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.

Gambia: when to go?

Gambia enjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures ranging between 24°C and 32°C. The dry season, from November to May, is ideal for enjoying the golden beaches. During the rainy season, from June to October, nature is adorned with a thousand colors and the landscape becomes lush. It is the perfect time to discover the exceptional wildlife and experience unforgettable adventures under a sky that is often sunny.

Activity ideas

  • Exotic birdwatching - Set out to discover the colorful birds of Gambia, in the heart of vibrant and authentic landscapes.
  • Canoe trip on the river - Glide gently on the river in a canoe and let yourself be charmed by the lush nature and the surrounding tranquility.
  • The colorful Serrekunda market - Immerse yourself in the spicy scents and lively atmosphere of the Serrekunda market, where local crafts and warm smiles await you.
  • Sunset on the beach - Admire the sun slowly descending on the horizon, coloring the Gambian beach with golden and pink hues, for a magical and unforgettable moment.
  • Local flavors and culinary traditions - Savour traditional Gambian dishes in a friendly atmosphere, discover the secrets of local recipes, and share an authentic moment around a generous table.
  • Traditional music and dance - Laissez-vous entraîner par les rythmes envoûtants et les danses animées qui racontent l’âme gambienne lors de soirées festives inoubliables.
  • Discovery of authentic villages - Explore Gambian villages full of authenticity, meet the locals, and discover their unique traditions in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Meeting with local artisans - Meet passionate artisans and let yourself be inspired by their unique know-how, from weaving and sculpture to colorful creations.

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.
To fully enjoy The Gambia, an ideal stay is 7 to 10 days. This will give you enough time to discover the beaches, local culture, wildlife, and take excursions along the Gambia River without rushing.
To organize your honeymoon in Gambia, choose a period outside the rainy season, book a romantic hotel near the beach, and plan excursions such as a cruise on the Gambia River or a visit to local markets.
To have a good holiday with a baby in Gambia, choose family-friendly accommodation, bring everything necessary for your child's comfort, and opt for calm activities such as nature walks or exploring local markets.
During a family hiking trip in Gambia, explore the Abuko Nature Reserve, Kiang West National Park, and Bijilo Forest. These sites offer suitable trails, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes to discover together.
To practice ecotourism in Gambia, choose natural reserves such as Abuko or Makasutu, opt for certified local guides, and stay in eco-friendly lodges. Respect wildlife and flora, and support community initiatives.
For a one-week stay in Gambia, plan a budget of around 900 to 1300 euros per person, including the flight, mid-range accommodation, meals, and activities. Prices vary depending on the season and the level of comfort desired.
To travel to Gambia, the most common way is to take an international flight to Banjul International Airport. Connecting flights are available from many major European cities.
To travel to Gambia, a valid passport is required. Depending on your nationality, a visa may also be necessary. It is recommended to check the requirements with the embassy or consulate before departure.
To travel with peace of mind in Gambia, it is advisable to follow local guidelines, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep your valuables safe. Take out appropriate travel insurance and seek information from the authorities.
To travel to Gambia, the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory if you are arriving from a country where the disease is present. It is also recommended to be up to date with universal vaccines such as DTP, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and meningitis.