The Gambia. The Smiling Coast of Africa.
The Gambia was my very first venture to the African continent and I spent six amazing days seeing the country, wishing I saw more.
I do recommend a few things prior to going. I decided to “play it safe” and book my accommodation and flights through an agency. Like that I knew I was staying at a trusted place and I would have transport to and from the airport. I didn’t know what transportation would be like and the internet didn’t exactly provide me with enough information.
Next, if you’re planning on traveling around the country (which, you should be doing anyway), I do suggest booking (day) trips with a local tour guide. I used Lam’s Tours. They were excellent. Book as locally as you possibly can, to support the economy.
For the rest, you’re pretty safe no matter what you do. The people are incredibly hospitable and friendly. The food is amazing. I don’t remember the names of what I ate, but I remember it had a peanut sauce. It was v good.
As for your stay, I recommend staying in either Senegambia or Kotu. Senegambia is slightly more lively whereas Kotu is more laidback.
So. Why The Gambia you ask?
Well, my parents (who were concerned about me going to Berlin on my own) suggested it.
So The Gambia it was.
By the way turns out that The Gambia has some unfriendly mosquitos. Fun fact! these unfriendly mosquitos require vaccines.
Fun.
Apparently these vaccines have an incubation period (is that the right word?) of 10 days. I had my appointment scheduled for the 3rd. I was leaving the 7th. Several, and I do mean several, medical officials pointed out that fact to me.
AND that one vaccine ended up being three.
Day one: Beach day
I didn’t really do much that first day. I walked along the beach, but quickly realized that walking alone along the beach was not going to be an option. I’ll get to that later.
Day two: Safari
The next day I was up bright and early for a 6.30 pick up to go on safari!
So we pick up the rest of the crew and head to Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, to take the ferry to Barra to get to the Senegalese border.
That’s right! You’re going on safari in Senegal! Because why not visit two countries at once? You’re going to the Fathala Reserve. Yeah it’s called a safari but it’s really a reserve. You’ll see: rhino’s and deer and pumba’s (warthogs) oh my.
Okay so it was a trek. We get on the ferry only to discover that we cannot actually leave because, well, a bus was stuck. A bus that already went back and forth on the ferry trip. Twice.
While we were on the ferry, there was a man collecting rubbish going around saying “come on guys lets keep this place clean, let’s make it like America.”
Once we’re in the reserve the guide warns us that we may not see giraffes or rhino as they tend to be shy and skittish.
Within the first 10 minutes of our drive we see the rhino. Big John. He lived up to the name.
We also saw zebra’s, antilopes, an ostrich and pumba’s.
And then not even 20 minutes later we saw a herd of giraffes. AND. Baby giraffes.
The guide told us this was the first time in months of doing this tour that he had seen all the animals.
Full disclosure, its not a very large reserve and after having seen all the animals and eating lunch, you’ll be headed back to the ferry to go back home.
Before you go to Senegal, make sure you have your passport, you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate, basically, just have all your documentation with you. It’s a bit of organized chaos at the border.
Day three: Serrekunda Market
The next day I took it easy by doing a 2 hour tour around Serrekunda market. It’s like one of those huge markets where they sell quite literally everything under the sun.
I was too afraid of taking pictures so I took this one of chili’s.
Some like it hot.
What can I say.
You can get lost in this market, so either make sure you have a guide with you or a much better sense of direction than I do.
I have none.
Day Four: Beach day
I went to the beach at around 10am because I wanted to walk. Which I did. Kind of.
Remember when I said that walking alone was going to be a challenge? Well. Gambia is called ‘The Smiling Coast of Africa’. Essentially what this means is, every single person will approach you and start a conversation. Not necessarily to sell you anything but literally just to talk.
I knew this going in to the walk. I had prepared myself. I had my headphones on and I walked far in the sea because I noticed most people did not want to go in.
Yeah…did not help.
Actually one guy who owned a beach bar started walking with me asked where I was staying and he said “oh so we’re neighbors!”
Me: yup I guess so.
Him: yes, it’s nice to walk with neighbors.
Me: yeah but I like walking alone.
Him: yes with neighbors you’re never alone
Me:… yeah but I like being alone
Him: but with neighbors you can walk!
Me: …………..
He got the message.
I did end up walking for an hour and playing with 3 street pups so all in all it was a good walk.
Day five: Makasutu cultural forest and Monkey Park
The next day the guide decided to take me around the monkey park and the Makasutu cultural forest.
So. Many. Monkeys.
I was also kind of scratched by one, but it’s fine cause it didn’t break the skin…. right?
At the forest we walked for what seemed to be hours. We ended up at a fortune teller who told me that I would end up working for myself and be my own boss. So if anyone has any ideas for me to start something, I’m all ears.
And then we had lunch.
Now, I’m emphasizing the fact that we had lunch.
BABOONS.
These creepy baboons swarmed us! And they are vicious beasts. Who apparently drink wine?
Day six: Pool day
The last two days I realized I was exhausted so I did pool and easy walking days. I walked along the beach the last day, at 9am this time, and went shell hunting.
I saw a pufferfish! Okay it was dead but it was all poofed up! And there was another couple looking at it and I said “oh I don’t think customs will let us take that along.”
They didn’t find it funny.
I took shells with me instead. Also, I’m not sure if I just broke the law or anything but don’t tell anyone, kay?
And just like that my trip was over. We went to the airport and flew away.
Haha. I’m just kidding.
We ended up being delayed by 7 hours at the airport in Gambia because there was no fuel.
No no I’m not joking. There was actually no fuel at the airport.
So once the plane finally arrived and we were cleared to leave, the pilot kindly told us that we would be stopping in Dakar to refuel.
It’s fine. We landed at 2.30am instead of 10pm the night before.
So that was my trip.
I channeled my inner Toto.
Suggested Lazy Itinerary:
The path I took in the Gambia is what I would recommend to anyone who wants to have a chill but somewhat adventurous holiday.
Take the time to go to the beach and the pool, but also take the time to go adventuring.
Space your tours out with a day at the beach in between.
Day one: Arrival and beach
Day two: Safari
Day three: Market day and pool
Day four: full day at the beach or pool
Day five: Makasutu forest and Monkey Park
Day six: Full pool day
Any questions about where to stay and what to eat? Shoot me a message.
