The adventure in Gambia, between nature and culture
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Discover Gambia, the hidden gem of West Africa.
Sunny beaches and vibrant traditions await you.
Must-see locations
Gambia: An Unknown Paradise with Infinite Charms
Gambia is an English-speaking enclave within Senegal. It is the smallest country on the African continent, barely reaching 11,300 km². From east to west, it requires crossing approximately 480 km, and from north to south, there are no more than 50 km! As a point of comparison, the Île-de-France has an area roughly equal to that of Gambia. The Gambia River, which extends over 1,300 km, runs through the entire country, thus dividing it into a northern and a southern part. Originating in the Fouta-Djalon in Guinea-Conakry, the river travels through Senegal before crossing Gambia for about 480 km. Finally, it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Banjul.
In addition to the very touristy Atlantic coast offering dreamlike landscapes, one can also get lost in the Gambian mangrove, irrigated by the river. In fact, Gambia is one of the countries with the largest proportion of mangrove relative to its area.
Finally, this country is particularly flat, as its highest point rises to 53 meters.
A Hidden Treasure of West Africa
Gambia, with its diverse landscapes and rich culture, is a destination that invites exploration. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, it offers idyllic beaches where golden sand caresses gentle waves. Imagine sipping fresh baobab juice while admiring the spectacular sunset over the coast. In the hinterland, national parks are home to an impressive array of wildlife, including exotic birds and mischievous monkeys that will enliven your walks.
The vibrant markets, with their colorful stalls, are an immersion into local life. The warm smiles of the locals will welcome you and invite you to discover their traditions and unique crafts. Music resonates everywhere, blending traditional rhythms with modern influences to create an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Gambia is a place where every encounter is an adventure, and every moment spent leaves lasting memories.
Cultural Diversity and Harmonious Coexistence
90% of the population is Muslim, while the remaining 10% are Christians and animists. The main ethnic groups in the country are distributed as follows: 41% Mandingoes, 14% Fulas, 13% Wolofs, more than 10% Sarakholés, and 6% Diolas.
Discovering Local Life and Unique Landscapes
Gambia experiences two distinct seasons. The rainy season extends from June to October, a period during which it becomes very hot, sometimes reaching 40 degrees on the coast. However, heavy thunderstorms come to cool the atmosphere at the end of the day. It can rain heavily, sometimes making travel difficult in remote areas. Nevertheless, this much-awaited rain brings vibrant colors and lush vegetation. Therefore, it's a good season to travel, especially if you like feeling like the only tourist. Additionally, many discounts are offered in various establishments. However, be wary of mosquitoes and malaria; it is advisable to take treatment before and after your stay.
The dry season extends from November to May. As its name suggests, no rain will disrupt your stay. It's the "high season," the most tourist-heavy period in the country. The sun shines uninterruptedly and temperatures hover around 30 degrees on the coast. Inland, the thermometer can rise up to 40 degrees.
A Symphony of Sounds and Cultures
The music produced in Gambia is heavily influenced by the sounds of neighboring Senegal and Mali. Mandinka sounds dominate traditional musical production. The instruments used include the kora, balafon, djembe, sabar, mblatt, and gorong. Renowned kora players have emerged on the Gambian scene and are listened to by people from all social strata.
Some musicians have gone abroad to integrate their instruments into other cultures, as Foday Musa Suso did with Philip Glass. American influences have already allowed groups like The Super Eagles to become known since the 1960s. Regarding contemporary music, the supremacy of Jamaican and Nigerian music in Gambia cannot be ignored. Young people mainly listen to reggae/ragga and new-generation afrobeat. In recent years, many artists from Kingston and Lagos have performed in front of enthusiastic audiences.
A Journey of a Thousand Discoveries
In 1783, the Treaty of Versailles allowed Great Britain to acquire Gambia, which became a protectorate in 1820. Before these agreements, the British were already exploiting the slave trade. Upon its abolition in 1807, a military base was established in Bathurst to counter this trade. Gambia, with few resources, turned towards intensive peanut cultivation.
Disruptions in the global peanut trade led to the Berlin Conference (1884-1885), where Gambia was declared an English colony. It wasn't until the 1960s that David Jawara came to power. As Prime Minister, he led Gambia to independence in 1965 and became president. The first years were prosperous due to the export of peanuts, but accusations of corruption emerged.
In 1994, Yahya Jammeh seized power in a coup d'état. Under his rule, a police state was established, sparking international criticism over human rights and freedom of expression.
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