Where is The Gambia located?
The Gambia is located in the west of Africa (on the left side), just below the Sahara region. It is below Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. The Gambia is surrounded by its big neighbor Senegal and is the smallest country in Africa. It is about 450 km (280 miles) from east to west, and 50 km (30 miles) from north to south.
What Is the Capital of The Gambia?
The capital of Gambia is Banjul, and is located in the north of The Gambia. It has a population of approximately 35000 and is located on an island where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gambian River. It was previously known as Bathurst.
How Many People Live In The Gambia?
There are around 2 ½ million people in The Gambia, with 1.4 million people living in the Western developed area near the coast.
Is The Gambia Safe for Travelers?
Yes, it is safe for traveling. You would have to take the normal precautions against petty crimes like bag snatching, so be careful where you leave your bag, but for the rest you should be fine. The westerners that have been living there for a long time, or have been visiting there for many years all say that it is a safe country. Walking around feels safe, especially in tourist areas.
However, the region in the south near the border with Senegal has an increased risk. Because of potential landmines, and because the Senegalese military is battling rebels in the area south of Gambia, and some rebels flee to the border area.
How Are The People in The Gambia?
The people in The Gambia are fantastic. They find respect and kindness to be the most important thing, for instance by acknowledging each other. As one Gambian woman put it: “We do not ask you to do things that you do not want to do”. This sounds like a normal thing, but it creates a very safe space that many other countries lack. They are kind, warm and respectful.
What Is the Weather in The Gambia?
The Gambia has sunshine all year round, and the temperature average is between 29° and 34°. There are two main seasons in The Gambia, a dry season from the end of October till mid-June, and a rainy season from mid-June till the end of October.
Are There Beaches in The Gambia?
Yes there are many beaches in The Gambia. It has a coastline of 80 km aligned with tropical beaches. If you are looking for a relaxed beach, then Sanyang Beach (also called Paradise Beach) is definitely the best choice. Located in the more southern part of the coastline it has beautiful white beaches with warm water (minimum of 25°C). The beach is generally deserted, so it feels like you have the place to yourself.
What Is The Best Place To Stay In The Gambia?
Depending on the purpose of your visit, there are several options. If you’re looking for lively restaurants, and enjoy a live band in the evening, then the Senegambia area in Kololi is the place to go. It can be a bit crowded, and there are some people trying to hassle you. But if you’re fine with that it can be a good place to spend your evenings.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy a peaceful paradise beach, then Sanyang Beach is definitely the place for you. There are several lodges with rooms right on the beach, and you can enjoy a lovely starry sky in the evenings. Lodges cost around US$20 per person (2 people), and a meal generally is around US$6. You should go for the fish, they are picked there right out of the sea and prepared fresh.
The nicest lodge on Sanyang Beach is Kajamor Lodge. It is at the end of 5 or 6 lodges, and because it is secluded it is also quieter. The beach is wider, the people who work there are friendly and the rooms are in good shape. There is also a beautiful round sitting area.
There are also a variety of tours in Sanyang Beach (inquiries Rutas en Gambia (English, Spanish and French speaking) or +220 204 79 13 via WhatsApp).
What Is the Best Nightclub in The Gambia?
The best nightclub in The Gambia is Aquarius. It is located in the tourist hotspot of Senegambia, Kololi, and opens around 0:00 and closes at 6:00 in the morning. People are always dancing and there is a relaxed atmosphere. There is no bumping into each other while dancing, everybody is keeping their space. Security makes sure everything is safe so that you can dance free of hassle. The entrance fee is 10 US dollars on a Saturday night.
Is There a Backpackers- or Youthhostel in The Gambia?
There is currently one place in The Gambia that you might consider a hostel, although it might better be described as a guesthouse. In general, there are not many backpackers in The Gambia.
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