 TOURISM, ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS |
| Quality holidays-less than 6 hours away |
During the last few years, there have been increasing demands for quality, good-value holidays and for new holiday ideas. The Gambian tourism trade embraces these aspects more than ever as is evident from visitor satisfaction survey reports, according to which 25% of visitors to The Gambia are repeaters. This speaks well for the Gambia tourism product.
The majority of tourists to The Gambia come from UK-55% of total visitor arrivals. The Gambia has a lot to offer the European visitor as well as 35 miles of board, unspoiled, clean sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia offers exquisite and friendly service in modern hotels. There is a lot to do for visitors and some tremendous excursions are on offer, as more and more visitors are finding out.
Two to three days boat trips are available on the river as far as Basse with night stops at tourist camps at Tendaba and Janjangbureh (Georgetown). These river trips, combined with land excursions to the villages, gives the European visitor an insight into the ethno-cultural diversity of The Gambia and a better understanding of the Gambian people's way of life at a grass-roots level.
The rapid development of up-country tourism and round trips to the interior of the country and neighboring Senegal is a clear indication of the need for interaction between the visitor and the visited. The Gambia Government has therefore adopted a policy on promoting tourism into the hinterland aiming at its integration in the rural and community life.
| Genuine Warmth and friendliness |
It is both educating and existing to watch the Gambian people and participate in their day-to-day activities. In the city, in the villages along the river and in the interior of country, the message is: just get involved!
The Gambians are very friendly and hospitable people, genuinely nice and willing to assist wherever help is needed. The Gambia no problem sums it up.
However, visitors are reminded to show respect for them and their customs; as their way of life is different from those of the West, and the "foreigner" in their midst should not expect things to be the same when they are back home. After all the decision the decision to go to the Gambia is a decision to learn and experience different lifestyles, a different culture and of course meeting different people. We offer our visitors all the luxury and glamour of our best hotels, and promise those who keep it in mind that they have come for a different holiday, an enjoyable and memorable experience in The Gambia. Our country has a lot to offer to all visitors no matter where they may come from. So please help us preserve this goose so that together we can share many golden eggs for many years to come.
Comparative number of air chartered tourist arrivals in The Gambia 1995/96 - 1998/99
| Month | 1995/96 | 1996/97 | 1997/98 | 1998/99 | | July | 3,547 | 4,774 | 5,214 | 4,809 | | August | 2,613 | 3,695 | 4,652 | 4,996 | | September | 3,272 | 3,233 | 4,750 | 3,616 | | October | 3,314 | 4,526 | 5,982 | 5,397 | | November | 9,275 | 8,838 | 10,696 | 10,839 | | December | 7,743 | 9,415 | 9,889 | 11,822 | | January | 8,487 | 9,559 | 11,772 | 21,245 | | February | 9,885 | 7,883 | 11,154 | 18,635 | | March | 9,026 | 8,835 | 9,446 | 19,892 | | April | 6,884 | 7,561 | 8,937 | 9,370 | | May | 4,415 | 4,948 | 4,640 | 4,893 | | June | 3,636 | 4,781 | 3,636 | 4,469 | | Total | 72,098 | 70,849 | 90,810 | 119,983 |
| Entertainment, sports and recreation |
As Gambia is not spoilt by an abundance of nightclubs and discotheques, most of the evening entertainment takes place in the hotels in the form of African dancing, live entertainment, B-B-Q evenings, etc. details of which are all displayed on the hotel notice boards. There are a few good discotheques in and around the hotel area. You should however check their opening days and times beforehand.
 Golf |
Golf can be played at 18-hole Fajara club - a most interested course close to the sea. Information on fees and temporary membership can be obtained from the reception of your hotel.
| Fishing |
On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and at the estuary of the Gambia River sport fishing is becoming incredibly popular. A few good and well-equipped boats are available for coastal and deep-sea fishing. The potential of this tourist attraction and profitable business venture is far from being exhausted. The Department of State for Tourism and Culture therefore seeks partners and private investors in this area to give the tourists the chance to partake of the pleasures of this wonderful holiday sport and hobby for many visitors.
| | Tennis |
At almost all the hotels and at the Fajara Club (by prior arrangement). Equipment is available at hotels where tennis is advertised. A refundable deposit is charged by some of approximately 40 Dalasis.
| Table tennis |
Available in most hotels and generally free of charge.
| Photography |
There is, without doubt, an abundance of colors and interesting matter for the photographer. Please remember that The Gambia is predominantly Muslim and unless you are equipped with a telephoto lens, it is advisable to first ask before taking photographs of local people or their beautiful smiling friendly little children. As not all types of photographic films are available, you would be better advised to bring along what you would need during your holidays.
| Squash |
The Fajara Club, opposite the Fajara Hotel, offers a variety of sports activities such as golf, tennis and squash, temporary membership can be arranged (valid for 1 week).
| Wind-surfing |
Equipment can be hired at some hotels but it should be noted that only strong swimmers should venture beyond their knees.
| Water skiing |
This is generally available at the Atlantic Hotel and at Oyster Creek. Water skiing is not possible at most other hotel, due to the Atlantic waves.
| Swimming |
Please remember that due to heavy surf the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean can sometimes be unsuitable for swimming; therefore please take note that on such occasions when there is a strong undertow extreme care should be taken and the following rules obeyed:
Never swim when the red flag is flying. It is not advisable to go onto the beach at night or to secluded areas that are not patrolled by tourist guards. Please also note that nude bathing is forbidden and illegal in The Gambia.
Bikinis and swimwear are not allowed in the streets, supermarkets or public areas outside the confines of the hotel and beach areas.
| Bicycle rentals |
Several companies and individuals run bicycle rentals near the hotels and the Bengdulalu. It is fast becoming a popular way of combining sport and adventure into the bush and villages. However, if you are going into the bush, leave your valuables in your hotel and always ensure that your brakes, reflectors and light are in good order.
| Camel / horse riding |
Camel safari at Tanje and a few riding clubs offer opportunity for riding along the beach or through the bush. Details of riding clubs can be obtained at the hotel reception.
Horse riding on the beach with total safety and maximum pleasure
A Camel Safari in Tanji |
