Travel Designers The Gambia, situated on the unspoiled west coast of Africa. The smallest of African countries only 6 hours flying time from the United Kingdom and on the same latitude as Barbados. The Gambia is mostly flat with the river Gambia flowing through the country. A sub-tropical climate offering white sandy beaches, colorful culture and some of the friendliest people in Africa.
Gambia offers great value as a holiday destination due to its location and the fact that there is no time difference between Gambia and the UK. As well as offering a fantastic setting for a family beach holiday. Visitors to Gambia can venture out to the bush and river to see some of the wildlife and scenic areas in this beautiful destination. You can relive the journey of the African slaves with a tour to the Museum of Slavery and see the home of Alex Hayley the author of Roots.
Whilst in Gambia you can take a two-day adventure to Senegal. Visit the local sights such as an 800-year-old Kapok tree and see the various monkeys and birds that inhabit this area of Senegal.
Best time to go to Gambia
Gambia weather offers beautiful sunny days with little rain between the months of November and June, daily temperatures reach highs of 32 to 34. The summer months of July to October can experience heavy rain and tropical storms but temperatures remain in the high 30s.
How to get to the Gambia
Flights to the Gambia are direct by the charter airlines from several airports in the UK including two flights a week from Gatwick and Manchester. Upgrades to premium seats are available on these flights to add a little more comfort to your holiday flight to the Gambia.
Things to do in Gambia
If you want to get off the beach and out to explore the lush land of the Gambia then there are many land and river excursions available to book.
- Try a lazy day trip on a 60-foot modern Gambian style river pirogue which will cruise down the river taking in the surrounding sights with a lunch stop and a spot of fishing.
- Visit the Maskasuto nature forest will allow you to explore this forest on foot and see the mangroves in dugouts and watch a dance by the Jola tribes.
- Add a visit to the neighboring country Senegal and experience a 2 adventure to the sine Saloum area of the North Senegal. Here you can take a 3 hour boat trip and see some of the monkeys and birds that inhabit this area.
- Golf – There is even an 18 hole golf course for those golfing enthusiasts and many other leisure activities such as Tennis, volleyball, squash, table tennis.
Honeymoons to the Gambia
Gambia as a honeymoon destination is an excellent choice for brides and grooms looking for sunshine in the months of November to June that may not be able to afford the prices of the Caribbean. There is a wide range of hotels in Gambia from basic 2 star to luxury boutique hotels, all offering wonderful friendly service and wonderful sandy beaches.
Weddings in the Gambia
Weddings in the Gambia start from as low as £250 which includes your own personal wedding planner. You will be required to take original documents of your passport, birth certificate, divorce certificate (if divorced, death certificate (if widowed) and deed poll certificate if your name has been changed. The minimum age to marry is 18 years. Copies of original documents need to be sent at least one month in advance to organize the marriage license.
Essential Information on Gambia
Currency: The Dalasi
As Gambia is outside the Eurozone and has its own currency the Dalasi with and an exchange rate of around 35 to 55 Dalasi to the pound. To purchase the currency in the Gambia take sterling Euro cheques with you to exchange at the airport, your hotel or at one of the local banks.
Languages spoke: English
Currency: Dalasi
Visa requirements: For long stay holidays, travelers must have their passport stamped at the Immigration Office in Banjul every 28 days. Must have a full 10-year passport.
For more information on holidays to the Gambia see the Gambia tourist board