We will start our Gambia Travel Tips by talking about this country. The Gambia is a West African nation bordering the North Atlantic Ocean in the west. The subtropical land is a small strip of land on both sides of the River Gambia. The Gambia River is navigable the entire length of this country.
It is Gambia’s main transport artery within the country. It is the smallest nation in central Africa. The total area occupies by this country is 11,295 km². The country has a total population of around 2 million. The Major population of the Gambia Islamic Republic is Sunni Muslims.
The Gambia is a multi-party Constitutional republic. The country’s capital city is Banjul. Banjul is a pleasant place with its own landmarks such as the Arch 22 Monument. It also has the lively Albert Market and the National Museum, which is highly informative.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Gambia
- Kunta Kinteh Island
- Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pool
- Abuko Nature Reserve
- Albert Market
- Bijilo Forest Park
- Arch 22
- River Gambia National Park
- Kiang West National Park
- Gambia National Museum
- Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
- Jinack Island
- Niumi National Park
- Wassu Stone Circles
- Baboon Island
- Tanji Bird Reserve
- Salagi Forest Park
Languages
English is the official Gambian language. While This country’s most common tongues are Mandingo, Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serer. English is being the primary language of instruction in schools. It is also used by the Government works, businesses, and commerce.
According to Gambia Travel Tips, Mandingo is the most popular language for informal conversations of local people. Most of the road signages, Tourist Spots names & directions all are in the English language only.
Currency & Banking
The Gambian dalasi is Gambia’s national currency. The currency code for Dalasis is GMD. Bank issue notes in denomination of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100 and 200 Dalasis. Whereas Coins come in the denomination of 25, 50 and 1 Dalasi. Credit and debit cards are common, such as Visa & MasterCard.
However, American Express is not yet no common. However, Now it is increasing among the top to mid-range establishments. Some of the hotels, supermarkets, top restaurants, and car rentals will take debit and cards.
Most banks are equipped with ATMs that support cash for Visa Cards. According to Gambia Travel Tips, This nation is basically a cash-based economy.
Gambia Tourist Visa
Indian needs a Visa to Travel to the Gambia.
Documents Required for Gambia Visa
- Valid Passport
- One visa form duly completed and signed by the traveler
- Two recent passport-size photo
- A Covering Letter from the traveler, giving the purpose of travel.
- Sponsorship Letter from friends/relatives
- Hotel Reservation
- 3 months Bank statement
- ITR of the last 3 years
- A confirmed return air ticket
- Original Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gambia is in June and October. While the temperature will be pleasant & you explore every part of this country. The weather is dry but the temperatures still cool enough around 23°C. However, Birding watching will be at it’s best from October to December.
The hottest months are April and May. Where temperature became remain around 38°C & It rarely dropping below 23°C at night. Whereas February is the windiest month accompanied by May. You should avoid traveling in the wet season.
Time Zone
Time zone in The Gambia is GMT.
Emergency Numbers
- Police 117
- Ambulance 116
- Fire 118
Internet
Internet speed in the Gambia is average and prices are expensive. You can buy SIM cards for your phone from the airport or one of many retailers all over this nation. All you need is the passport to get a sim card in this region.
While Africell, QCell, Gamcel, and Comium are main internet service providers in the Gambia. According to Gambia Travel Tips, the Places with free Wi-Fi connection in this country are airports, restaurants, and hotels. You might face poor connection in some areas of this country.
Electricity
The default voltage is 230 V and the default frequency is 50 Hz. The electric plugs and sockets are of form G In Gambia. form G sockets are of British origin. This socket only works with type G, not with anyone else. You can use your electric equipment in this country if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 240 V.
Although it is advisable to carry a travel adapter to stay connected with the world. you might also face power cuts in this country so keep a torch with you for light.
Climate
The Climate of Gambia is typically tropical. Basically, It has two seasons— one is hot, wet, and brief, and one is hot, warm, and long. Throughout the year the Temperatures stay fairly constant as it is near to the equator. The temperature usually remains between 24°C and 35°C during the day.
Though in the south sea breezes mean it can be a bit cooler, especially at night. In the dry season from November to May, you will hardly ever see the rain. The sun is dampened by sea-winds on the coast. Inside temperature can exceed up to 40 ° C.
The wet season comes with tornadoes, heavy rains, and lush vegetation beginning in July and ending in September. June and October are intermediate months, where the sun still remains very present.
Reasons to Travel Gambia
- The beaches
- The markets
- Wildlife
- Food
- Stunning hotels
- Nightlife
- The people
- The river
- Volunteer in schools
- The warmth of winter sunshine
- A diverse range of accommodation
- Feeling anonymous on the beach
- Time is on your side
History
The Gambia has a longstanding history. They have seen 200 years of British colonial rule. After that The Gambia got its freedom in 1965. Between 1982 and 1989, they established a short-lived Senegambia union with Senegal. While The two countries concluded a Pact of peace and collaboration in 1991.
However, In 1994 a military coup ousted the president and outlawed democratic participation. Whereas, Constitution and Presidential elections were held in 1996. During a legislative referendum in 1997, a partial transition to constitutional law was achieved.
In late 2001 and early 2002, the nation underwent a further cycle of presidential and parliamentary polls. Some lift slam is happening till now. Adama Barrow is the president of the Gambia from 2017.
Packing Tips for Gambia
- Important Documents- passport & Travel map
- Day Bag or Backpack
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Comfortable Clothes
- Breathable tees
- Power Charger
- Travel Adapter
- Insect Protection
- Toiletries
- Accessories
- Tickets and travel documents
- Swimsuit
- Prescription drugs
- Malaria medication
- Versatile footwear for days on the beach and walks in the forest
- Binoculars for getting a close look at The Gambia’s resplendent bird species
Is it safe to Travel Gambia?
Yes, Gambia is a relatively safe country to travel. Gambia’s public transit isn’t very efficient but you can still use a private or shared taxi. However, Negotiate each trip before getting in the car. In this region, pickpocketing is very popular. When handling your valuables you should be highly cautious.
Please do not hold your money in a bag or in a wallet. There are a variety of scams that do happen in this region, such as passports stolen by people posing as airport officials at the airport, weed being sold to visitors only to find police waiting to extort money from them. Whereas, There is no risk of terrorism.
This country is generally safe for Solo Women Travelers. Please avoid wearing purses and going anywhere after dark. You should not walk alone or ride in taxis at night. Muggings, robberies, rapes, and kidnappings are increasing in this country but not a major threat in this country.
Conclusion
However, If you need more information about Gambia Travel Tips ??? Call us at +918860284198 or contact us at [email protected].
FAQs
Good Things about Gambia?
1. Nature Reserves 2. Beaches 3. Bird watching
Bad things about Gambia?
1. Crime 2. Animals roaming on roads 3. Poverty
Wired Things about Gambia?
1. They withdrawal themselves from Commonwealth. 2. Mostly people don't come on time 3. Business relationships depend on personal relations
Gambia Travel Restrictions?
A negative Covid-19 test which is no more than 72 hours. You also need to self-isolate at home/one location for 14 days.
How many states in Gambia?
There are 43 States(districts) in Gambia.
