Gambia - Holiday Recommended?

Anyone been to Gambia?
Good place to visit in February or March?
Best hotels, restaurants, beaches and things to do?

Looking for a chilled adults only break...
Flying from Heathrow.
Went quite a few times in my 20's.... but that was a log time ago.

 

Sounds idyllic


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The Gambia

1. Summary
2. Safety and security
3. Terrorism
4. Local laws and customs
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Safety and security
Crime
Attacks on tourists are increasing, particularly the theft of passports and other valuables from hotel rooms. Don’t take valuables or large sums of money to the beach, or display them in public. Take particular care when visiting isolated beaches and markets.

Both male and female visitors should be particularly cautious of young men locally known as ‘bumsters’ who approach tourists, particularly on beaches, offering help or to act as local guides. Be polite but firm in refusing unwanted help or attempts at conversation. Visitors should also be wary of offers, usually from ‘bumsters’, to take them on tours into Senegal. It is unlikely that the correct immigration procedures, which might include obtaining a visa for Senegal, will be followed. This could result in detention by immigration authorities.

Don’t leave valuables in unattended vehicles. Take particular care in unlit areas or in places away from the Tourist Development Area.

Corruption is endemic at all levels.

Local travel
Travel in The Gambia is reasonably safe as long as you take sensible precautions to safeguard your personal possessions.

Road travel
You can drive using a UK driving licence for up to 3 months.

Driving standards are bad and roads severely potholed. Driving after dark carries added hazards because of poor road and vehicle lighting. In the event of an accident, emergency medical facilities are very limited. Security checkpoints are common on all major routes in The Gambia. They are not always well sign-posted and you should take care when approaching them.

Rainfall occurs in The Gambia between June-October. Heavy rainfall can create localised flooding. Take care if you’re going up-country or travelling on non-paved roads during this period.

Some local taxis are not roadworthy.

Air travel
A compulsory Airport Development Fee must be paid on exiting the country. The fee is 20 euros, or equivalent in local currency. Visa credit card is accepted, but no others. Passengers in transit and infants under 2 years old are exempt. Check with your travel company whether this fee has been included in your air ticket.

River travel
Take care when using the ferry between Banjul and Barra. It can be very crowded and safety measures are not up to European standards. When using the ferry get out of your vehicle quickly after parking to avoid becoming trapped inside for the duration of the journey. Don’t use the ferry after dark.

Pirogues (wooden dug-out canoes) operate in The Gambia. These can be overloaded and safety measures are not up to European standards. They are not recommended for long journeys and you should make sure they have life jackets.

 

Makes Kabul look like an attractive option.

Banjul. Not my cup of tea. Alright if you're looking for a heap of fake tat, like sunglasses, bags and watches. I know this continent very well. I have a mate that lives in Namibia. It's the only place I'd consider visiting in my own free time. There's a lot of agro in Africa. And I mean a lot.

 

Is Mogadishu still tourist friendly?

 

Kind of.... But make sure you don't venture outside the French Foreign Legion barracks.

 

You lot have been exceptionally helpful on this....

 

Tenerife it is then!

 

Reading between the lines #not recommended then just for clarity bring on the next destination?

 

Don't listen to Elise, AC.

Don't go to Gambia, it is not safe for your or for the Missus.

 

Tenby?

 

Chichester?

 

And only 6 miles away for him - could walk

 

No good for his Mrs I'm afraid .................

 

"Seagulls" tend to cluster around cars, not bikes.

Just sayin'.