Travel Guide
On this trip we will visit this small country in West Africa that is surrounded entirely by Senegal with the exception of a small coast strip that coincides with the mouth of the Gambia River that borders the Atlantic Ocean. The country is located on the banks of the Gambia River, which gives its name to the country, and which runs through the center of the river with a mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. The country has 10 300 km² of surface2 and an estimated population of 1.7 million people.
Despite its small extension it is a privileged place for bird lovers. Its great diversity of ecosystems makes it one of the best places for bird watching in all of Africa. The most representative habitats of this country are mangroves, wetlands, rice fields, Savannah, primary forests and the coastal area.
Of its more than 550 species of birds that inhabit this country can be seen on a trip like this about 300 different species. Of the large mammals that populate this continent, only Hippos can be seen. It is also worth mentioning the primates that we can find such as the Green Monkey, Guinea baboon, Red Colobus, Patas Monkey and in three islands of the Gambia River National Park have made a reintroduction of Chimpanzees. Of the reptiles the most prominent are the Nile Crocodile, Nile Monitor and Common Agama.
It is also worth mentioning the character of its people, who despite the tremendous poverty of the country they are always smiling and happy. They are welcoming and very helpful with tourism.
Link to a post of a trip in january 2023 to this same place: The Gambia
Time difference
During the winter months there is a time difference with respect to Spain of 1 hour less.
Weather
Being a tropical area temperature are quite high. There are two distinct seasons, the wet one that runs from May to October and the dries the rest of the months. Average temperatures during January are a maximum of 32ºC and a minimum of 18ºC. The sun rises around 07:30 and sets at 18:30. Since January is within the dry season months, it is not expected to rain.
Recommendations
It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes and some light warm clothes in case it does a little cool in the morning. Although it is the dry season it does not hurt to wear a raincoat.
It is essential to bring insect repellent because although it is the dry season, being in areas near the Gambia River, mosquitoes can be very annoying.
Currency
The currency is the dalasi. At the time of preparing this brochure, the change was 58.71 dalasi / euro. Exchange to local currency can be made in the same International Airport of Banjul on our arrival.
Required documentation
The Government of the Gambia grants visa-free entry for a stay of less than 28 days for tourist reasons (not for travel for work or commercial reasons). In the case of a stay exceeding that maximum period, it must be extended and a visa must be paid as of the time of the extension.
For entry into the country it is necessary to be provided with a passport with an expiration of more than 6 months from the end of the trip.
Difficulty
Low. Trips to the different observation places are made in vehicle and the walks we will do have no difficulty.