Guide:
- Gambia Travel Guide
- The Basics
- Health
- Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Photos
- Flights to Gambia
Gambia Map
Directory
Overview
Like a long splinter inserted into the side of Africa, just at
the bulge, The Gambia is a low, narrow strip of a country that
stretches inland from the beautiful West African coast, following
the course of the majestic River Gambia. It may be the smallest
country in Africa, sandwiched between north and south Senegal, but
it is fast becoming noticed by the British package tour trade as a
very acceptable alternative to the crowded resorts of Europe.
The Gambia's 'discovery' as a tourist destination was aided by
the best-selling book, turned television series, 'Roots' by Alex
Hayley, detailing the life of his grandfather, allegedly captured
in the country and transported to America as a slave.
The capital of The Gambia, Banjul, stands on the south side of
the magnificent river estuary, a worthy commercial centre that for
tourists is little more than the gateway to the hotels spread along
the 25 miles (40km) of beautiful sandy coastline. These
palm-fringed Atlantic-washed beaches have been dubbed 'the smiling
coast', as much for their tropical splendour as for the
friendliness of the local people, who welcome visitors
whole-heartedly at the nature reserves, quality hotels, and craft
markets. All this is just six hours' flying time from London, close
to the Equator on the same latitude as Barbados.
