Gambia holidays

The Gambia can be difficult to spot on a map – you may need to squint to see it. This tiny sliver of a country on Africa's western coast is contained entirely within Senegal, but has its own narrow coastline of only 80km (50 miles).

Commonly referred to as “The Smiling Coast”, Gambians are among the friendliest people you're likely to encounter. Moreover, with a mere six-hour flight from London and barely any time difference, the country is a popular holiday destination all year round.

With over 550 species of birds, The Gambia has become a haven for twitchers and holiday birdwatching – everything from exotic and coastal birds to raptors dominate the skies. Although there is no big game, wildlife in The Gambia is still diverse and thrives in such places as the Abuko Nature Reserve, Bijilo National Park, Kachikally Crocodile Pond, and the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. Visiting any one of these places will give you an excellent opportunity to spot some quite exotic wildlife.

The beach resorts in The Gambia are incredibly laid-back, providing the perfect place for a cheap all-inclusive relaxing holiday where you can laze around in the sun with a good book and drink delicious cocktails from dawn to dusk.

Kotu plays host to small, relatively new and well equipped holiday resorts which offer all the necessary amenities. Wherever you stay in Kotu, the beach is never far away, so you can enjoy the golden sands and sparkling waters without the crowds. Nearby, at the Fajara Golf Club, you can hire clubs and enjoy a round with some friendly competition.

Kololi is a more established resort area in The Gambia with a tourist strip (Senegambia) lined with cheap restaurants, nightclubs, and shops. Kololi is next to the fauna-rich Bijilo National Park where a 4.5km (3 miles) nature trail is well trodden by bird watchers. Beware though, you’re advised not to feed the mischievous monkeys in the park.

Taking a boat tour along the Gambia River is a very rewarding experience. Near the mouth of the river is the UNESCO Heritage Site Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island) where the ruins of several British administrative buildings still remain. Travelling up-river, you’ll also pass by the Baboon Islands where chimpanzees, Green Vervet monkeys, western baboons, hippopotamus, and even crocodiles thrive. If your all-inclusive holiday package doesn’t include a boat tour, ask your hotel for a recommendation.

The Gambia is an ideal holiday destination for those who want to escape the cold winter in the UK. The weather in December, January, February, March is dry and sunny, averaging 25C during the day time. This is one of the best times for bird watching too.

Late June to October is rainy season, during which time many resorts close. Those that are open offer cheap holiday packages, plus you'll also avoid holiday crowds.

The Roots Festival, held in May, centres on the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This historical, cultural, and educational event hosts a range of activities from musical concerts and traditional cuisine, to craft markets selling local ware.

In January, the Banjul Demba Cultural Festival is a vibrant display of Gambian culture. The festival begins with a lively parade around the capital city, and exhibits a variety of art, dance, and music performances.

Currency: Gambian Dalasi

Capital city: Banjul

Language: English

Time difference: Gambia is 1 hour behind the UK

Average flight time: 6 hours

International phone code: +220

Emergency services number: 117

Public holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Independence Day (February 18), Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday), Easter Sunday (Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox), Easter Monday (Monday after Easter Sunday), Labour Day (May 1), Africa Day (May 25), Lailat al-Qadr (last ten days of Ramadan), Ashura (tenth day of the Islamic New Year), The Prophet’s Birthday (12th or 17th day of the third Islamic month), Christmas Day (December 25)

Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gambia