gambia
The Smiling Coast of Africa
Ever heard the saying “Big things come in small packages?” Well, Gambia is the truest embodiment of the phrase. The small West African country is known for its beautiful beaches and friendly people. Popular spots like Kololi and Sanyang beaches have become a staple on many bucket lists.
But beyond its breathtaking sand pits, Gambia also has a rich history and culture all fused with traditional music, dance, and art. Gambia’s capital, Banjul is a delightful contradiction. It’s one of the smallest capitals in Africa, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. Here’s more detailed information on Gambia.
History of Gambia
Gambian history before the arrival of Europeans has been preserved to some degree in oral traditions. Its history is closely tied to that of neighboring Senegal, as the region was referred to as Senegambia until the late 19th century when a distinction was made between Senegal and The Gambia. By the 19th century, the Malinke and Wolof kingdoms were still in their formative stages when the Venetian explorer Alvise Ca’ da Mosto (Cadamosto) arrived in 1455.
The Malinke were the westernmost peoples of the old Mali empire, while the Wolof likely migrated from the Songhai regions, and the Fulani pastoralists were part of a migration from the Futa Toro. However, none of these small kingdoms were ever strong enough to dominate Senegambia which eased European settlement in the region.
The Malinke were the westernmost peoples of the old Mali empire, while the Wolof likely migrated from the Songhai regions, and the Fulani pastoralists were part of a migration from the Futa Toro. However, none of these small kingdoms were ever strong enough to dominate Senegambia which eased European settlement in the region.
Over the next centuries, the lure of trade brought English, French, Dutch, Swedish, and Courlander trading companies to the region. The 18th century saw France and England locked in a fierce struggle for dominance in Senegambia. The town of Bathurst, now known as Banjul, quickly flourished as traders and workers arrived from Gorée and upriver.
The Paris conference of 1889 saw France cede control of the Gambia River to Britain. In 1900, Britain imposed indirect rule across the country, dividing it into 35 chiefdoms. Despite some issues with slave-raiding chiefs, Gambia experienced relative peace after its separation from Sierra Leone. Slavery was abolished in 1906.
Unlike other parts of Africa, political parties in Gambia were slow to form. But by 1960, there were already a couple demanding Gambia’s independence. The Marlborough House constitutional conference in June 1964 paved the way for Gambia’s independence on February 18, 1965.
The Paris conference of 1889 saw France cede control of the Gambia River to Britain. In 1900, Britain imposed indirect rule across the country, dividing it into 35 chiefdoms. Despite some issues with slave-raiding chiefs, Gambia experienced relative peace after its separation from Sierra Leone. Slavery was abolished in 1906.
Unlike other parts of Africa, political parties in Gambia were slow to form. But by 1960, there were already a couple demanding Gambia’s independence. The Marlborough House constitutional conference in June 1964 paved the way for Gambia’s independence on February 18, 1965.
Capital of Gambia
The capital of Gambia is Banjul. Located on St. Mary’s Island where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the city brims with cultural and historical treasures. Despite its modest size, Banjul offers an array of experiences.
For instance, the National Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Gambian history and culture. Another must-see is the bustling Albert Market which teems with life and offers everything from colorful textiles to fresh produce. Banjul’s colonial architecture peeks into its storied past, creating a captivating collocation with the lively, modern-day hustle and bustle.
For instance, the National Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Gambian history and culture. Another must-see is the bustling Albert Market which teems with life and offers everything from colorful textiles to fresh produce. Banjul’s colonial architecture peeks into its storied past, creating a captivating collocation with the lively, modern-day hustle and bustle.
Language in Gambia
English is the official language in Gambia. However, the language is only used for government business and business transactions. Most of the locals interact in native languages like Mandinka, Pulaar, Wolof, Soninke, Jola, Serer, Manjak, and Bainouk. Mandinka is the most widely spoken language covering 38% of the country.
Currency in Gambia
The official currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD) and each is subdivided into 100 bututs. Currently, $1 equates to around 67 GMD. Most shops, markets, restaurants, and local service providers transact in GMD. However, there are a select few resorts and hotels that accept the USD for transactions.
itinerary
- Meet a representative from Banjul Guided tours upon arrival.
- A representative and driver from Banjul Guided Tours will escort you to the hotel.
- A representative from Banjul Guided tours will be of service at hotel regarding dinners etc.
A half day orientation tour of the capital city (Banjul), get to see the arch 22, Gambia National Assembly building, one of the oldest mosques in the city, a visit to The Gambia national museum and a stop at the Albert Market.
This is an eco-tourism center that came into being in the early 1990s. It is located in the western part of the Gambia “Brikama, Kembujen” which is about 50 minutes’ drive from your hotel. This is a day tour that gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty of the main natural resource of the Gambia, which is the river.
Upon arrival at the destination (Makasutu), you will be served with a complimentary tea or coffee and get to climb the tall viewing tower to see the beauty of nature, that’s if you don’t have a phobia for heights. We will have a boat trip in the river using a local dugout canoe, wherein we will get to see different spices of birds and learn a lot about mangroves and the positive impacts it has towards the life of the local people most especially the women. This boat trip lasts for roughly 35minutes with the help of the local forest guide.
A forest walk will be conducted which might last for roughly 1hr30, wherein the forest guide will educate us on the different medicinal plants used to cure different diseases well before western civilization.
Upon arrival at the destination (Makasutu), you will be served with a complimentary tea or coffee and get to climb the tall viewing tower to see the beauty of nature, that’s if you don’t have a phobia for heights. We will have a boat trip in the river using a local dugout canoe, wherein we will get to see different spices of birds and learn a lot about mangroves and the positive impacts it has towards the life of the local people most especially the women. This boat trip lasts for roughly 35minutes with the help of the local forest guide.
A forest walk will be conducted which might last for roughly 1hr30, wherein the forest guide will educate us on the different medicinal plants used to cure different diseases well before western civilization.
ROOTS BY BOAT: This is a historical tour that tells you the facts regarding slavery and the impacts it had in Africa of which The Gambia is not an exception. You will be picked at the entrance of your hotel by 7:30am and the tour ends between 5-6pm. We will drive to Banjul to join a very lovely boat which is specifically designed for this tour and provides you with a bar, life jackets, clean proper and flushable toilet facilities, upon arrival you will be served with tea or coffee with cookies, while cruising on the river Gambia for roughly 3hrs before getting to ‘Juffureh and Albreda’. Upon arrival at the villages mentioned we will have a walk to visit the chief of the village, the family of ‘kunta kinteh’ about whom the novel “Roots” by American author Alex Haley is based on and the slave museum.
Lunch will be served on a buffet while cruising to James Island (‘kunta kinteh’). We will cruise back to Banjul after the tour on the island, where the transport awaits to drive us back to the hotel.
Lunch will be served on a buffet while cruising to James Island (‘kunta kinteh’). We will cruise back to Banjul after the tour on the island, where the transport awaits to drive us back to the hotel.
This is a day tour that takes you close to nature starting around 7am and ends 4 - 5pm, we shall have a drive to Banjul and a join ferry to Barra which is a public transport, we might spot some common west African animals on board such as cows, sheep, goats etc and get to see locals in their colorful dresses.
This tour gives you the opportunity to learn of the typical way of life of the locals as we drive pass villages before getting to the border between Senegal and the Gambia to check in and out to stamp your passport. On this tour you will have a maximum of two hours’ game drive, wherein we might get to see different spices of animals ranging from giraffes to the entertaining warthogs who walk on their knees, antelopes, rhino etc in their natural environment and you will be given an opportunity to walk with lions (optional) and an experience of a lifetime.
We will drive to a restaurant for lunch on our return way to join the ferry at Bara and back to Banjul where our transport awaits to drive us back to our hotel.
A representative and driver from Banjul Guided tours will escort you back to Banjul International Airport, please be on time in Oder to avoid late checking at the airport or the risk of getting to arrange for a private airport transfer.
