General: The Gambia

This year I visited with some friend for the first time, but surely not the last time, the lovely country of The Gambia. Before leaving we orientated ourself on the internet and through the travel agents and we decided to only book a flight and arrange the accommodation directly for the first 2 nights in Gunjur Beach Lodge. This was a fantastic choice as it was perfectly located on the beach but also in the middle of the day to day life of the Gambians.

We stayed the whole week in the lodge as it was just perfect for us. We are not the kind of tourist that want to have busy shopping streets, cafees etc around us. We want peace and tranquility. We visited the resorts, had a good time there but enjoyed our little spot in Gunjur. If you stay in the resorts of Kololi, Kotu, Cape Point etc and you want to have a chill out day (or 2) you can always take a taxi and drive down to Gunjur and stay there. The beach is amazing and endless! Food is good, so what more do you need for a day on the beach?

Gunjur is a small village in the South of Gambia, close to the border with Senegal. We met many friendly people and they had no problems with us sneaking around, observing what was going on and even asking about it.

What to do when you go to Gambia?
- get good information, this is not just an ordinary holiday destination like spain etc.
- bring a torch, good shoes, pens for the kids, any old summer clothes you want to get rid of, mosquitto repellant, suncream and other protection from the sun
- drink plenty of water and eat some more salt

Do's
- take a trip through the major cities, a real eye opener
- explore up country (as we did in Gunjur, Berending, Brikama, Sifoe, Kartong, Bintang)
- make a boat trip throught the creeks and on the River Gambia
- go fishing with the locals
- go bird watching..even if you have never done it in your life
- take djembe lessons
- eat Gambian Food, we loved benachin and domoda
- try the local juice called wonjo

Don'ts
- get annoyed with some bumpster who hassle you, mainly in the busy resorts. Just be friendly and firm.
- throw sweets out of moving vehicles, kids don't pay attention to other traffic
- take pictures without asking permission of the person you want to take a picture from
- use a credit card, very expensive. Just bring cash to change. ATM's are not really working or available
- walk topless or shirtless unless on the beach

I will try and write some more in the future. Back to work and the everyday life of busy London. Questions, just mail me.