The Gambia AKA The Smiling Coast is a small West African country sharing a border with Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. This tiny country has BIG surprises in store for visitors!
So what can you expect to see in the Gambia? Exotic beaches, history, culture, wildlife, and beautiful national parks like the Kiang West National Park & the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve. The best thing about this country though is the people! They are warm, friendly, and welcoming. Although they may not have much in terms of material things, they are happy people eager to help as well as educate about their homeland.

This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love.

8 Things You Must Know Before Traveling To

The Smallest Yet Charming Country In Africa ~

The Gambia!

*** Before you go on your trip please make sure you take out the right travel insurance.

Especially as COVID-19 is still very much a thing, you need to make sure you are covered for any corona-related scenarios such as flight cancelations, quarantine at your destination or God forbid getting infected.

PRO TIP! Make sure you have coverage for the activities or extreme sports you are planning to do during your trip.
World Nomads is my go-to insurer. You can read about my reasons in-depth on my travel insurance page.

• Do not drink water from the tap! Make sure you always have bottled water with you and plenty of it, it's important to stay hydrated in this climate. 

• Don’t forget the sunscreen!

• When we traveled through The Gambia, we noticed that the children though growing up poor, do not roam the streets begging for money as seen in many other poor countries. School, education, and sports are very important here and the community, as well as the government, are doing their best to encourage children to go to school in spite of the obstacles they face and do sports activities instead of being on the streets.

  The children will ask tourists for pens and sometimes other school supplies, footballs, and sweets. If you want to help and give back to these wonderful people bring these items with you and spread the love when on the go.

• The Gambians have a different take on the concept of time. When certain times are given, it's taken as a recommendation, there's no rush to get things done so expect people like a local guide, for example, to arrive later than agreed.

• Show respect! These are very proud people please keep that in mind, especially when meeting and interacting with older people.

Hotel Tip - Senegambia Hotel

It was a wonderful experience! This hotel ticked all the boxes: Location, facilities, entertainment, food, and again, the location!

• When you check what vaccinations, you need for your trip I highly recommend you also check the vaccinations needed for neighboring Senegal. It was a wonderful experience crossing over to Senegal for a one-day safari.

  Their vaccine requirements, however, differ from the Gambia, when arriving at the border crossing, you will have to show that you have complied with both countries' requirements. It was a beautiful day trip, I say GO!

• Different tribes make up the human fabric in this country and they have their own set of customs, traditions, and foods. Take the opportunity to get acquainted with them and make sure to have a taste!

• The number one item to pack is DEET! In the Gambia, you'll find several mosquito types, including the Malaria mosquitos, and though most active during the rainy season, they are still present during the dry season. The anti-mosquito spray deet is your friend, and you'll need plenty of it, especially when visiting nature reserves or out at night. 

• The (cheeky) Green Vervet monkeys like to hang out with the guests on hotel grounds. Make sure that your bags are always closed when going into the pool or down to the beach otherwise, you might get a rummage through by a monkey!

The Gambia is a wonderful country with fascinating people, history, and culture~Enjoy!

Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social media for the latest travel updates, tips, and guides ~@mytrendytrail

Yours,

Diti