2006-10-31 08:07:12 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Other - Africa & Middle East
you chose a very warm time of the year to go! my friends and family says it is 44C at the moment!! Good luck!
2006-10-31 08:14:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, yes people Africa is hot, especially if you are not used to the heat.... if you don't want to go somewhere hot, here's a tip stay away from Africa, try Siberia or Scotland or a county with Ice in the title. If you have never been to West Africa it can be quite an eye opener and after living in Senegal (the country surrounding The Gambia) for three years and visiting Banjul a few times I can make a list of things I've seen that should make anyone weep. I treasure these pictures in my mind, good and bad, I treasure all I have seen, all I have been able to see. There are a lot of smiles to be seen all around the world, have fun, the world is so big I can hardly believe it sometimes.
2006-10-31 17:41:46 · answer #2 · answered by thoor_ballylee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went in 2003. It was bloody hot (in January) and a real culture shock. As you arrive in Banjul airport you'll see little more than a strip mown into a field where the plane lands - it may have improved since I went. Then as you travel through the capital to the beach resorts you'll be shocked by the amount of taxis - they are all mercedes! The hotels are ok but wash everything and don't eat the seafood. You will get hassled by guys wanting to sell you things but they are very friendly and if you make friends with any one they will love you for life! Ask about the mexican restaurant near Fajara - it's a small place so everyone will know it. Fantastic restaurant.
The beaches are fantastic but when the red flag is up take note! It's bloody dangerous.
Make sure you take malarial drugs beforehand. Take lots of pencils and paper for the kids - don't give them sweets - give them something they can use.
Enjoy the place - it is fantastic and if you get a chance go on the safari or the trip out to the schools - a real heart wrencher!
Have a fantastic time and let us know how it goes.
2006-10-31 08:13:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
THE GAMBIA IS A VERY NICE COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS SMILING AND VERY FRIENDLY.
THE BEACHES ARE FANTASTIC AND SERVICE AT 3,4+5 STAR HOTELS ARE AS GOOD AS ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.
I WOULD SAY THAT 90% OF THE PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH AND 99% OF THE PEOPLE ARE GOOD PEOPLE. THINGS ARE CHEAP IN THE GAMBIA AND THE AVERAGE GAMBIAN ONLY EARNS BETWEEN £14 - £20 A MONTH. IF YOU GET ANY HASSLE THEN TELL THEM NO THANKYOU AND THEY WILL LEAVE YOU ALONE. THE BUMSTERS AS THEY ARE CALLED ARE NOT TOLLERATED BY THE GOVEMENT AND MOST ARE NOW BEHIND BARS - PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOU MALARIA TABLETS BEFORE YOU GO AND KEEP ON TAKING THEM FOR A WEEK WHEN YOU GET BACK HOME - ONE THING I WOULD RECOMMEND IS THE CROCODILE PARK IN BAKAU WHERE YOU CAN FEED AND STROKE THE CROCS - HAVE A WONDERFULL TIME
2006-11-01 10:33:17 · answer #4 · answered by scottie322 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Gambia this is a long very narrow country. Unfortunately the wildlife has been decimated except for a few Monkeys. If you like to watch birds it is great you can see from the largest to the smallest bird the maleki kingfisher. We spent a night bush which was not to bad. Be aware they will try to take you on a visit to a school this is to try to get you to sponsor a child. Also be very awar of BEGGING all over the country. If you go out of your hotel they will be in wait generally in wheelchairs the majority of these are fake.
2006-10-31 08:32:26 · answer #5 · answered by FlyingPm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Mike looks like they have covered everything I shall be there myself Nov/Dec,sunhat,suncream,drink plenty bottled water or in hotels tap water is not too bad,be prepared for power cuts& pace of life is slower than you would be used to e.g. if someone is meeting you at 10.00a.m. they may not get there till 1.00p.m. accept the situation. whereas the tour companies will want you to be prompt for their tours. expect to tip 10% at the last count when I was there in June the rate was D52 = £1.00 (for sterling)
Travellers cheques D48.36 have a great time it is almost my second home if you are staying in Kololi WaaW night club, take a packet of three a typical good time may cost you between D600 -
D1000 be careful.HIV/Aids is around. Ali-Baba garden & restaurant is good for meals & more of your usual entertainment.
The variety of restaurants is widespread & you will have no problem eating English if you prefer Heinz beans etc.Try creek fishing you have a laugh & get a chance to win some local currency the Dalasi,Birds & Breakfast is an early start there are over 600 types of birds there & some of the other tours are worth going on as well.
2006-11-03 05:53:55 · answer #6 · answered by edison 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the gambia is the ancestral home of alex haley who wrote the book ROOTS the capital is not worth going into the beach hotel is nice , not much to buy or see even the wild life is gone off
2006-11-01 02:32:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i went 10 yr ago..(long time i know but...) anyway LOVED IT! keep hold of your luggage at banjul airport as the y try and take it off you to help you (they need to earn) can be a bit daunting but tell them straight. I would take pencils and paper like the lady above said. They fight over toffees. there were no street lights when i went but i think its all changed now. go to the crocodile pool!!!! not for the faint hearted! its a real eye opener and bet u go back.....enjoy x PS. I GOT PESTERED OFF A MAN CALLED LAMIN (LAMBIN) HE WANTED TO MARRY ME...HE WAS IN THE CHAT MAGAZINE!!
2006-10-31 08:19:15 · answer #8 · answered by mishnbong 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hot
2006-10-31 08:16:55 · answer #9 · answered by red_munky06 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hot...
2006-10-31 08:08:51 · answer #10 · answered by Hacker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋