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Explore The Unique Beauty of Gambia: A Travel Blogger's Guide

About Gambia

Gambia, Gambia is a beautiful travel destination that captures the essence of Africa. Located in West Africa, this country boasts miles of stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and a vibrant culture. Experience the warmth of Gambian hospitality and indulge in delicious local cuisine while exploring the unique natural and historical landmarks. Book your trip to Gambia, Gambia today.

Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa, is a hidden gem that's waiting to be discovered. Located on the west coast of Africa, The Gambia is a popular destination for tourists looking for an authentic African experience. Here, you'll find beautiful beaches, stunning wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage.

One of the most popular attractions in The Gambia is its beaches. With golden sand and crystal-clear waters, the beaches here are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. If you're looking for a bit of adventure, you can also try your hand at water sports like surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.

Another must-see attraction in The Gambia is its wildlife. The country is home to a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees. For a truly unforgettable experience, head to the Abuko Nature Reserve, where you can see crocodiles, pythons, and other exotic creatures up close.

The Gambia also has a rich cultural heritage that's worth exploring. The country is home to a number of historic sites, including the Kunta Kinteh Island and Fort Bullen. You can also visit local villages to learn about the traditional way of life and sample delicious Gambian cuisine.

Overall, The Gambia is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Africa. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, go on a safari, or explore the country's cultural heritage, The Gambia has something for everyone. So why not plan your next vacation to this incredible destination today?

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Popular Stays in Gambia

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Gambia

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and kilometres of sandy beaches it is the perfect venue for an unforgettable vacation. It sits just a 2-minute walk from the nearest taxi rank and within a short walk from banks, restaurants and shopping outlets. Bijilo Forest Park can be reached for 10 minutes on foot and is a great place for observing animals in their natural habitat. But this can also happen while the guests of the hotel relax on their verandas that overlook the peaceful gardens, which houses numerous colourful birds and friendly monkeys. The rest of the well-appointed rooms offer views towards the mesmerizing ocean. As the day moves towards its end the onsite restaurant and bar take over from the pool and turn into excellent places for fun and enjoyment. There, besides the outstanding dishes, guests can watch special adult or children entertainment programs.
This hotel is located directly on the wide, sandy beach and in the heart of the small centre of Kotu. Guests will find several restaurants, mini markets and shops within walking distance. The nearest nightspots are 5 km away, in the town of Serrekunda. Renovated in 2024, this popular and lively family-friendly hotel comprises a total of 258 rooms. Facilities on offer to guests at this establishment include a lobby area with a 24-hour reception and check-out service, a currency exchange facility and a newspaper stand. Business travellers will appreciate the conference facilities. All rooms come with a private bathroom with a shower/bathtub and offer a double bed. They are equipped with satellite/cable TV, a safe and a mini fridge. All rooms also feature either a balcony or a terrace.
With a stay at African Princess Beach Hotel in Serrekunda, you'll be a 1-minute drive from Kololi Beach and 8 minutes from Bijilo Forest Park. This 4-star hotel is 8.7 mi (13.9 km) from Banjul Beach and 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Bijilo Beach. Take time to pamper yourself with a visit to the full-service spa. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite. Enjoy a satisfying meal at Princess serving guests of African Princess Beach Hotel. Need to unwind? Take a break with a tasty beverage at one of the 2 bars/lounges. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Make yourself at home in one of the 141 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Established in 2016 the hotel was created with the vision of providing guests with a traditional African styled vacation with a contemporary modern twist. On entering this delightful hotel you will immediately sense its individual warm, friendly and laid back atmosphere. Surrounded by shimmering pools and tropical gardens the hotel sits in an exceptional location on the beach at Kololi. Balafon Beach Resort on the Gambia's ‘Smiling Coast' of West Africa is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved break.

Things to do in Gambia

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Gambia

This tour entails four major trips that are offered by other tour companies separately. It is not physically demanding as one may think, so we decided to do them in one day to provide our customers real value for the money that they pay to us. It is not a constant drive the whole day, in every 30-40 minutes,we stop at a place of interest.
This excursion is for nature-lovers and for people who are interested in culture, history and natural medicin. In Makasutu you will be learning about the different plants and trees as well as the traditional uses for them. Then we take a canoe ride along the Mandinga Bolong creek in a traditional African pirogue. You will also have the possibility to try out some fresh palm juice or get your fortune told by the local Marabout..
This excursion is for those of you who want to experience a lot in a single day. We start early in the morning and visit Kachikally Crocodile pool, Serekunda market, Lamin lodge, The wood carving factory in Brikama, Paradise Beach in Sanyang and Tanji fish market. This is a whole-day trip. Make sure to bring water and sunscreen! NOTE: Admission fees (Kachickally Crocodile Pool) and fees for boat trip (Lamin Lodge) are not included in the price.
The South Gambia-tour is for people who are interested in seeing something more than the tourist areas. The Tanji Fishing Center is one of the major fishing communities in the Gambia and the Paradise Beach in Sanyang is a beautiful and peaceful place.
This trip is a must for bird watchers and those with an interest in birds. You will see some of the amazing colourful birds in there natural habitat. An experience you will not forget from a qualified birdwatching.
This experience will take you into the day to day life of a Gambian woman and family. We go to the market to shop for food, daily, to feed our families, and also buy products at the market. Let us show you what Gambia looks like through the eyes of Gambian women. We want to show you the amazing country we live in, meet new people and enjoy authentic home cooked food, that you can learn how to make with us. We started this business after being encouraged by our first guest, who is a friends Wife. We took her out, at her request, to experience these things we are offering, The experience was amazing for all of us, and now we wish to share this with you. Our other goal is to send a child to school each year with proceeds from our experiences. We believe it is important to teach our children well, to become strong adults.
This tour is a must see experience when visiting the Gambia. The car journey to the park takes a while but on the way you get to see how people live in the up country. It is well worth the visit. A guide from The River Gambian National Park will board the boat and give an informing talk and answer any questions
Visiting one of Gambia's Eco Forest in a beautiful settings. Explore the creek in a canoe (30 -40 mins) and roam the palm forest for 1 or 1 1/2 hrs with chances of wildlife sightings. Meet with some locals who use the forest to practice their trade or culture, such as the fortune teller and the palm wine tapper. Please bring along your swim suite for the use of the swimming pool (if in use at the time)

Why People Love Gambia

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Gambia

K
KonMal
5
May 2023
Great one day tour with the best guide in Gambia, ML! ML gave me so much info on Gambia’s culture, history, traditions and every day life! He has a political science academic background and so kind and friendly!! Thanks ML for this great experience! Go with Arch Tours and ML! Strongly recommended!!
S
S3347JEbills
5
May 2023
We arrived by cruise ship for a full day The Gambia experience and were not disappointed. Emmel, our incredibly friendly and knowledgeable tour guide with excellent English skills wowed us virtually all day. His personal and wide-ranging insights into the history, culture, politics and economy ...
A
ArenJo
5
Apr 2023
We went with Arch Tours to their 4 tours in 1 day and for the 2-day Georgetown trip. During our time in The Gambia, we used 3 different tour companies, and Arch Tours was our favorite, mostly due to the tour guide "M.L." He is very friendly, explains everything very well, and tries to protect hi...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Gambia

What are the must-visit attractions in Gambia?

Gambia is a beautiful country with many attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the must-visit attractions include the Abuko Nature Reserve, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, and Tanji Fishing Village. The Abuko Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and many species of birds. The Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a sacred site where visitors can see crocodiles up close. Tanji Fishing Village is a great place to experience the local culture and see how the fishing industry operates.

What are some popular activities to do in Gambia?

There are many great activities to do in Gambia, including bird watching, hiking, and visiting local markets. Gambia is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 560 species of birds. The Abuko Nature Reserve and the Bijilo Forest Park are both great places to go bird watching. Hiking is also a great way to explore the country, with many trails to choose from. Local markets are a great place to experience the local culture and buy traditional crafts and souvenirs.

What is the best time of year to visit Gambia?

The best time to visit Gambia is between November and February when the weather is cooler and drier. The rainy season is from June to October, and during this time, many roads become impassable, and some attractions may be closed. The hot season is from March to May, and temperatures can be very high, making it uncomfortable for some visitors.

What are some of the best beaches in Gambia?

Gambia has many beautiful beaches, including Kololi Beach, Bijilo Beach, and Cape Point Beach. Kololi Beach is the most popular and has many bars, restaurants, and water sports activities. Bijilo Beach is quieter and more secluded, making it a great place to relax. Cape Point Beach is ideal for water sports, including surfing and kiteboarding.

What are some of the best restaurants in Gambia?

There are many great restaurants in Gambia, serving a range of local and international cuisine. Some of the best restaurants include Butcher's Shop and Grill, which serves delicious steaks and seafood, and Lamin Lodge, which is a floating restaurant on the River Gambia that serves local fish and seafood dishes. Other great restaurants include Green Mamba Garden Restaurant, Calypso Restaurant, and Ngala Lodge.

What are some of the best accommodations in Gambia?

There are many great accommodations in Gambia, including hotels, guest houses, and resorts. Some of the best hotels include Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort, and Kairaba Beach Hotel. For those looking for a more authentic experience, there are many great guest houses, including Mandinka Lodge, Footsteps Eco Lodge, and Lemon Creek Hotel Resort.

What is the local currency in Gambia, and where can I exchange money?

The local currency in Gambia is the Gambian dalasi. You can exchange money at banks, hotels, and exchange bureaus. It is a good idea to exchange your money at a bank, as they usually offer better exchange rates than hotels and exchange bureaus.

Is it safe to travel to Gambia?

Gambia is generally a safe country to travel to, but visitors should take some precautions to ensure their safety. It is a good idea to avoid walking alone at night, and visitors should be cautious when using public transportation. Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

Do I need a visa to travel to Gambia?

Most visitors to Gambia do need a visa. Visitors can apply for a visa at the Gambian embassy in their home country or on arrival at the airport. It is important to make sure you have all the necessary documents and fees before you travel.

What is the official language of Gambia?

The official language of Gambia is English. However, many people in Gambia also speak other languages, including Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula.