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Summary: The Gambia is situated on the Atlantic on Africa's vibrant West Coast. It's a thin strip of land of mainly low-lying plateau that runs inland and is packed with exotic sights and sounds for the visitor. Mangrove swamps, park-like savannah and unspoiled beaches all feature in The Gambia’s incredible landscape. The capital city of Banjul is the largest town and offers visitors plenty of sightseeing apportunities including the area around MacCarthy Square with its colonial atmosphere and elegant 19th-century architecture. The River Gambia is one of Africa's great waterways and dominates the country. It provides opportunities for fishing, boating and sailing and there are many camps and lodges along its banks. Particularly well worth visiting is the Abuko Nature Reserve, which has crocodiles, monkeys, birds and antelopes, and Makasutu for its incredible wildlife. Recommended dishes include benachin (a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables) and chere (steamed millet flour balls). Nightlife is usually low key but there are nightclubs in Banjul, Farjara, Bakau and Serrekunda. The Roots Homecoming Festival is a fantastic event that takes place annually in June/July. There are also organized performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and fire-eating displays. But what makes a stay in The Gambia particularly special is its warm and welcoming people.

Capital(s): Banjul Population: 1,420,000 (2004) Area: 11,295 Km² Currency: 1 dalasi = 100 butut

Time Zone: GMT-3h00 ISO Code: GM Dialing Code: +220 Continent: Africa

Climate: The Gambia is generally recognized to have the most agreeable climate in West Africa. The weather is subtropical with distinct dry and rainy seasons. From mid-November to mid-May, coastal areas are dry, while the rainy season lasts from June to October. Inland the cool season is shorter and daytime temperatures are very high between March and June. Sunny periods occur on most days even during the rainy season.

Banjul & The Coast
The River Gambia is several miles wide at its mouth near Cape St Mary. It narrows to 5km (3 miles) at Banjul (known as Bathurst in pre-independence days), which is situated on St Mary’s Island and has a deep and sheltered harbor.

Banjul
The only sizeable town in the country, Banjul is also the seat of government. There is an interesting National Museum. The area around MacCarthy Square has a colonial atmosphere, with pleasant 19th-century architecture. Nearby is the craft market. Souvenirs and local handicrafts can also be bought at various bengdulala (meaning a ‘meeting place’ in the Mandinka language); shopping areas consisting of African-style stalls, usually built near hotels.

Resorts
The Atlantic coast to the south of Banjul boasts some of the finest beaches in all of Africa with no less than 15 hotels in the Banjul, Kombo and St Mary area. They are served by the international airport at Yundum, 15 miles southwest of the capital.

The River Gambia
This is the dominant feature of the country and is the major method of irrigation, as well as providing opportunities for fishing, boating and sailing. It is possible to take boat trips up the river. Most remarkable is the abundance and variety of birdlife along the shores.

Wildlife parks
The Abuko Nature Reserve, which has crocodiles, monkeys, birds and antelopes, is worth visiting. Details of cruises can be found on hotel noticeboards. The Kiang West National Park also has a rich birdlife as well as other animal species; tourist facilities in the park are well developed. Banjul is the starting point for coach and river trips to all parts of the country and coastline. The whole river and the numerous creeks (known locally as bolongs) which join it, are fascinating to both the bird lover and the student of nature.

The Rivermouth
Fort Bullen at Barra Point was built by the British 200 years ago to cover the approaches to Banjul and the river, succeeding James Island Fortress (destroyed by the French) as the main point of defense in the colony. It can be reached by direct ferry from the capital. Oyster Creek is the center of an area of creeks and waterways which can be visited from Banjul.

Road: Taxis can be hired between Dakar (Senegal) and Barra. Buses also travel between Senegal and The Gambia.

Special Events : Dance or acrobatic street shows can be seen at any time of the year; for further details, enquire at The Gambia National Tourist Office (see General Info section). The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in The Gambia:

Feb:   Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice); Ras-as-Sana (Islamic New Year).
Apr:   Grand Magal.
Jun-Jul:   International Roots Festival (a celebration aimed at getting Americans and Europeans of African descent back in touch with Africa).
Oct-Nov:   Ramadan.
Nov:   Koriteh (end of Ramadam).
Dec:   Christmas.

Tipping: 10 per cent service charge is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills.