1. Visit a local school
The teachers and children of schools welcome visitors, often with demonstrations of their singing and methods of teaching. This is an excellent way to learn about everyday life in The Gambia but be warned, it can be a very emotional and humbling experience. We recommend taking donations of pens, exercise books or footballs with you which you can buy at markets in The Gambia. More »
2. Spend a day on an unspoilt secluded beach
Many of the beaches directly outside the hotels are sandy and uncrowded
but travel just a short distance and you can find some virtually empty, unspoilt
beaches. If you prefer some facilities we suggest a visit to Sanyang in the south
where you’ll find a beach bar, a few sunbeds and hammocks but little else! You
may even be lucky enough to catch some local wrestling matches on Sundays. More »
3. Spot some of the 540 species of bird
You don’t have to be a serious birdwatcher to enjoy the colour and sheer
number of birds in The Gambia - even in the hotel gardens you’ll spot many
different species. However if you are one of the many who want to take
things a little more seriously, we recommend one of the birdwatching tours
led by TV presenter Chris Packham or his guide in The Gambia, Malick Suso. More »
4. Cruise on a catamaran to Sitanunku Lodge
Spend a leisurely couple of hours on board a catamaran travelling across
the impressive River Gambia and through its tributaries to Sitanunku Lodge
on the north bank. En route there’s the chance to spot dolphins who often
play in the wash of the boat or just lay back and enjoy the sunshine. And on
arrival at Sitanunku there’s the opportunity to venture out in a kayak, cool off
in the plunge pool and enjoy lunch al fresco beside the river. More »
5. Support the local industry
Head to any of the local craft markets for the chance to try your hand at
bartering and pick up some souvenirs. Bakau craft market is one of the best
places for woodcarvings and the tie-dye factory in Serrekunda is also worth
visiting to see how the fabrics are made. More »
6. Home cooking course with Ida
Experience a day in the life of a Gambian on this fascinating home cookery
course. Ida will escort you to the local market to take in the hustle and bustle
of shopping for ingredients before returning to her home to prepare and eat
a traditional Gambian dish. More »
7. Watch local fishermen bring in their catch
The fishing markets at Tanji and Bakau are full of colour, sounds and smells
as the men bring in the catch and the women and children help to unload
and prepare the fi sh. A great way to experience local fl avour and get some
colourful photographs (just don’t forget to ask permission fi rst). More »
8. Get up close with a crocodile
Kachikally crocodile pool in Bakau is one of the most famous tourist spots in
The Gambia and has been attracting visitors for years. The pool has around
100 crocodiles including the most well-known, Charlie who is an impressive
two-metres long. You can get some great photographs of the crocs basking
in the sun, and learn more about traditional beliefs that the pool has special
fertility and healing powers. If you prefer to keep your distance, enjoy lunch
or a drink at Calypso bar in Cape Point which overlooks a natural sea lake
where you might also spot a crocodile. More »
9. Watch a local football match
Gambians love football and you’ll see international football shirts and locals
asking you which team you support. If you get the chance to attend a local
match it’s a great way of experiencing the passion for the sport – it can be
very noisy though with cheering, singing and drumming. More »
10. Pamper yourself at Coco Ocean’s world-class spa
The boutique hotel has a 1800m2 spa facility with thalasso pool, small gym,
Finnish sauna, Moroccan Hammam and full range of beauty treatments.
More »
