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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

General view
Family hotelsBusiness hotelsSport hotels

Kairaba Beach Hotel

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.
Restaurant
Business hotels

Metzy Residence Hotel

With a stay at Metzy Residence Hotel in Serrekunda, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Kololi Beach and Bijilo Beach. This 4-star hotel is 8.5 mi (13.7 km) from Banjul Beach and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Bijilo Forest Park. Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Serrekunda? This hotel has facilities measuring 3229 square feet (300 square meters), including a conference center. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the coffee shop/café. The hotel also offers room service (during limited hours). Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary self-serve breakfast is served daily from 6 AM to 11 AM. Make yourself at home in one of the 75 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and complimentary toiletries.
General view
Family hotelsBusiness hotelsHotels with charm

Sunset Beach

This award winning property features a prime location in the heart of Gambia's tourism district, close to the beautiful sandy beach of Kotu. Guests will find a wide choice of dining and shopping options in the surrounding area. Golf lovers may practice their swing in Fajara Golf Club, located just 4 kilometres away. Ranging from standard to luxurious junior suites, all the accommodation options feature a décor in natural soothing tones and vibrant splashes of colour. The onsite services and facilities include different dining options as well as a sparkling outdoor pool where to relax. Guests may appreciate the evening entertainment options including cultural dances and the massage studio, ideal to restore energy and rejuvenate body and mind. Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, this charming hotel is the best place where to enjoy a unique memorable stay in Gambia.
General view
Business hotelsGolf hotelsBeach hotelsSport hotelsFamily hotels

Kombo Beach Hotel

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.
Sports and Entertainment
Business hotelsOnly adults

Tamala Beach Resort

With a stay at Sunprime Tamala Beach Resort in Serrekunda, you'll be a 2-minute walk from Kololi Beach and within a 5-minute drive of Tropic Shopping Centre. This 4-star hotel is 9 mi (14.6 km) from Banjul Beach and 2.1 mi (3.5 km) from Bijilo Beach. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as a nightclub, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite. All-inclusive rates are available at this hotel. Meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments are included in all-inclusive rates. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities. <p>Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour room service. Relax with a refreshing drink from the poolside bar or one of the 2 bars/lounges. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. </p> Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 140 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring fireplaces and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Over The Planet
Only adults

Kalimba Beach Resort (Adults Only)

The total number of guest rooms is 90.
Lobby
Business hotelsHotels with spaSport hotels

Balafon Beach Resort (Adults Only)

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

Share the meal with the locals in the compound
Digital Voucher1440 minutes

Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul

The menu varies from meat and fish dishes like Yassa, to Benachin rice. We also make local juices like Baobab and Wonjo juice, which is a dark cranberry-coloured juice, made from boiling the dark red flower from the sorrel plant. We will take you to a local market, dress in a traditional Gambian outfit and help you shop for food items or you to take home. We will then give you the guidelines on how to cook Gambian cuisine. You will then do the cooking including all the preparation of meats, vegetables, fish and rice. Finally, we sit as a family and friends and devour the meal before returning to the hotel.
MAKASUTU - cultural forrest, Brikama
Digital Voucher300 minutes

MAKASUTU - cultural forrest, Brikama

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..
Banjul City Tour - Culture and history
Digital Voucher240 minutes

Banjul City Tour - Culture and history

On this Banjul City Tour we will be visiting some of the main attractions for people who are interested in history! During this tour we will visit the Arch 22, Gambia National Museum and the Albert Market which is named after Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Digital Voucher600 minutes

See It All – Safari Tour

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.
Market
Digital Voucher300 minutes

Private Half Day Banujl City Tour

A tour around The Gambia's capital city and surrounding areas, to familiarize everyone with the main places to visit.
Paradise Beach, Sanyang Village
Digital Voucher300 minutes

South Gambia Tour - Fishing village and Paradise Beach

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.
Birdwatching tours
Digital Voucher240 minutes

Birdwatching tours

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.
Traditional Gambian home cook meal
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Traditional Gambian home cook meal

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.

Why People Love Gambia

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

KT
Kathleen T
5
Apr 2024
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Had a 7am start with Muhammad from black and white went down to banjul ferry not there got carried to a dugout wow experiance in its self went other side of river gambia and into a open top 4x4 crossed into Senegal no problem and on to safari Park was given a huge stick and went walking with lion...
NW
Nadia W
5
Oct 2023
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
This was an excellent experience, I would highly recommend adding this to your agenda when visiting the Gambia. The owner, Amadou, opened his home and family up so that we can experience authentic Gambian home cooking. First we changed into traditional clothing. Then wee were able to go to the ma...
F
funenada
5
May 2024
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Private Full-Day Gambian Home Cooking Experience in Banjul
Een relaxte boottrip met Janeya tours. Op de boot zelf werd een heerlijk lunchbuffet klaargemaakt, en dat in een keukentje van 1 m2. Terwijl de 2 kokkins daar mee bezig waren voer de boot tussen de mangroves door. We zagen vogels, vrouwen die oesters oogstten en er was tijd om te vissen. Er was ...

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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.