Gambia is a small country for a big trip

The smallest country in Africa, stretching like a narrow ribbon, with access to the Atlantic Ocean - Gambia is a great place to relax. Although the country is small and poor, it will surprise you.

 

Getting to the Gambia will not be easy: you will have to make more than two transfers and spend at least twenty hours in the air. You will not need a visa unless you decide to stay in the country for more than 56 days. When traveling to Africa, always remember about health insurance. Important nuance: Customs. With the import of foreign currency, perfumes, personal hygiene products, cameras and video cameras for personal use, there will be no questions, but alcohol will be asked to lay out, this rule does not apply to export.

 

 

 

 

It is better to come to Gambia in the period from November to February, in the dry season the temperature ranges from +21 to +27 ° C. The wet season begins in May. Many tourists come in the off-season (March to May and October), at this time you can save a good amount on travel.

 

One thing that all tourists are interested in is safety. Gambia is a safe country, without wars, religious and national conflicts. There are beggars on the street. Be prepared for law enforcement officers on the street to check your documents frequently.

 

Hotels in Gambia are located mainly on the Atlantic coast. Throughout the trip from the airport to the hotel you will see the house is not in the best condition, but believe me, the hotel is a kind of oasis. European service, clean beaches, coconut palms and baobabs. Living in such hotels is not cheap, but it is worth it. Housing can be found cheaper in the center, without access to the ocean.

 

The cuisine of Gambia is diverse: African mixed with English, French and Portuguese. Restaurants and cafes on the coast are famous for fish delicacies. If one of the points of the trip to try the local cuisine, then pay attention to several dishes: meat, sauce, rice in a dish called “domoda”, chicken cooked with onions, with the addition of pepper and lemon “Yas”. Be sure to try local drinks: baobab juice, chilled drink "wonjo", which is made from sorrel flowers, as well as local liqueur "Jalbru". Peanuts are Gambia’s most popular food and are added to everything, just like baobab. The latter makes a great ice cream.

 

Food, at your own risk, you can try at the local very colorful Albert Market. A huge maze of shops where you can buy anything. Local food here will be very cheap, as well as a variety of spices, of which there is a huge amount. Collections of painted fabric, national masks, amulets and animal horns, on the market you can find what you can not buy in a souvenir shop.

 

 

 

 

From Gambia you will take not only souvenirs, but also impressions. This small country pleases tourists with its reserves, there are seven of them on the territory, but only six are open to tourists.

 

Abuko Park is located 25 kilometers from the capital Banjul. It's small, but the oldest. The flora is amazing: 250 species of birds, 52 species of mammals. It is home to Nile crocodiles (who are so revered by the inhabitants of Africa), rare monkeys and favorite tourists Turaco.

 

Bigjilo and Tanji parks will be easier to reach, they are located on the Atlantic coast, next to hotels. There are fewer animals here than in Abuko, but there are more than 300 species of birds. You can see antelopes, monkeys, crocodiles, and, of course, a huge number of colorful birds, visiting the Baobolong and Kiang West reserves, located in the center of the country. You will watch the animals from a small narrow colorful boat. On the way, stop at James Island. Look at the village of Jufure and the old slave-trading station.

 

One of the most popular places in the country is the Gambia River National Reserve. There is a chimpanzee population here. And even though they are not allowed to go ashore (for the tranquility of primates), the view with pies will not be worse. Another interesting place is Katchikally Sacred Crocodile Pool in Bacau. You can watch the crocodiles here.

 

If without a guide you are not interested or want to learn more, you can book excursions. Here is a list of the most popular:

"Yanyanburekh" - excursion to the ancient city, plus will be the observation of hippos.

• South Gambia Safari. It will last one day, show the village of fishermen, tell about the life of the locals, at the end you will be waiting for a picnic on the beach.

• Roots. The guide will tell about the times of the slave trade in the Gambia.

• Senegal. Since a visa document is not required for citizens of the Russian Federation, many tourists go on excursions to Senegal, admire the architecture and local monuments.

 

Gambia is a very small country, but, believe me, it will not get bored. For lovers of hotel and beach holidays, there is a thoughtful European service and clean beaches. For those who are used to spending their holidays actively, here almost all reserves work all year round. You can immerse yourself in the local culture by renting a car or moving by public transport around the country (for a vacation you will have time to go around all or almost all). Insurance, vaccinations, vouchers, suitcases, and now you leave snow-covered Russia and fly to meet the adventures.