Things To Do
in Gambia
The Gambia is a small coastal country located in West Africa, bordered by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for the Gambia River, which runs through the country and serves as a vital resource for transportation and agriculture. The capital city, Banjul, is situated on an island at the mouth of the river and features a mix of colonial architecture and vibrant markets.
The nation is recognized for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and commitment to preserving its natural environments, including several national parks and reserves.
- "What is your name?" - Ki sa gra?
- "How are you?" - Mbaa ngfa dio?
- "Thank you" - Jerejef
- "Good morning" - Njaa baa
- "Good evening" - Njaa bain
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure with a visit to Kotu Beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful morning stroll along the shoreline. Don't forget to grab a coffee at a nearby café to kickstart your day.
Head to the Kachikally Crocodile Pool to learn about the sacred crocodiles and their significance in Gambia. You can take photos and interact with these magnificent creatures.
Wind down at a local restaurant where you can savor traditional Gambian dishes like Domoda or Benachin. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance as you taste the local flavors.
Visit Abuko Nature Reserve early in the morning to catch sight of various bird species and wildlife. The tranquil environment makes it perfect for a nature hike.
Explore the nearby Bundung Forest Park to discover more of Gambia's rich biodiversity. Keep your camera ready for the stunning views and wildlife encounters.
Return to your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars. Consider participating in a local drumming circle to immerse yourself in the culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and natural landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage and friendly locals
- Affordable cost of living
- Biodiversity and wildlife tourism opportunities
- Stable climate with a warm atmosphere year-round
- Limited healthcare facilities and services
- Underdeveloped infrastructure
- Limited access to education in rural areas
- Potential political instability and economic challenges
- Seasonal rainfall affecting agriculture and travel
Best Activities in Gambia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Gambia is known for its diverse bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. The wetlands and national parks offer guided tours to spot various birds, including the iconic West African wildlife.
Gambia's coastline provides beautiful beaches for leisurely walks, sunbathing, and swimming. Popular spots include Kololi and Kotu Beach, where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Experience local fishing by joining a fishing tour on the River Gambia or the Atlantic coast. This activity allows you to try your hand at catching local fish while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Take a relaxing river cruise along the Gambia River to explore the natural beauty, wildlife, and local culture. These cruises often include opportunities to sight hippos and various bird species.
Explore Gambia's picturesque landscapes through guided nature walks in places like the Abuko Nature Reserve or Bijilo Forest Park, where you can witness the vibrant flora and fauna.
Explore the historic sites of Juffureh and Albreda, known for their connections to the transatlantic slave trade. This trip blends outdoor exploration with important cultural education.
Tours
Uncover the best of Gambia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Gambia
Visit one of these nice places.
Tanji Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline known for its golden sands and vibrant sunsets, offering fantastic photo opportunities of the ocean and local fishing activities.
A serene nature reserve that provides a rich habitat for various bird species and wildlife. It's an excellent spot for nature photography amid lush greenery.
A historic island with scenic views overlooking the river, perfect for capturing the rich cultural heritage of The Gambia alongside its natural beauty.
An iconic archway that offers panoramic views of the capital city Banjul and beyond, making it a great place to capture stunning skyline shots.
A bustling market filled with vibrant colors and lively activity, providing excellent photographic opportunities of local life and seafood.
Known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes, this national park features excellent viewpoints for wildlife photography, especially around the river.
The village known for its historical significance related to Kunta Kinteh; it offers beautiful river views and cultural experiences, perfect for capturing history and landscape.
Located in Banjul, this beautiful cathedral offers architectural photography opportunities with its stunning design and vibrant surroundings.
Food in Gambia
Gambia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, often served with chicken or fish. You can find excellent Jollof Rice at various local eateries and during celebratory occasions.
Must-Try!
Translating to 'one pot,' this dish features rice cooked with fish or meat and vegetables, flavored with a rich tomato sauce. It is widely available in restaurants and street food stalls around Banjul.
A groundnut stew typically made with meat, such as chicken or beef, cooked in a creamy peanut sauce. It's found in many Gambian homes and local restaurants, particularly in Kombo.
A traditional porridge made from fermented corn or millet, often enjoyed for breakfast. Local women sell it in many markets and on street corners.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Gambia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The largest market in The Gambia, Serrekunda Market offers a wide array of local ingredients, spices, and ready-to-eat street food, including grilled fish and meat skewers, fresh fruit, and pastries.
Located near the waterfront, this market is famous for its fresh catch of the day. You can find a variety of seafood dishes prepared on-site by local vendors.
Throughout the cities, street vendors sell a variety of snacks and meals, including meat pies, akara (bean cakes), and fresh fruit juices, offering an authentic taste of Gambian street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gambian culture, elders are highly revered. It is important to show respect by using appropriate titles, standing when they enter a room, and listening attentively to their advice and stories.
Hospitality is a cornerstone of Gambian culture. Always greet people warmly, and it is customary to ask about their well-being and family. A handshake is common, often followed by placing the hand on the heart as a sign of respect.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and during religious events. For women, this means wearing long skirts or dresses, while men should also aim for respectful attire. Avoid overly revealing clothing to show consideration for local customs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Gambia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Gambia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a widespread practice in The Gambia, but it is appreciated in the tourism sector. In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10% is considered generous if service is not included in the bill. Similarly, tips may be given to taxi drivers and hotel staff, though it is not obligatory.
Payment in The Gambia can be made through various methods, including cash, credit cards, and mobile money services. The Gambian dalasi (GMD) is the official currency. While larger establishments like hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards, local markets and smaller businesses typically operate on a cash-only basis. Mobile money services are also becoming popular, providing a convenient way for people to conduct transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Gambia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Gambia is during the dry season, from November to May. Visitors can expect warm weather, minimal rainfall, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is the peak tourist season, making it ideal for enjoying the beaches, wildlife, and cultural experiences.
The wet season runs from June to October, bringing higher humidity and frequent rain showers. Although temperatures remain warm, visitors can expect heavy downpours, especially in August and September. This is a less popular season for tourists, but it offers lush landscapes and vibrant flora and fauna, making it a good time for birdwatching.
During the Harmattan, which occurs from late December to February, visitors can experience dry and dusty winds from the Sahara Desert. While temperatures may be cooler in the mornings and evenings, daytime temperatures can still reach up to 30°C (86°F). This season is characterized by clear skies and lower humidity, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.
Gambia at Night
Hiking in Gambia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park offering various hiking trails through diverse landscapes including mangroves, savannahs, and wetlands.
A small reserve with walking trails that allow visitors to experience local flora and fauna, including monkeys and bird species.
While primarily known for its water activities, the riverbanks also offer walking paths and opportunities for nature hikes.
Located just across the border in Senegal, this reserve has trails that provide a chance to hike and see wildlife in a natural habitat.
While mostly a coastal area, visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the beach and nearby dunes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Gambia through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Gambia by plane.
The main international airport of Gambia, located in Banjul.
Located in Sierra Leone, approximately 140 km from Banjul, serves as an alternative for travelers.
Located in Senegal, around 200 km from Banjul, it is a major hub for international flights.
Also known as Lungi International Airport, situated in Sierra Leone, approximately 140 km from Banjul.
Located in Ghana, approximately 2,850 km from Banjul, serving as a major international gateway in West Africa.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in The Gambia, primarily found in the eastern part of the country, known for their agricultural lifestyle and cultural traditions.
Also known as Fulani or Peul, this group is primarily pastoralists and is known for their nomadic lifestyle and trade activities, found across The Gambia.
A significant ethnic group mainly located in the western region, recognized for their rich cultural heritage and influence on Gambian music and arts.
Located mainly in the coastal areas and regions in the south, this group is known for their agricultural practices and unique cultural customs.
A smaller group primarily found in the rural regions, with a strong agricultural backdrop and traditional practices.
Descendants of freed African slaves, primarily found in urban areas, contributing to the social fabric and commerce of The Gambia.
Includes ethnic groups like the Manjago, Balanta, and others, contributing to the multicultural tapestry of The Gambia.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Gambia, often played at both professional and grassroots levels, with a strong following and local clubs.
A favorite sport among the youth, with increasing participation in schools and community leagues.
Includes track and field events, with Gambian athletes competing in regional and international competitions.
Gaining popularity, especially in urban areas and among women, with local tournaments being organized.
A growing sport in Gambia, particularly among expatriate communities and younger generations.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available, often including dishes such as Domoda (peanut stew) and Chura. Many restaurants can prepare dishes without meat upon request.
While traditional Gambian cuisine primarily features meat and fish, it's possible to find vegan options, especially in larger cities where chefs are more accommodating. Dishes can often be customized to exclude animal products.
Gluten-free options are somewhat limited as many staple foods include cereal grains. However, rice-based dishes like Jollof and Benachin can usually accommodate gluten-free diets.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gambia.