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Gambia Holidays

Sunset over Gambia

Prepare to be dazzled by this friendly little country on the west coast of Africa. A tropical paradise, holidays in Gambia involve white sandy beaches, opportunities for wildlife watching, ample sunshine and the chance to get a taste of Africa.

Sitting on what is known as the “smiling coast of West Africa”, The Republic of The Gambia continues to grow in popularity as a stunning sun, sea and sand option for British holidaymakers.

Flights arrive into this tiny nation at Banjul International Airport (BJL) in Yundum. From there it's a short hop to any of the resort towns along the Atlantic coast.
Imagine sipping an ice-cold drink while lazing in the shady sag of a hammock between palm trees in your hotel resort. You know you're in The Gambia now.

Bakau is one of Gambia's oldest resorts. The legend goes that the town grew around one of the three holy crocodile pools in the area. Visitors can visit the sacred site, where dozens of crocodiles still roam freely.

The beaches of nearby Cape Point are ideal, with palm trees, clean waters and miles of sand to lounge on. The beach resorts of Kotu, Kololi and Bijilo are also popular.
Gambia holidays present many chances to see West Africa at its best: the market town of Serrekunda competes with Banjul Market to generate the sights, sounds and smells of a typically West African market, where batik and wood carvings are worthwhile purchases, while 'soft adventure' breaks into the bush allows tourists to go wild with little risk and with no experience required.

Or, learn about the history of the slave trade on a visit to Fort James on Kuna Kinteh Island. These trips are often referred to as “Roots” tours after the book by Alex Haley.

The nation is also known as an ornithologist's dream - Gambia's famously diverse bird population gets many a binocular lens steamed up.

The thin strip of The Gambia is encircled by Senegal and trips to the neighbouring nation are cheap and endlessly fascinating.

If all this sounds a little exhausting, then you should know that there are many all-inclusive hotels in Gambia from which you do not have to leave to be well catered for. If you do choose to venture out, transport is cheap, as is eating out at a local restaurant where you will be warmly welcomed and rewarded for being adventurous.

Intrigued by the idea of a holiday in Gambia? Use TravelSupermarket's holiday finder now to book at trip to discover Gambia.
Sanyang Beach, Gambia

Weather

The daily temperature average rarely veers out of the very pleasant 24-28C range, whether it's January or July. What will change are the chances of rainfall and the daily sunshine hours. You might find that winter and spring holidays in Gambia are best, as rain is unlikely to fall and you get a whopping average of 11 hours of sunshine a day.
Visit in August, the rainiest month, and expect to get wet. You will also only benefit from seven hours of sun.

Events

Banjul Demba Cultural Festival; January: A parade around the capital kicks off the events of this festival, which celebrates the culture and heritage of Banjul and Gambia.
International Roots Homecoming Festival; May: The bi-annual event is one of the most popular on Gambia's events calendar and combines traditional arts, music and dance.
Dakar Rally; December: Formerly known as the Paris-Dakar Rally, this “off-road” race has been running since 1978, though its route has changed a few times. Finishing in Dakar in neighbouring Senegal, Gambians get to enjoy the final stages of the rally.

Best of Gambia holidays for...

Grown-up families: There is fun to be had bird watching in Gambia. Ferries tour the Gambia River and offer twitching trips. Exotic West African birds prance and preen and create a noisy and amazing scene.
Relaxing:  Settle down on the beach at Kololi and order a bottle of local lager JulBrew.
Romance:  Horse riding along the beach at Bijilo is about as romantic as it gets. That, and watching the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean as you nuzzle into one another with your bare feet in the sand.