Discover the Beauty and Culture of Gambia: A Hidden Gem in Africa
The Gambia is a narrow country that stretches inland from the beautiful West African coast, following the course of the majestic River Gambia. It may be the smallest country in mainland Africa, sandwiched between north and south Senegal, but it’s beginning to be noticed by the British package tour trade as an exciting alternative to the crowded resorts of Europe. It has also gained fame for its incredibly varied and accessible bird life.
The Gambia’s emergence as a tourist destination was aided by the best-selling book turned television series Roots, by Alex Haley, detailing the life of the author’s grandfather, allegedly captured in the country and transported to the US as a slave. The book and television series caused a sensation in the 70s and put The Gambia on the map.
The capital of The Gambia, Banjul, stands on the south side of the magnificent river estuary, a worthy commercial centre that for most tourists is little more than the gateway to the hotels spread along the 25 miles (40km) of beautiful sandy coastline.
These palm-fringed Atlantic-washed beaches have been dubbed ‘The Smiling Coast’, as much for their tropical splendour as for the friendliness of the local people, who welcome visitors whole-heartedly at the nature reserves, quality hotels, and craft markets. All this is just six hours’ flying time from London, close to the equator, on the same latitude as Barbados.
Climate in Gambia
The Gambia has a sub-tropical climate and is situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator. The country enjoys almost 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, and spectacular rainstorms characterise the evenings. As most of the rainfall occurs at night and can be a welcome break from the sun and heat, travel to The Gambia during the rainy season is still an option, so long as visitors don’t mind the humidity.
Between November and June there is virtually no rainfall. During the winter months, between January and April, evenings and early mornings can be cool. Summer temperatures can hit extreme highs, reaching 107F (42C) at times, and the heat is particularly debilitating inland, as travellers no longer benefit from the cool coastal breezes.
The best time to visit in terms of weather and bird spotting is between November and February, when the weather is dry and a bit cooler. The Gambia is a great beach holiday destination year-round, as it is always sunny and hot, though most travellers prefer to avoid the hottest months.
Health Notes when travelling to Gambia
No inoculations are compulsory for entry to The Gambia, except for a yellow fever certificate if travellers are arriving from yellow fever infected areas. However, it is recommended that travellers take health advice at least three weeks before departing for the country.
Malaria is prevalent throughout the year, but the greatest risk is between June and November. Travellers should obtain up to date medical advice on the appropriate malaria medication, as some may not be adequate for The Gambia.
It is possible that your doctor may also advise that you are vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, and meningococcus (for the dry season). Visitors are also advised to carry preparations for dehydration, stomach upsets, insect bites and cuts, as well as mosquito repellent and sun block, as these are not always readily available in The Gambia.
Waterborne diseases such as schistosomiasis do occur and travellers should not swim or raft in contaminated fresh water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, ensure meat and vegetables are well cooked and avoid unpeeled fruit and vegetables. Emergency medical facilities are of a low standard so travel insurance with provision for emergency repatriation is recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to Gambia
Though crimes involving tourists are rare in The Gambia and safety is not a major concern, robberies involving travellers are on the rise, particularly the stealing of passports and valuables from hotel rooms. It is wise not to carry valuables or large sums of money, or to display them in public, and valuables left in hotels should be kept in safes whenever possible.
Driving in The Gambia can be hazardous and many taxis are not roadworthy. Road travel from The Gambia to southern Senegal should be avoided due to fighting between rebel factions in the area and incidents with bandits.
Travellers should be wary of young men known locally as ‘bumsters’, who approach male and female tourists, particularly on beaches, and offer to help or act as local guides. Visitors should be polite but firm in refusing unwanted help or attempts at conversation.
Customs in Gambia
The Gambia is a Muslim country, meaning it is considered disrespectful to dress immodestly away from the beach, swimming pools or tourist centres. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet. Homosexuality is illegal and strong action is taken against travellers found to be in possession of drugs. It is prohibited to photograph military institutions.
Duty Free in Gambia
Visitors arriving in The Gambia are permitted to bring 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, a bottle of liquor or wine, a bottle of a bottle of eau de toilette or perfume, and personal effects into the country without paying duty.
Doing Business in Gambia
Business is conducted formally in The Gambia and a formal dress code should be observed. Punctuality is expected. Business cards are catching on and advisable to bring along. Greetings are important and a formal handshake is the norm for men and women.
It’s important to acknowledge every member at a meeting, regardless of status or gender. A personal approach to business is favoured and Gambians like to get to know the person with whom they are conducting business. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Gambia
The international access code for The Gambia is +220. Most Gambians access the internet through their phone data and visitors should purchase local SIM cards for their phones to do the same.
Tipping in Gambia
A 10 percent service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, and further tipping is discretionary. Generally all services rendered require a small cadeau (gift or tip).
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors require a return ticket or proof of onward travel, sufficient funds to cover their stay in The Gambia, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. In some cases visas may be issued on arrival, but this should be confirmed in advance from official sources.
Passengers on a package tour, or arriving on a charter flight generally do not have to pre-arrange visas, but for peace of mind, this should be confirmed before travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter The Gambia, if travellers are arriving in the country after leaving or transiting through an infected area.
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. Visas are required, unless you are a passenger travelling as a tourist on a charter flight.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, or for passengers travelling as tourists on a charter flight.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required not required for stays of up to 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Gambia Tourism Authority: http://www.visitthegambia.gm
Gambia Embassies
- In the United States:
Gambian Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 785 1399
- In Canada:
Gambian Consulate General, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 440 0777
- In the United Kingdom:
Gambian High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7229 8066
- In Australia:
Gambia Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Australia): +96 61 205 2158
- In South Africa:
Gambian Consulate, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 11 884 3710
Foreign Embassies in Gambia
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Banjul: +220 439 2856
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for Gambia): +221 33 889 4700
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Banjul: +220 449 4508
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Accra, Ghana (also responsible for Gambia): +233 302 216 400
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for Gambia): +221 33 865 1959
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
