|
|
Gambia tourist information with details about travel to and around the country. Where to stay and what to see is made easier with insider tips and hand-selected Gambia links, by dedicated editors and visitors to TravelNotes.org - The Online Guide to Travel. Order Gambia Travel Brochures - for Free. Background Information on The Gambia The Gambia is on the western coast of Africa, surrounded by Senegal. The main ethnic groups in the area, before the arrival of the Europeans, were the Mandingo, Wolof, and Fulani peoples.
The early states paid tribute to the Mali Empire before creating small riverine kingdoms of their own. Portuguese explorers set up trading stations along the river around 1455. Weather in The GambiaView a graphical weather forecast for the week ahead in The Gambia. The British purchased Banjul Island from the ruler of a local kingdom in 1816. They initially resisted expansion into the upper river areas until the European race for African territory began in the 1880s. Britain then claimed the River Gambia and established The Gambia's present boundaries in an agreement with France in 1889 The British didn't begin to develop The Gambia properly until after World war II. Administration posts were set up, and The Gambia became independent on February 18, 1965. The official language of The Gambia is English, while Wolof and Mandinka are the main African languages spoken. The capital of The Gambia lies on a sandy peninsula between the mouth of the River Gambia and the Atlantic Ocean. Founded as Bathurst by the British in 1816, the port started as a base for suppressing the slave trade. Bathurst was the capital when The Gambia gained independence in 1965, and the name was changed to Banjul in 1973. Before the July 1994 coup an increasing number of charter flights flew in to Yundum, near Banjul, with Europeans seeking relatively exotic holidays of sun and sand when it's cold and dark at home. The more adventurous travel upriver to Basse Santa Su, or visit the Cassamance region in neighbouring Senegal. Green Tourist TaxisIf you're staying at one of the tourist hotels and want to explore on your own, you'll find these taxis ready to take you where you want. Yellow and Green TaxisThese are the shared taxis that run on certain routes or may even be parked at the side of the road for individual hire. Bush TaxisThe collective taxis can get pretty crowded and you'll see them running around the country. FerriesThere are a number of ferry crossings along the river ranging from the large Banjul-Barra ferry ship to smaller wooden platforms, with only enough room for a handful of cars. The River Gambia rises in the Guinea highlands of the Fouta Djallon and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It was sighted by Portuguese sailors in 1446 and explored by the Venetian navigator Alvise da Ca Da Mosto nine years later. Bird Safari CampLocated close to the River Gambia National Park, accommodation at the Bird Safari Camp is provided in round thatched huts or safari tents. Gambia River Excursions: Hidden Gambia
Holidays: Gambia AttractionsThe Gambia has a wealth of natural and historical heritage to explore: forts, historic towns and villages, forests, national parks, ancient ruins, museums, historic monuments and wildlife. Gambian Reptiles Farm: The Gambian Reptiles Farm is located at Kartung. To get there you need to take the coast road from Serrekunda; passing Tanji, Sanyang and Gunjur. Kartung is five kilometres after Gunjur. Makasutu Culture Forest: The Gambia Experience: Visit The Gambia: BakauOn the coast, 30 minutes from Banjul.
Bijilo Beach
Hotel: Garden Guesthouse: KololiOn the coast, near Serrekunda.
Ngala Lodge: Paradise Suites: Kotu BeachSerrekunda. Bungalow Beach Hotel: Senegambia Beach Hotel: Access Gambia: Gambia Travel Guides Books
on Gambia Travel:
|
Travel Articles |
|||||||||||||||
| Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Round-The-World Specials Tours Vacations Weather |
| Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America Oceania South America |
| TravelNotes Home: Africa: Gambia Travel Guide - Toolbar |
