Gambia is one of the smallest African countries, but it packs in everything you need for a fantastic holiday. Also known as the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’, couples and families with love the mild year-round climate (even in winter) and a warm welcome from friendly locals. If you’re looking for that perfect beach holiday for the whole family, or somewhere romantic to walk hand-in-hand with your partner at sunset, this destination offers up tropical beaches with pristine white sand, lush green nature reserves and glorious landscapes galore. Resorts like lively Kololi Beach and peaceful Bijilo have everything you need for laid-back holidays to Gambia.
Things to do
When it comes to beaches on Gambia holidays, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From bustling Kololi Beach to secluded Bijilo, you’ll find plenty of places to relax and soak up the sunshine. While you’re there, you can cool off by taking a dip in the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. When you’re ready to get active, you can head off on safari. It may be a small country, but it’s rich in lush scenery and wildlife. You’ll discover a wealth of nature reserves ready and waiting to be explored. Holidays to Gambia will also take you to a region with a rich culture history. While you’re here, why not sample a slice of local life down at the market? And you can head to a museum to learn more about the country’s fascinating past.
30°C
Enjoys a subtropical climate, with swimsuit weather all year round.
6 hours
Banjul (or Yundum) International Airport (BJL).
Travel guide
Things to do
Currency
Travel guide
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
Enjoys a subtropical climate, which splits the seasons in two: rainy and dry. But it’s warm enough for a swimsuit all year round. July marks the beginning of the wet season, which runs through the summer and part of the autumn until October. Rainfall starts to ease off from November, and the temperatures start to climb throughout the winter and spring. Don’t be surprised to experience 33 (°C) highs at this time of year.
Gambia is best for…
sun worshippers: If you love the beach, Gambia holidays will be right up your street. Soak up the tropical sun and enjoy the cooling breeze as you sit back with a cocktail in hand.
Explorers: Hop across the river and head to the Fathala Game Reserve where rhinos, warthogs, giraffes and monkeys await. Or, explore the Makasutu nature reserve in a dug-out canoe.
Couples: Whether you want to relax on an idyllic beach with your loved one or get lost in the forest, holidays he are perfect for two.
Fast facts:
Language: English is spoken here, plus local languages and dialects.
Currency: The currency used here is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). You’ll find a few ATMs in the resort, and some cards will be accepted. However, it’s best to take some cash with you in GBP and exchange it for the local currency at either the hotel or a local bank in the resort.
Local time: Gambia is the same time as GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Banjul International Airport. Transfer time to Banjul Beach, Bijilo, Brufut Heights, Kololi Beach and Kotu Beach is about 50 minutes.
Flight time from UK:The flight time to Gambia is 6–7 hours.
Tourist Information: To learn more before you go off on your Gambia holidays, it’s worth visiting www.visitthegambia.gm.
Visa / Health:
For visa and health advice and recommendations, head to https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/the-gambia
Events
Kartong Festival:Early in February, this colourful celebration brings the sleepy village of Kartong to life; it’s a vibrant festival paying tribute to Gambian music, arts and culture.
Roots festival: Every other May, this lively event comes to the quiet fishing village of Albreda. Inspired by historian Alex Haley’s book Roots, it explores the history and its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Getting around
By minibus: They come in all colours, and hiring one is a convenient way for groups to get out and about and see the sights.
By taxi: You’re likely to find tourist taxis near your hotel; they’re green and more expensive than bush taxis, but are regulated. There should be a price board on display, so check the price and agree it with the driver before setting off.
By bush taxi: You can’t miss them, they’re yellow with a green stripe. Popular with the locals (and cheap), they’re a great way to zip around, but check the price before you get in first, so that you’re not being ‘taken for a ride’.
Safety and Security:
For up to date advice on travelling to Gambia, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/the-gambia/safety-and-securityThings to do
Gambia may be the smallest country in Africa, but when it comes to things to do and places to visit, you know you won’t be caught short. Holidays here are all about beautiful beaches, a diverse landscape and lush forests galore, so whatever you want from your trip there’s plenty to keep you busy. If you want to relax in the sunshine then days on the pristine sandy shores of Senegambia are in order. Or you could take a laid-back cruise down the Gambia River. There’s lots for wildlife fans to love in this country, too, including birdwatching trips in the wetlands and monkey spotting in Bijilo National Park. And for something a little bit different, how about discovering mystical stone circles at Kerr Batch? Or experience the healing powers of Kachikally Crocodile Pool? Let’s take a closer look at things to do in The Gambia, and see if we can help you pick your favourites.
Things to do
Visit the Senegambia Craft Market
Within walking distance, is the vibrant Senegambia Craft Market where you’ll be able to browse locally crafted souvenirs and trinkets. It was …Take a Gambia River day cruise
Take a relaxing guided cruise along the River Gambia and take in the beautiful surroundings that are filled with birds, wildlife and mangroves. …Spend the day at the Katchikally Crocodile Pool
Located in the heart of Bakau, Katchically Crocodile Pool is one of three sacred pools in Africa. In The Gambia, crocodiles represent the power …Kachikally Crocodile Pool Gambia
Bijilo’s fantastic location means that day trips are easy enough to do, explore the beautiful Gambian countryside at the Kachikally Crocodile …Take a Yabouy cooking lesson in Brufut Heights
For a unique experience and to learn about The Gambia’s colourful culture, why not take a cooking lesson at the Yabouy Home Cooking School.Serekunda Market Egypt Gambia
; About a 15 minute drive from the quiet shores of Bijilo is the bustling Serekunda Market. Hundreds of stalls and shops line the streets and …Visit Brufut Woods Community Project
Nature lovers will feel at home in the tropical surroundings of the Brufut Woods Community Project. Working with the West African Bird Study …Explore the Senegambia Craft Market
The Craft Market is one of Kololi’s largest attractions, located directly on the Kololi Strip. It’s a thriving tourist area when you can …Albert Market Gambia
For an activity away from the beach, head inland to the iconic Albert Market where you can immerse yourself in The Gambia’s vibrant culture. …Roque Nublo Spain
Standing proud at 80 metres tall, Roque Nublo is an icon of Gran Canaria and actually marks the centre of the island. Looking at photos, you’d … Find out moreAbuko Nature Reserve Gambia
Just a half an hour drive from Banjul Beach is the Abuko Nature Reserve where you can experience a wide range of rare wildlife. The wildlife park …Sightseeing at Banjul’s Arch 22
One of the most iconic sights to see when visiting The Gambia’s capital is the Arch 22. The historic monument was built to celebrate the …Currency
Gambia travel money
The currency in Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD), which is subdivided into 100 bututs. This Gambia currency was first adopted in 1971, when it replaced the Gambian pound. Gambia is still a primarily cash-based economy, so it’s worth bearing that in mind before you head away. There are lots of ways to exchange your pounds for Dalasi before you leave for your holiday, and doing so is the best way to ensure you get the most for your money. It’s a good idea to take some local currency with you. Although an increasing number of hotels and restaurants are accepting Visa debit cards, very few will accept credit cards. And MasterCard isn’t generally accepted either. You’ll find ATM machines in the tourist area of Senegambia and a few of the other most popular resorts, but unfortunately they can be unreliable, and you will also be charged a surcharge for using them.Popular holiday resorts
