Gambia Things to do

Beaches
The Gambia is a paradise for serious sunbathers. 30 miles of soft sandy beaches include the popular resorts of Bijilo, Cape Point, Kololi and Kotu. Take a look at the quieter Gambia beaches south of Kololi and visit unspoilt gems like Sanyang and Gunjur.

Wildlife and Birdwatching
Bijilo Forest Park is open all year. Marked trails for spotting several species of monkey, a wonderful variety of birds and delightful flora. Other popular reserves include the Abuko Nature Reserve, Makasutu Cultural Forest and Baboon Island. The Kotu Creek wetlands are another popular spot for birdwatchers. Gambia birdwatching attracts serious ornithologists, drawn by 200 species of birds that include hawks, Egyptian plovers, ring-necked parakeets, the African thrush, bee-eaters, babblers and sunbirds.

The River Gambia
The River Gambia is the centrepiece of ecotourism here, with exotic flora and wildlife, mangrove creeks and traditional, riverside African villages. The river is also the scenic backdrop to popular river fishing trips. A Gambia River cruise is a must.

Banjul
The capital of Gambia makes a fascinating day trip, with its surprisingly laid-back atmosphere and rich history.  Impressive museums, reminders of the colonial past in MacCarthy Square, and amazing clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts, spices and local produce in the atmospheric Albert Market. Banjul is the starting point for many excursions and river cruises.

Food
Gambia hotels offer plenty of familiar food for tourists but it really is worth sampling Gambian and West African cuisine, particularly some of the spicier traditional favourites. Fresh fish and seafood are particularly good value, brought onto the beach by fishermen in the morning.

Watersports
Gambia watersports have improved considerably in recent years as tourism develops. Rewarding big-game fishing plus jet skis, waterskiing and parascending. Golf at Fajara golf course.

Four-Wheel Drive Tours
Fun tours on trucks offer a quick and easy way to see life outside the tourist resorts and a glimpse of traditional life in the countryside.

Senegal
A short excursion to Senegal beaches or longer trips that include the spectacular wildlife in the Sine Saloum National Park.