Gambia from West African coast is surely one of the most friendly and warm countries in Africa. It rich cultural and historic past relating to the slave trade era has made it one of the exciting place to be on an African safari. Although it is one of the smallest countries in Africa, it is home to many people of different cultures, all living in great harmony.

There is so much to discover on your holiday to Gambia, in not only Fajara, the major tourist destination but also in many other towns. Discover the rich heritage of culture, language, music and the arts, which flourish as part of the every day lives of the Gambian people. Other attractions here include exotic beaches, historical towns and forts, museums, forests and national parks and others.

Gambia adventure holidays

There is a wide array of activities to enjoy on a holiday to Gambia and some of these include river rafting on Gambia’s Up-river, bird watching, river fishing, local tours to the villages and local markets, nature walks and trek to the wildlife parks and bike tours through the major towns.

River adventures on the Up-river are an important part of each tour and travel itinerary. The broad and long river is a major source of livelihood to the local community and sustains Gambia’s growing tourism industry. When taking a boat ride on the ride, you’ll notice the school of hippos. The mangrove creek at Allahein is home to several families of primates: baboons, colobus monkeys, green ververt, red pathas and chimpanzees.  Fishing on the river makes a major source of incomes to the villagemen and this river is particularly good for red snapper, tiger fish, threadfin, salmon, rays, cat fish, barracuda and sunpat fish.

Bird watching is a favorite pastime for tourists on the mangrove creek on Up-river and is one of the richest bird eco-system. Several migrant stay here for the period of winter in Europe and a delightful sight. Some of these include ospreys, pelicans, waders, palm vultures and seagulls.

Abuko Reserve is a protected area outside Lamin form northern Gambia, 25km from Banjul. It is home to a number of birds besides crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, lizards and different primates like the endangered red colobus, chimpanzees. The reserve also boasts of more than 40 different species of plants that form a dense and lush habitat for this wildlife. Take your camera to captures all the wildlife and unique features on your safari tours.

Makasutu is a diverse eco-system with woodlands, savannah grasslands and magroove on the banks of the Up-river tributary of Mandina Bolong. Several sorts of parrots occupy this area along with monkeys, monitor lizards, pygmy deer and baboons.

On the shores of Lake Gambia is Bao Bolon Wetland reserve with more than 3 eco-system of estuary, woodland-savannah salt-marsh and mangrove. Here you’ll find crocodiles, otters, warthog, hyena and the jackal among others. Sail across the lake to John Islands famous for the wrecks and ruins of the British after the 1779 slave trade ending. Find many old administrative structures that have earned this island to be a world heritage site.

The capital, Bajul has a number of exciting places to visit such as the vibrant markets selling locally made handicrafts, paintings, artworks, local fabrics, jewellery, fresh food supplies and other items. Other valuable markets are found in Serrekunda and Bakul. Fort Bullen that was built by the British on the northern banks of Barra(outside Banjul)is listed as a UNESCO World heritage site and a famous tourist point. The book “Roots” written by Arthur Haley has its roots from the Gamian village of Juffureh and writes about the early slave trade era which is annually commemorated in the Roots Homecoming Festival.

Gambia is another exciting music and arts destination with some of the pubs and clubs playing West African music. Local instruments such as the Senegalese thumb piano (Kora) and Djembe are often fused with modern instruments like drums, guitar and other to produce some good rhythms. Some nights are by the camps fire where you can dance along to such music with the local people.

When to go

Gambia is in the subtropical zones and sometimes experiences very hot weather during October up to May with average temperatures of up 43°C but the coast is quite cool to the delight of surfers and swimmers. This is the best time to travel but make sure you have packed sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, light clothing and sunglasses. The wet season is from June to September and has temperature of 16°C in Banjul and other towns. There wet season are more associated with malaria and many mosquitoes.

You’ll find a number of good hotels in Banjul, Njara lodge in Fujara, luxurious Coco Ocean resort and Spa in Bijilo, Senegambia Hotel and cheaper options from other tourist sites like lodges, inns and guest houses. most of these hotels have excellent dinning and restaurants that have a wide range of cuisines cooked to your taste. Remember to pack your medicines and drugs on your trip. Book and arrange your Gambia holiday packages with any trusted tour and travel operator for cheap holidays to Gambia

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