The Gambia

Co-authored by regional expert Sean Connolly and Philip Briggs, the world s foremost guidebook writer on Africa, this third edition of Bradt s The Gambia remains the most comprehensive guide available to mainland Africa s smallest country. This new edition integrates recent developments, from recently opened restaurants and hotels to the new roads and bridges that make circumnavigating the country easier than ever. The guide provides detailed coverage of ecolodges and camps, information on festivals, music workshops and opportunities to experience local culture, plus advice about birdwatching possibilities in a country popular with first-time birders to Africa. As well as encompassing popular coastal resorts, the guide provides information required to explore the relatively undeveloped interior and proposes excursions into neighbouring Senegal, making it ideal for visitors on organised holidays and independent travellers alike. Bradt s The Gambia reveals all the practical information needed to explore this welcoming and safe country (not for nothing is it nicknamed the `Smiling Coast ) with its plethora of beach resorts, catering to all tastes and budgets, that line the 80km stretch of tropical coastline running from the capital Banjul to the remote southern border. Small in size but rich in character, The Gambia offers perhaps the closest English-speaking `winter sun destination from Europe. Justifiably popular with birdwatchers, the lush mangrove- and jungle-fringed River Gambia is also home to crocodiles, hippos, rehabilitated chimpanzees and various monkeys. The Gambia offers rich heritage tourism for moderately adventurous travellers, from the mysterious megalithic stone circles at Wassu and Ker Batch to fortified Kunta Kinteh (James) Island and the former slave-trading village of Juffureh the heart of novelist Alex Haley s Roots country and part of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And why not enhance your visit further by experiencing colourful local markets, witnessing kankurang spirit masquerades or joining a kayak cruise from the sleepy river port of Janjanbureh, or paying homage to The Gambia s inspiring journey towards democracy and reconciliation at Memory House? All in all, Bradt s The Gambia is the perfect companion for discovering this safe, welcoming and tourist-friendly English-speaking country which provides an ideal short-stay introduction to West Africa s unique atmosphere.

CONTENTS

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information

Geography, Climate, History, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, Sports and games

Chapter 2 Natural History

Geology and geography, Habitats, Wildlife viewing, The wildlife

Chapter 3 Practical Information

When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Safety and hassles, Women travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, What to take, Money, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette

PART TWO GREATER BANJUL AND KOLOLI

Greater Banjul and Kololi: An Overview

Highlights, Getting around, Other practicalities

Chapter 4 Central Banjul

History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Security, Getting around, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do

Chapter 5 Bakau and Cape Point

History, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment

and nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do

Chapter 6 Serekunda, Fajara and Kairaba Avenue

History, Orientation, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and

drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do

Chapter 7 Kotu and Palma Rima

Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife,

Other practicalities, What to see and do

Chapter 8 Kololi and Environs

Northern Kololi, The ‘Senegambia' Strip, Bijilo and Sukuta

PART THREE THE COASTAL BELT

The Coastal Belt: An Overview

Highlights, Getting around, Other practicalities

Chapter 9 Brufut, Tanji and Surrounds

Brufut, Tanji Bird Reserve, Tanji and around

Chapter 10 South to Kartong

Sanyang, Gunjur and Madina Salaam, Kartong and surrounds

Chapter 11 Inland to Brikama and Pirang

Abuko Livestock Market, Abuko Nature Reserve, Lamin, Yundum, Brikama, Pirang and Faraba Banta

Chapter 12 Niumi and the North Coast

Barra and surrounds, Albreda, Juffureh and surrounds, Niumi National Park

PART FOUR UPRIVER GAMBIA

Upriver Gambia: An Overview

Highlights, Getting around, Other practicalities

Chapter 13 Inland to Soma and Farafenni

The road east to Kalagi, Tendaba, Kiang West and Bao Bolong, Soma and surrounds, Farafenni

Chapter 14 Janjanbureh and Central River Region

The South Bank from Soma to Janjanbureh, The North Bank from Farafenni to Janjanbureh, River Gambia National Park, Janjanbureh and surrounds, Bansang

Chapter 15 Basse and Upper River Region

Getting there and away, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, Activities and excursions

Appendix 1 Language

Appendix 2 Glossary

Appendix 3 Further Information

Index