is a full 11 days shorter than the Gregorian (Western) calendar, so many public holidays and festivals fall about 11 days earlier each year. In January, then December for the next few years, Ras as-Sana is the Islamic celebration of the new year. Tobaksi (Tabaski also), an important two-day festival, will be in early December and late November for the next few years.
Eid al-Moulid (Mawlid also) celebrates the prophet Mohammed's birthday around February. Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (for 2010 it will be in August/September). Out of deference, Muslims take neither food nor water until after sunset each day. At the end of Ramadan (called Koriteh), the fasting breaks amid much celebration.
Here are the approximate dates for 2010:
1 January - New Year's Day
18 February - Independence Day
26 February - Eid al-Moulid (Mawlid/The Prophet's birthday)
3 April - Good Friday
5 April - Easter Monday
1 May - Workers Day
22 July - Revolution Day/July 22nd Celebration
15 August - Assumption Day
9 September - Koriteh, end of Ramadan
16/17 November - Tobaski (Tabaski)
25 December - Christmas Day
Other holidays can be announced often as late as the day of the holiday by the President. In addition, the last Saturday of each month is Set-settal, essentially a holiday used for cleaning the area around your compound/living area.
On this day you cannot be on the roads driving from about 9am to 1pm unless you hold a specific permit. Fridays are the Muslim holy days so generally work ends or stops around 1pm for the 2pm prayer. Due to many workplaces having a half day on Friday, Saturday is often also a working day till 1pm.
- red tape
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Gambian authorities, however, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of The Gambia to determine who is allowed to enter.
The Gambia has special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities.
To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of The Gambia. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
All visitors to The Gambia require a passport, valid for at least three, better yet, six months beyond the end of the trip. Citizens of the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the Commonwealth, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not require a visa to enter The Gambia on a trip not exceeding 90 days.
On arrival in The Gambia, your passport will normally be stamped with a tourist visitor’s pass that allows you to stay in the country for 21 days, unless you request a longer stay, the maximum allowed on entry is 28 days. This can be extended by a month at a time for up to three months (currently at a cost of D200 per month) at the Immigration Office in Banjul.
French, Swiss, US, Canadian, and Japanese passport-holders are among those that do require a visa, available for around US$45 from any of The Gambia’s embassies and consulates; enquire at a British consulate if there’s no Gambian representative in your home country.
Visas are normally issued for 30 days and can be extended like tourist visitor’s passes. Only under special circumstances can you organize your visa at the Immigration Office in Banjul within 24hrs of arrival for a fee of about D600
If you are travelling from a country that has yellow fever, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as infected, you may be asked to show an international certificate of vaccination or revaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such a certificate you may be refused entry. Check www.who.int for more information.
If you want to drive or hire a vehicle while you are in The Gambia then getting an international driver’s license is a good idea, which you can get from the offices of most automobile associations in your country for a small fee. A driver’s license from your country can be valid for up to three months, however, this may cause a bit of hassle.
A Gambian driver’s license can be issued for D300 (plus two passport photos, a valid driver's license from your home country, and a passport or other form of legal ID) at most police stations, keep in mind that it can take up to a week or so to be arranged and the license expires every December 31st, giving you up to 30 days to renew. Renewal will also cost D300.
Note: When arriving at the airport and waiting for your luggage, porters will be standing by with trolleys to help you get your luggage into the shuttle bus, vehicle, etc. Let them help you only if you want as they can be very persistent, and then tip something small.
Senegal
If you are planning a side trip to Senegal then you will require a visa unless you are a national of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the UK, US, or Canada.
- what to pack
Below are two lists of what would be recommended to pack for travel to The Gambia. The first list would be for those that are spending less than one month here, likely only one or two weeks (in which case you may want to leave your mobile and laptop at home, after all, you are on a holiday!), the second list is for those staying one month or more, perhaps three months, or even a year or more.
Note: Most items are available for purchase in The Gambia, including electronic items (hairdryers, converters, etc.), clothing, beach accessories, insect repellent, sunblock, medicines, feminine products, and other toiletry items (toothpaste for example can be found at most shops and is often sold at the markets).
However, if you require specific items & brands, you may not find them here so it’s best to bring your own products. In addition, some items can be expensive costing the equivalent or more of what you would pay at home (such as contact-lens liquid).
Less then one month
Light travel clothing (cotton and linen is best, light coloured and some dark coloured for dusty upcountry trips etc.)
- shorts, skirts, dresses, preferably at or below the knee for women (out of respect of the Muslim presence)
- khakis/cargos (especially those that convert to shorts)
- pair of jeans (for women choose 3/4 length, capri-style)
- t-shirts
- tank-tops (vests) (for women, camisoles with a built in bra-shelf are best on those hot sticky days when wearing a bra may not be the best thing)
- light fabric long sleeve shirt
- sweater or pullover (jumper) (the evenings can sometimes be cool and windy during the months of December through May)
- nice outfit and shoes for dinner/dancing/going out
- comfortable and airy sandals (Teva and Chaco brands are recommended by the author)
- flip flops (Havaianas brand are very durable)
- hat and good quality polarized sunglasses (for women, add a scarf/pashmina which can double as a cover-up during cooler evenings)
- bathing suit/swimming trunks
- cotton socks and underwear (pants)
Travel accessories (small and compact)
- flashlight (torch)
- plug converter (if applicable)
- digital camera
- small first-aid kit (including malaria medication, painkillers, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-histamines, and iodine) *Go to a travel clinic for further advice.
- insect repellent and after-bite/insect bite care
- sunblock (suncream) (for lips also)
- aloe vera gel and calamine lotion (for after-sun care, rashes, insect bites, etc.)
- personal toiletries (razors, soaps, lotions, hair-care products, feminine products, contraceptives, make-up, etc.)
- guide book
- travel wallet (one you can hide under your clothing for example)
- day pack/beach bag
- waterproof watch
Optional
- laptop
- books and magazines
- MP3 player
- hair appliances (dryer, etc. though some hotels do offer hair dryers)
- outfit for the gym (trainers/runners and shorts)
- mobile phone with a removable SIM card
- deck of playing cards or other travel games
- binoculars (if interested in bird viewing)
- GPS (if planning on serious bush excursions, etc.)
- water bottle
- pyjama set
- umbrella (if coming during the rainy season)
One month or more
Light travel clothing (cotton and linen is best, light coloured and some dark coloured for dusty upcountry trips etc.)
- shorts, skirts, dresses, preferably at or below the knee for women (out of respect of the Muslim presence)
- khakis/cargos (especially those that convert to shorts)
- several pairs of jeans (for women, have at least one pair at 3/4 length, capri-style)
- light fabric long sleeve shirts
- t-shirts (polo-shirts and v-neck shirts are best)
- tank-tops (vests) (for women, camisoles with a built in bra-shelf are best on those hot sticky days when wearing a bra may not be the best thing)
- sweater or pullover (jumper) (the evenings can sometimes be cool and windy during the months of December through May)
- nice outfits and shoes for dinner/dancing/going out
- comfortable and airy sandals (Teva and Chaco brands are recommended by the author)
- flip flops (Havaianas brand are very durable) (one pair is enough as you can buy cheap flip flops later for less then D25 = US$1)
- hat and good quality polarized sunglasses (for women, add a scarf/pashmina which can double as a cover-up during cooler evenings)
- bathing suit/swimming trunks
- cotton socks and underwear (pants)
Travel accessories (small and compact)
- travel sheet/sleeping bag liner (silk is best, available at outdoor supply stores)
- travel towel (fast drying, also available at outdoor supply stores)
- flashlight (torch), wind-up variety is the best as batteries are not always available, also consider bringing a headlamp
- plug converter (if applicable)
- digital camera
- alarm clock
- pocket knife (swiss-army variety with bottle opener, etc.)
- small reading light that can be clamped on a book, for example
- large first-aid kit (preferably with sterile syringes and needles, and including painkillers, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-histamines, malaria treatment and preventative medication, ciprofloxacin for infections, anti-fungal medication - for women bring yeast infection/thrush treatment -, eye drops, thermometer, and iodine - very useful as an antiseptic and as a water sterilizer) *Go to a travel clinic for further advice.
- insect repellent and after-bite/insect bite care
- sunblock (suncream) (for lips and hair also)
- aloe vera gel and calamine lotion (for after-sun care, rashes, insect bites, etc.)
- personal toiletries (razors, soaps, lotions, hair-care products, feminine products, contraceptives, make-up, etc.)
- guide book
- travel wallet (one you can hide under your clothing for example)
- day pack
- beach bag (though these can be bought and/or made locally)
- waterproof watch
- small key-chain flashlight (torch)
Note: if you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you in case you lose or break your first pair. It is possible to get replacement eyeglasses in Banjul, though it could be expensive and they may not carry the type of lenses or frames you require. Contact lenses are available in Banjul though the variety will be limited.
Optional (though recommended)
- laptop (with some DVD's and/or games)
- memory stick (for use in the Internet cafés etc.)
- books and magazines
- MP3 player
- hair appliances (dryer, etc.)
- mobile phone with a removable SIM card
- deck of playing cards or other travel games
- binoculars (if interested in bird viewing)
- camping equipment (if planning on camping as equipment is not available in The Gambia)
- walking shoes for the bush
- vitamins
- GPS (if planning on serious bush excursions, etc.)
- water bottle
- short wave radio (for listening to BBC at night with locals)
- pyjama set
- umbrella (if staying during the rainy season)
- outfit for the gym (trainers/runners and shorts)
- how to get here
By air
The Gambia is only about a six hour flight away from many European cities with little or no change in time zones, so it is an easy getaway, whether you are going for one week or several months or more.
There are direct charter flights (generally cheaper) from the UK and cities such as Amsterdam, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Madrid. Other flights have routes that may stop over in Brussels, Dakar (Senegal), or even Accra (Ghana) with airlines such as Brussels Airlines, SpanAir, etc.
Currently no direct flights from North America are available. There was a flight from Baltimore (US) to Banjul in 2006, however, this route has since been cancelled until further notice.
As the main tourist season runs from about October to April, during the off-season the choice of flights may be limited. However, the highest airfares are generally around Christmas and New Year while some of the lowest airfares can be had just before December.
Visitors have a choice of purchasing just the flight or the flight plus an accommodation package. The packages often include breakfast though some are all-inclusive (all meals included). Having the breakfast included is probably enough as you would want to explore the other restaurants offering different menus and often good prices.
By land
With careful planning, sufficient time, and some determination it is feasible to travel overland and sea (via bicylce or vehicle) from Europe to The Gambia via such routes as through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Senegal. There are also routes coming from the East (Mali) and the South (Senegal).
- getting around
Common known areas of The Gambia
To get an idea of some of the areas referred to in the various sections of this guide (and when using public transport), here is a list of some of the villages and areas and their descriptions. It would be wise to consult a guidebook with appropriate maps for more detailed information.
Bakau - village located at the most northwest area of the South
Bank, referred to in two parts, 'old town' and 'new town.'
Banjul - capital of The Gambia.
Brikama - large village 25min drive east from the coast.
Brufut - area of new housing development and construction, 10min drive south of the Senegambia area.
Cape Point - area, northern part of Bakau.
Fajara - village area on the coast where many ex-pats and NGO's reside.
Gunjur - small fishing village.
Kairaba Avenue (also referred to as the 'pipeline' road) - a main road from Fajara to Serrekunda, lined with local shops and restaurants.
Kartong - small fishing village and most southern village in The Gambia, next to the Senegalese border.
Kololi - village and main tourist area, most of it on the beach.
the Kombos - area consisting of districts occupying a peninsula of around 900sq km, edged by the mouth of the River Gambia to the northeast and 50km of the coast to the west.
Kotu - village with many hotels and restaurants on the beach.
Palma Rima - basically a street in Kololi with a hotel bearing the same name and various restaurants and bars.
Sanyang - small fishing village.
Senegambia - center area of the main tourist strip, located in Kololi.
Serrekunda - largest and most populated village in The Gambia.
South Bank - area referred to as anywhere on the south side of the River Gambia.
North Bank - area referred to as anywhere on the north side of the River Gambia.
Tanji - small fishing village.
traffic lights - an area named for what used to be (up until 2005) the only set of traffic lights in The Gambia, located at the junction of Kairaba Avenue and the Bertil Harding Highway (also known as the 'coastal' road)
Tujering - small village.
Westfield - area in Serrekunda, also known as the 'Westfield' Junction, a busy junction and location of a major taxi garage (where all the taxis and busses congregate, waiting to fill up with passengers).
Official Divisions/Districts of The Gambia
Lower River (Mansa Konko)
Central River (Janjanbureh)
North Bank (Kerewan)
Upper River (Basse)
Western (Brikama)
Banjul (Banjul, Bakau, Serrekunda)
Driving your own vehicle
You can hire a vehicle from various rental agencies, you can purchase a vehicle depending on your length of stay, and/or you could hire a driver. Although this is a former British colony, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Expect both good paved roads and potholed and muddy 4X4 trails and make sure you have all the proper documentation on hand (driver’s license and vehicle insurance) and equipment (fire extinguisher, reflective triangle, and all things in order on the vehicle) as road checks and thus an opportunity for law enforcement to “fine” the driver are very common throughout the country.
Dogs, cats, monkeys, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, and of course people can be found wandering across the road at any moment’s notice, as are other unforeseen hazards so cautious driving is essential. During the rainy season many roads become flooded and impassable.
The Presidential convoy can come by at any time so be prepared for this also (as soon as you hear any sirens, pull to the side of the road and wait for the convoy to pass before continuing). The convoy will consist of various speeding SUV's, the President's Hummer (black with heavily armed men in the back), and police vehicles (bright blue).
Gas stations are common in the Kombos area but are scarce upcountry. At times there's also a shortage of fuel that can last for days or more. Petrol (essence) is the unleaded variety and then there's diesel (gas oil) which is the most common fuel in The Gambia. Currently (March 2010), the cost of 1 litre of petrol is D33, and 1 litre of diesel is D32.
Public transport
It is amazing how most of the vehicles deemed for public transport are a small bump away from ending up in a scrap yard, yet somehow they manage to last forever, even if the doors are falling off, the tires are completely bald, and none of the lights are working. Be careful when using public transport and if in doubt, wait for another ride to come along. Seatbelts are few and far between...
Note: tipping is not required nor suggested when using public transport.
Taxis
There are two types of taxis; tourist taxis (painted green) and shared taxis (painted yellow with green stripes). The tourist taxis are often found near major hotels and other tourist areas and have a flat fee for their destinations, seen on the billboards outside the tourist taxi stands.
Although cheaper than at home, the prices charged by the tourist taxis are much higher than those charged by the shared taxis.
The shared taxis are seen all over and can be hailed down at anytime for either a ‘shared ride’ where you catch a ride along selected routes with up to 3 other passengers for a flat fee of about D6 per person per route, or you can hire an empty shared taxi for a ‘town trip’ in which you pay a fee decided on before you get into the taxi and you are driven to your destination of choice solo. Sometimes the tourist taxis will also negotiate their prices but not very often.
If you are catching a shared ride make it clear that you are paying the local price (D6 or so per designated route) again before you get into the taxi. You should also ask which direction the taxi is going before you negotiate the price of course. So you could say for example after hailing a taxi down, ‘Salam malekum, Bakau? Six six uh?’ Meaning, 'peace be with you, are you going to Bakau? Six Dalasi right?'
Taxis will honk if they have room for a passenger, put there hand up or ignore you if they don't have room, or they will yell out of the window asking if you need a taxi. Hailing a taxi is easy. Just stand on the side of the road and with your arm out, pointing your fingers down. Sometimes a regular vehicle will stop and offer you a ride, maybe even for free. Do not point/use your thumb when hailing a taxi as this is apparently an obscene gesture.
Bush taxis
These are generally what minibuses and vans are referred to (though bush taxi can also mean the shared taxi variety). Bush taxis function the same way as the shared taxis, though likely the ‘town trip’ offer will be less common, and about 13 passengers will be squeezed in this time instead of just 4.
A young boy will be accompanying the ride in the bush taxi yelling and pointing out of the window which direction the ride is going to and letting the driver know (by knocking on the side of the vehicle) that there are passengers wanting to get on and off. This ‘apprenti’, his official title, will also provide the passengers with change. The cost of the bush taxi is the same as the shared taxi, with fixed prices for selected routes.
Geli geli
These are the larger busses that are often white or blue with colourful decorations and can be found at the taxi garages (an area where taxis assemble to fill with passengers for longer routes), functioning the same way as the bush taxis, though the geli geli’s offer longer trips to Brikama, Janjanbureh, Basse or even outside of the country for example.
Note: On some public transport trips, especially the longer ones on a geli geli, there will be a charge for your luggage. Perhaps only about 10% of what the actual trip costs, depending on the size of your luggage.
By bicycle or foot
There are several places near the major tourist hotels that have bike rentals, varying in quality, and are at reasonable prices of about US$5 for the day. Although cycling is usually a relaxing way of travelling, in The Gambia it’s not an ideal activity due to the poor conditions of the roads, lack of cycling paths, and the dangerous driving that occurs all too often. Though apparently a cycling club does exist.
Of course you could walk your way around the country, as many locals do, however, you will need a lot of water and a lot of time. Occasionally you could catch a ride with a donkey cart if you are lucky...
Ferries
There are 4 ferry crossings to get passengers and vehicles across the River Gambia as there are no bridges. The main crossing is at Banjul on the South Bank crossing to Barra on the North Bank and it operates daily from about 7am to 11pm. For foot passengers it costs about D5/one way, for vehicles it costs about D145/one way.
The crossing can take up to one hour, while the actual wait for the ferry can take several hours or more, especially if you are trying to get a vehicle across.
Other crossings include Farafenni on the North Bank crossing to Soma on the South Bank, and there are numerous other smaller crossings such as from the North Bank or South Bank to Janjanbureh (Georgetown) on MacCarthy Island which runs during the day as long as there are passengers to fill the ferry up with. Not to worry however, as these small ferries only fit about 2 (for the South Bank push-pull ferry) or 4 (for the North Bank ferry) vehicles per trip anyway.
Taking any of the above ferries is an experience not to be missed, learning patience, understanding the need for development, and enjoying all the smells, sights, and sounds of real African life along the way.
Pirogues
Another form of transport to cross the River Gambia or any of the smaller rivers and creeks is by pirogue. These wooden dug-out canoes and boats are privately owned fishing boats that offer the service of carrying passengers in times when the ferries are too much of a wait or when a new experience is calling.
Pirogues range in size and decoration and can be dangerous during rough weather so take precautions and if possible wear a life-jacket (if it is even provided).
- shopping and arts & crafts
Shopping:
Bold fabrics, colourful beaded jewelry, wooden carvings, tin or brass figurines, toys crafted from soda cans, recycled paper journals (from the Paper Recycling Skills Project), sarongs (useful as a skirt, scarf, sheet, wall hanging, and beach towel - though watch the ink!), batiks (paintings on fabric made with a wax-resist dyeing technique), djembes (local drums), leather goods, items handcrafted out of straw, African music cassettes and CDs, and many more things are worth purchasing here in The Gambia. Try some of the following areas for good shopping:
Banjul
Gambia’s capital city, Banjul, is one of the smallest capital cities in Africa, located on at the mouth of the River Gambia and separated from the mainland by a narrow creek.
With little room to grow, the city has been stagnant for years, giving it a sleepy, though busy ambience, more like a large village than a national centre, yet with plenty to do all in a day’s time.
Visit Albert Market, the vibrant heart of Banjul and a colourful, lively, and chaotic place where you can spend many hours shopping for clothes, shoes, crafts, and trinkets. Watch for pickpocketers and young men wanting to be your 'guide.'
Though some of its exhibits are looking a bit tired, the National Museum of The Gambia is also worth visiting for its displays of photos, maps, and text about local archaeology, African peoples and the colonial period.
Not far off, the 35m (115ft) Arch 22 is one of the tallest building in The Gambia. Built to celebrate the military coup of 22 July 1994 (led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh, now Gambia's president), the arch provides excellent views over the city and the coast, and it's open to the public daily.
Serrekunda
Gambia’s largest town, Serrekunda (also spelled as Serekunda), has become the nation’s de facto capital due to island-bound Banjul not being able to expand any further.
At one time Serrekunda was a small village, bearing the name of a local family (Serrekunda meaning ‘the home of the Serre family’), and now it is the primary transport hub and activity centre of The Gambia.
For a taste of real Africa, a visit to the main market in Serrekunda is highly recommended as there you can see how the locals shop and bargain in an over-crowded, colourful and smelly mess, where almost anything is for sale.
As in the Albert Market in Banjul, or any other crowded area for that matter, watch for pickpocketers and young men wanting to be your 'guide.'
Daily shopping needs:
Various pharmacies in the Kombos area sell such items as pain-killers, anti-diarrhea pills, anti-malarial medication, band-aids, sun-cream (sunblock), insect repellent, condoms, feminine products, etc. for reasonable prices.
The grocery stores such as Right Choice (good selection of products), Maroun's (many items from Tesco), St. Mary's Food and Wine (open late), and Kairaba Shopping Centre (large grocery store with other items on the second floor) will stock mostly imported items from Europe and Asia.
Many favourite things are available at these places and some new things also, but often at a cost. Small shack-type shops called bitikos are found on most streets all over the country. These shops stock a variety of goods including drinks (tea, coffee, soft drinks, and water, if available and if you are lucky, cold), condiments, tapalapa (bread), tinned meat and fish, powdered or tinned milk, sugar, cell phone credit and general household items such as laundry detergent, soap, gas tanks, candles, etc.
Arts & Crafts:
- The Art Café and Yok Restaurant, Bakau (a place worth visiting for seeing the orchids, art, and amazing design of the buildings alone!)
- Bakau Craft Market, Bakau (relatively relaxing place to purchase souvenirs)
- Brikama Woodcarvers Market, Brikama (good selection of woodcarvings, though keep in mind that most of the designs are not Gambian originals but rather, copied designs from Mali, Ghana, Kenya, etc.)
- Equigambia, Kololi (fair trade shop with unique clothing made on site by local young Gambians)
- Lemon Fish Art Gallery, Kartong (featuring local artists)
- The Paper Recycling Skills Project, Lamin (watch local Gambians make paper and books out of recycled items, also available at Timbooktoo (book store), and select hotel gift shops)
- wedding arrangements
With guaranteed sun, lovely beaches, and all the facilities, having a wedding in The Gambia is a wonderful idea. Most if not all of the resorts and hotels will gladly help you make the arrangements, as will various tour operators.
Weddings can take place in the beautiful lush Makasutu Forest at the Mandina Lodge, on the cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Ngala Lodge, or at the golden beaches of the Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa, to name just a few.
The current required documents for British Passport holders planning on getting married in The Gambia are to have their passports, birth certificates, decree absolute (if divorced), spouse's death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if widowed), adoption certificate (if adopted), a deep poll (if name changed), and be of the minimum age of 18.
Passport size photos of the bride and groom are also required and the couple must visit the local Registry Office in Banjul after arrival to complete the wedding forms.
Back to Guide to Gambia Main Index
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