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Discover the amazing wildlife and blissful beaches of The Gambia. With non-stop warm weather and fantastic hospitality, you can relax here all year round.
Get ready to experience a treasure trove of alluring beaches, vibrant markets, and lively festivals - we're talking about The Gambia! Tucked inside Senegal, this cheeky little West African gem has an infectious energy that will sweep you off your feet. If you’re hunting for your next exotic holiday destination, you've come to the right place.
Ding, ding, ding! Here are some absolute corkers, the best of Gambia's highlights:
Smashing sunsets over the River Gambia
Haggling for treats at the bustling Albert Market
Spotting colourful birds at Abuko Nature Reserve
Exploring the rustic charm of the Makasutu Cultural Forest
Marvelling at the haunting Kunta Kinteh Island
Fancy yourself a bit of a beach bum, do ya? Perfect, because Gambia has sandy stretches that will make your heart skip a beat!
Kololi Beach: It's the heart of the sun-kissed strip, buzzing with beach bars and water sports.
Kotu Beach: The perfect chill-out spot, famous for its sunset views and beachside eateries.
Cape Point Beach: Tranquil and pristine, great for long beach walks and birdwatching.
Bijilo Beach: Nestled near the Bijilo Forest Park, it's a great place for wildlife spotting.
Bakau: Colourful boats and a buzzing fish market make this beach.
Batokunku: The undisturbed flat sands of this peaceful beach line up with the horizon to create the perfect sunset scene.
The Gambia enjoys virtually uninterrupted sunshine and high temperatures all year round. There are 2 distinct seasons, wet and dry.
From July to October the temperatures rise combined with sharp showers, but these occur mainly at night.
The best time to visit is between November and March when it's dry and warm.
It takes about six and a half hours to fly to The Gambia from the UK.
The Gambia is one hour behind the time in the UK.
The official currency of The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi.
The official language of The Gambia is English.
Get those comfy shoes on, because we’ve got a list that's brimming with adventures! The capital city, Banjul, is home to the famed Arch 22 and the African Heritage Museum – a day here and you’ll be buzzing with excitement. For a bit of local life, head to Serrekunda, Gambia's largest town, where colourful markets and busy streets promise an experience like no other. And don't forget to take a leisurely boat ride down the River Gambia, where you can spot monkeys, hippos, and if you're really lucky, even dolphins! And that’s not in why not try one of these…
Take a river cruise along the Gambia River for splendid views.
Birdwatchers, head to Tanji Bird Reserve.
Dare to wrestle? Visit a local village and learn traditional Gambian wrestling.
Try your hand at fishing in the clear waters of the Atlantic.
Visit a local school or join a drumming and dance class for cultural immersion.
If you're one for festivals, Gambia's vibrant events will leave you speechless! The International Roots Festival, a biannual event, celebrates African culture and heritage with music, dance, and art. Or if you fancy a fish fiesta, check out the
International Roots Festival (biennial): A week-long celebration of African culture and heritage.
Banjul Demba Cultural Festival (December): Features traditional music, dance, and local cuisine.
Kanilai International Cultural Festival (June): A vibrant showcase of traditional music, dance, and sporting events.
Tanji Village Fish Smokey: Although this happens throughout the year, we thought it deserved a spot here: a look at the traditional method of fish smoking. You'll have a whale of a time!
Fancy a bit of moonlit mischief? Well, Gambia's nightlife has you covered! Think lively beach bars, bustling local dance floors and sultry night markets. Sink your toes in the sand at a beach shack like Poco Loco in Kololi and sway to the beat of African drums while the stars twinkle above. Or, get your dancing shoes on and hit the vibrant clubs in Senegambia strip. We're talking lively beats, infectious laughter and a dance-off or two, Gambia style. Fancy a flutter? Check out the casino in Kololi. And don't forget the lively night markets - they're a hoot! As the sun dips, watch Gambia come alive with energy that's nothing short of contagious.
If there’s one thing Gambians know how to do, it's how to whip up some mouth-watering grub. Dig into a bowl of Domoda, a hearty peanut stew, or sample the national dish, Benachin, a spicy rice and fish combo that will tickle your taste buds. And, if you've got a sweet tooth, you can't miss the Tapalapa bread, a sweet and crusty delight that's perfect for an afternoon snack. Don't forget to wash it down with baobab juice or palm wine!
Ready to tuck into some Gambian grub or hit the town? Check out some of our top-spots.
Ngala Lodge Restaurant in Bakau: Fine dining with an ocean view.
Calypso Beach Bar & Restaurant at Kololi Beach: Chill vibe and local delicacies.
Yosh's in Kotu: Vegan-friendly options and live music.
Solomon’s Beach Bar & Restaurant at Cape Point: Great seafood and stunning views.
The Green Mamba Garden in Kololi: Pub-style food with a tropical garden backdrop.
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Greece on the FCDO website.
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
There is currently no tourist tax to pay in The Gambia.
Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 10/03/2024 and 09/04/2024. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking will be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors are expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.