The Gambia Quick Guide

The Gambia Travel Guide takes you on a fascinating tour of this African nation. The Gambia is an extremely small West African nation, bordered by Senegal on its east, with a very short, even narrow, coastline. It is known for its varied landscapes across the historic, central Gambia River. Abundant wild life in its Bongao Wetland reserve and its surrounding environs includes monkeys, hyenas, hippos, lions and even rare birds. The capital, Banjul, offers easy access to beach-based activities, as well as traditional markets, craft workshops and dining.

The Gambia Travel Guide provides a detailed description of destinations and highlights of key points of interest, along with complete information about budget lodging and entry requirements. While traveling in the Gambia, you will have opportunities to explore the natural environment in leisure and excitement. You can indulge in activities such as snorkeling, diving, bird watching and trekking, all of which are protected. For tourists, there are many options for dining, wine tasting and dancing. There is also a comprehensive guide about the local food and drink, which have an overview of meals, wine and entertainment.

The Gambia Travel Guide provides an up-close look at the country's flora and fauna, including coral reefs, bird life and the elusive but important Gambian crocodile. The book includes detailed descriptions about the best places to go fishing, where to search for fish and other wildlife, and the rules and regulations for taking part in sport. The Gambia Travel Guide provides a detailed description of the historical sites, which include the Old Town and Museum, San Nose, Bambuhu Waterfront, Founa Waterfront, and the Queen Elizabeth Historical Park. For travellers interested in history and culture, there is the Gambia Monkey Forest, and the Gorilla Reserve.

For those wanting a taste of the unique African food, the Gambia Travel Guide provides recipes that you can try while visiting the country. "Smoky" African cuisine is popular in Gambia, and the cookbook provides authentic dishes from this country. It offers tips for preparing traditional meals, including salads, rice, meats, desserts and the dessert of sorbet or mangoes. West Africa and the Gambia are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, so there are opportunities to enjoy snorkelling, diving, horseback riding and scuba diving. The Gambia Travel Guide offers detailed information about travelling around the country.

In addition to traveling throughout west Africa and the Gambia, you can participate in activities such as horseback riding, elephant and camel safaris, camping, photography, and much more. Camping in Gambia gives you the opportunity to taste the local fare. You can visit the town of Fannui, which are situated on the shore between the Gambia and Atlantic Ocean, and experience life in the Gambia with the local folks. Other nearby towns include Akosua, which are known for housing an ancient temple, and Maramba, which have a beach suitable for swimming and other entertainment.

The Gambia Travel Guide describes the best time to visit the island nation of Gambia. The rainy season is from May to October, with an average rainfall of four inches (yards). Summers are hotter, with temperatures reaching ninety (Fahrenheit) during the summer months. There are many popular tourist destinations, including the capital, Jama, and the surrounding and central parts of the island.

Another fascinating aspect of the Gambia travel guide is the Gambian people. The country is one of the most diverse in Africa, with different ethnic groups sharing varied cultures, language and traditions. It is possible to become very familiar with the culture of a specific region within Gambia by visiting the different towns and villages. For example, the baboon island is home to a large community of Hillmen, who speak a unique dialect of Gambian native tongue, while the Ubangi community is known for making terracotta sculptures using terracotta pots.

The Gambia travel guide mentions three must-see sites in Gambia: the Lake Chamara National Park; the Tuli National Park; and the Chinguetti River and irrigation system in Saadani. The lakes, like Lake Chamara, provide an excellent venue for scuba diving and snorkeling, and the river provides good fishing opportunities. The largest city, Jama, also features an ancient fort and museum. The small country of Saadani is home to some of the finest beaches in Africa, where visitors can relax and go for a relaxing swim. The comprehensive guide to the Gambia offers interesting details on travel tips to the country as well as useful information on how to get there.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to The Gambia are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

October to June is the dry season, and the best time to travel to Gambia, as it's usually cooler at night, there are fewer mosquitoes around, and dirt roads upcountry are less likely to be blocked. October to April is also the high season for Western tourists, with cheap, all inclusive coastal resorts filling up.

Do I need a Visa?

British passport holders do not require visas to gain entry into The Gambia. You are required to travel on a valid passport, valid at minimum until the day of your flight arrival back to the UK. ... Check with the Embassy of The Gambia in London.

See which forms you may need for entry into The Gambia.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in The Gambia you can grab amazing Gambian Dalasi deals via Wise.com (GBP to GMD).

What about the wildlife?

Among the animals to be found in Gambia include aardvarks, hyena, Nile crocodiles, warthogs, bushpigs, monitor lizards, chameleons, geckos, puff adders, spitting cobras and green mambas. Bottle nose dolphins can be seen near the entrance to the river from the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the traditional food?

Mandinka food? Domoda is the national dish of Gambia. It is a delicious “groundnut stew” (peanuts) consisting of whatever vegetable happens to be available, typically pumpkin or sweet potatoes, and a saucy base.

What Languages are spoken?

The Gambia is a former British Colony and the official language is English but there are also several tribal languages including Mandinka and Wolof. Educated in English, most Gambians are at least bilingual. You can learn some basic Mandinka before you travel to The Gambia and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (When you have finished eating you can tip around 7.5% of your total bill as a tip.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 117
  • Ambulance: 116
  • Fire: 118
  • UK Embassy: +220 449 4508

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is -1 hours

Travel Apps

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Learn Mandinka

Learn some Mandinka before your trip to The Gambia


The Gambia Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to The Gambia by buying a guidebook.