I am going to Gambia next Friday (1st dec) Anything I should watch out for???

Question

Never been to Africa before and need tips on what to avoid and what to see,.,,,,,,

Answer 1

You'll have a great time.

DO be careful of the sun. You're close to the equator and, combined with the prevailing breezes off the sea, you can burn very easily.

DO watch the currents in the sea. If your hotel has the red flag flying - observe it. The ocean can be very dangerous. This doesn't happen very often so don't let me put you off of swimming in the sea - which is great fun, with huge rollers allowing for surfing and bodysurfing.

DO take your malaria medication for the duration and once you've returned.

DO watch out for the bumsters or "professional friends". They'll normally start a conversation along the lines of "Hello, "What's your name?" "Where you from?" "Is this your first time in Gambia?" They can be a real nuisance, but you'll eventually spot them a mile off. Don't accept presents of Ju Ju necklaces or bracelets. In themselves they are harmless, but are used as another ploy by the bumsters for getting money. They'll tell you they bring you good luck. Towards the end of your holiday the giver will ask you how your holiday was - if you say good - they'll say that was because of the Ju Ju and then ask for money!!

That's the negatives.

The positives - there are so many of them!

The people - happy, smiling, friendly, poor but dignified. The climate - hot and sunny. The culture "the real heartbeat of Africa". The many superb restaurants. Local woodcarvings, batik, silver jewellery. The creeks with their abundance of bird life. A trip into the bush in jeeps, followed by a picnic lunch on a deserted beach. Fresh mangos, papaya, coconuts and peanuts (groundnuts) as you've never tasted them. Lady fish and barracuda.

Take a trip up the River Gambia to Juffure (the village of Kunte Kinte) stopping off at James Island where the slaves were incarcerated before setting sail to The Americas. Visit Banjul, and enjoy its huge and bustling market. A must is a visit to see wrestling (the national sport) in Serrakunda - non-violent, athletic and entertaining.

If you play golf, then a visit to the Fajara Golf Club is a must for the experience of playing off of reclaimed scrubland where the greens are browns and you share the fairways with cattle, dogs and vultures, with palm wine collectors, climbing the palm trees that line the fairways, 50 feet into the air to extract the sap of the tree into fizzy drink bottles.

As you can gather - I'm a real fan of The Gambia, have been many, many times and I'm very jealous that you're flying out on Friday.

Have an absolutely fab time and give my regards to Lamin (all the first born sons are called Lamin - so you're bound to meet a few of them!)

Answer 2

Gambia is absolutely gorgeous! Just be aware of some of these snags :

It is important to always carry some form of ID, either your passport or a photocopy, on long journeys, as there are several checkpoints along the way, and the officials can be difficult if they want to be.

ATMs are placed at a few banks - but you can only use Visa credit cards and only withdraw a total of cash D2000. Mastercard or any other credit card cannot be used in the whole of the Gambia. The banks will not cash it either - and not even for a fee!

Barra on the north bank of the Gambia river (and traffic from Senegal) are linked to the capital Banjul by a ferry whose last sailing is around 7pm. Bad roads and border delays often mean that passengers miss the last boat. You then have the option of staying the night in Barra or, what most people do, take a large wooden motorised pirogue across. You pay extra to be carried out on the shoulders of big men to avoid getting wet. These boats are low in the water and overloaded and there are no life jackets.

When you travel to the Gambia a lot of people will ask you the same questions like 'Where are you from?' or 'What is your name?'. When you answer these questions there's a little conversation and then a guy will usually walk with you. It's very hard to get rid of these guys! On a trip to Bakau we had such a guy following us all the way to the famous Kachikaly Crocodile Pool. We said many times to him that we did not need a guide and that we figured out the way by ourselves. Nevertheless he demanded money for his 'guiding' when we got to the pool. When we did not give him money he threatened us and waited at the entrance. The only thing to prevent this happening is to make clear, not only that you don't need a guide, but also that you don't pay anything.

Answer 3

You will get hawkers on the beach and they can be quite persistent. At markets, barter like mad. They expect it. Take lots of pens (biros). The kids love them. The poverty is quite upsetting but they seem happy enough and will be happy to see you. When I was there, I went on a boat trip to an island. I can't remember exactly but the island was something to do with the slave trade. That was a good trip. Also, hire a jeep and drive along the beach. The locals are really lovely and welcoming.

Answer 4

I'd Rather Eat A Bullet

Answer 5

Flys

Answer 6

remember the book "Roots"
slaves were brought from there.
now the Gambians are enslaving white people as an act of revenge.
be careful and vigilant

Answer 7

there is nothing worthwile to see ot do in the gambia just stay at the hotel

Answer 8

very nice place been a number of times, just watch the bumsters

Answer 9

Anybody who wants to sell you something.

and the Elephants dumping in your sandwichies.

Answer 10

Celebrities looking for ready-made families to promote their fame some more.