Known as The Smiling Coast because of the friendly people, Gambia, one of the smallest countries in Africa, is the perfect place to relax travelling through African landscapes.
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Gambia is situated on the African west coast (maybe the same coast where Tarzan's boat run aground), and thanks to its position it has subtropical climate, but with more enjoyable temperatures than other African countries. That's stands especially true for the west coast where the winds of the Atlantic bring the smell of salt and refreshment. Gambia spreads 500 kilometres east to west, and just 50 kilometres north to south, and its long and thin shape follows the River Gambia from which it got the name.
Chances are that your visit will start in state's capital Banjul, situated on the mouth of the River Gambia. However, the word "capital" has a different meaning here: by western standards Banjul is a small town with slightly more than 35,000 citizens. However, it is the administrative and trading centre of Gambia with good nightlife, local markets and a very pleasant atmosphere. You probably won't stay here because almost all hotels are situated along the coast on which you can always find a peaceful place for enjoying the sun and tranquillity.
On the west coast you will find some of the best beaches in Africa. From Bijilo - a long stretch with only a couple of small hotels - to Kololi, Kotu, and Cape Point, all white and sandy, these place are Eden for sea lovers.
Near Kotu Beach, in Serekunda, you may enjoy in the competition of local wrestling champions. Costumes in any imaginable colour, old ceremony and drumbeats follow those local heroes, and they follow only one wrestling rule - there's no rules at all! Near Kotu you may also play a game or two of golf on the unique court in the world: the "greens" are "browns" here. Certainly, a game to remember. After the game be aware if you are offered a local drinks: they are very strong for western taste.
While other countries have GMT (Greenwich Meridian Time), Gambia has its own GMT - Gambia Maybe Time. So, while you may be certain that your local guides are among the friendliest in Africa, you certainly can't be sure that your safari arranged days ago will start on time. Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but here time has different meaning than in crowded western cities. So, put your clock in the bag, look around, enjoy African sights and sounds and remember that you are on a slow vacation here.
Now, take your stuff and start to enjoy the wilderness. Just a few kilometres to the south from Banjul there is Abuko Nature reserve, the home of 270 species of birds and the heaven for bird watchers. From Abuko Nature reserve you may choose the road or the river, they go almost in parallel, and continue your trip to east where your next stop is the Kiang West National Park. It is a combination of forest and savannah and that makes it the ideal living place for virtually every animal specie: from dolphins, to leopards, to crocodiles and numerous lizards.
Your trip along the river will take you to the east part of Gambia and the city Basse Santa Su. Some call it "the real heart of Gambia" because this is a totally different place from the western hotel-crowded places. Here you will find houses a hundred years old, with the coast and the market as the centres of life. Local pottery, typical Gambian clothes in vivid colours, and silver jewellery of skilful masters you will find in Traditions, a boutique situated in an old warehouse.
While buying, remember that bargaining is the style of life here. So, don't expect "rush in, buy, rush out", but be patient and you will cut the price in half and take home some of the nicest examples of African art. ■
