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- the bumsters
The Gambia is relatively free from hassle, other than the notorious ‘bumster.’ This is a name given to many of Gambia’s young men that are often unemployed and have discovered that hustling tourists can be as rewarding as a real job.
If one thing can spoil your holiday or extended stay it would be the bumsters, if you allow them to.
Bumsters can be found in any tourist area such as the outside of hotels, on the beaches, and in the markets, unless they have been specifically banned or driven away.
What they generally do is offer sex, drugs, or to be your guide or friend for the length of your stay.
You may hear a story about how hard it is to find work to feed his family, and he will ask you for money. If you are walking about on the beach or in a market, you may have a bumster follow you and act as your guide by telling you things about the area etc. even if you didn’t ask for his 'guidance'.
He may continue to follow you and then expect money for his ‘services’ even if you never asked for them. Therefore, getting rid of the bumster as soon as possible is best.
He may also lie and say "don’t you recognize me? I work at your hotel," hoping that out of embarrassment that you did not recognize him you may offer him some sympathy, or worse, your time and later, your money and anguish.
If you refuse to acknowledge the harassing bumster while he says "excuse me, just one moment," you will hear less pleasant things such as "we are brothers, you and me are the same, don’t you want to talk to a black man?" and it can get much worse after that.
This all in the hopes of making you feel guilty and thus you may again give him your time.
Encountering a bumster is practically unavoidable when coming to The Gambia. Remember that this is a very poor country, and being a visitor usually means to a Gambian that you are wealthy and that you may offer opportunities for them (such as a visa entry into England).
Also, some tourists actually use the services of bumsters, notably the sex services.
The best way to deal with an approaching bumster is to remain calm, friendly but very firm, and just say one of several things while walking away and avoiding eye contact:
"No, I’m in a hurry"
"No thanks"
"Please leave me"
"I did not invite you"
"Abaraka" ("thank you" in Mandinka)
"Jerejef" ("thank you" in Wolof)
"Ba lal ma" ("please forgive me" in Wolof)
"Bai ko ma" ("leave me alone" in Wolof)
Or just say nothing at all.
You may still be asked, "how are you?", "what is your name?", "are you enjoying your holiday?", "are you from (England, Holland, America)?" (Keep in mind that these are common questions asked by any Gambian, not just bumsters, so being rude is not the answer).
When asked "how are you?", just answer "fine, fine" and keep walking and try to ignore the rest of the questions and gestures of hand shaking.
Do not stop to shake hands even though you may hear that you are a racist now as you don’t want to shake a black man’s hand.
Do not let this get to you, rude comments like that are not that common and it is only said to make you feel guilty.
Everyone has a right as to who they want to talk to, shake hands with, and use the services of, or not. It is not racist to avoid contact with a bumster.
If you do give in to the conversation and/or give them money etc. he will only end up hassling you for the rest of your stay.
Another way to get rid of a bumster is if you are walking on the beach and are getting hassled, try walking knee deep in the water, they may decide not to follow you as many Gambians cannot swim nor like the water for that matter.
If you are female and the bumster is not leaving you alone, tell him you are married (even if you are single), and if asked if you are married to a Gambian, say first of all that it is none of his business or say yes and the bumster will likely respect his fellow brother and leave you alone, hopefully.
Unfortunately, many Gambians that are truly just interested in talking to you and nothing else are mistaken for bumsters. Therefore it is important to remain friendly and not allow yourself to be intimidated.
After a few encounters with bumsters you will likely get the idea of how best to recognize and ignore them.
Note: another method of dealing with the issue of bumsters is to hire an official guide. These guides are usually stationed outside of the major hotels and will be wearing official uniforms and badges (ID). For a negotiated price the guide can take you where you want to go and he will make sure that you are not hassled by the "unofficial" guides. Be sure to use the official guides otherwise you may encourage the act of "bumstering" even more...
- embassies, high commissions, and consulates
Below is the contact information for a few of the embassies, the commission, and the consulate. See your local government's website for additional information.
US Embassy
Kairaba Avenue, Kanifing
www.usembassybanjul.gm
British High Commission
48 Atlantic Road, Fajara
www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/thegambia
Canadian Embassy
(Has consular responsibility for The Gambia)
Dakar, Senegal
www.dakar.gc.ca
Netherlands Consulate
Kombo Coastal Road, Kerr Sereign
email: netherlandsconsulate(at)gamtel(dot)gm
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Watch out when several young guys (or anyone really) begin to surround you and 'accidentally' bump into you. This is served as a distraction while another will be going into your pockets or bag. Also, avoid walking alone or even in a small group in the dark or in deserted places.
Sun-related problems
Sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, rashes, and many other problems can arise, many of them very serious, when out in the sun. The Gambia has a lot of sunshine, more than what most visitors are used to, not to mention the higher temperatures.
Therefore common sense and care should be taken by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and good quality sunglasses (damage to the eyes from UV rays is very common here), drinking enough water, and wearing light, clean, and breathable clothing.
Bribery
Although the Government of The Gambia has implemented a zero tolerance for bribery and it may not be as prevalent as in some other countries, it does exist in The Gambia.
As a tourist you will likely not encounter any acts of bribery, though while in a taxi you may witness it, keeping in mind that the driver is responsible for any "fees". Going through borders to Senegal and Mali for example may have bribery occurrences also.
As a toubab, bribery will sometimes occur while driving, especially when you are the driver. Many check-points along the main routes have either a police officer, immigration officer, or military officer asking for various requirements.
If a police officer stops you he or she will ask for a driver's license, vehicle insurance papers, and perhaps a few more items such as a fire extinguisher and reflective emergency triangles. If you cannot produce what the officer is asking for he or she may make you park along side of the road until you either pay the "fine" or produce the missing item(s).
If an immigration officer stops you he or she may ask for your ID such as a passport, Alien ID card, etc. If you do not have any ID this could pose a serious problem.
Military officers are more interested in illegal immigrants and the smuggling of illegal items.
The best way to deal with an on-coming bribe is to remain respectful, friendly and calm, and attempt to chat up the officer in a local language. Conversation and good humour can go a long way in preventing a bribe but sometimes it is just worth paying D10 (enough for some bread and attaya for the officer) to be let go, though this does encourage the behaviour.
Remember also to have all your papers, ID, and other items in order as to not give a reason for a "fine" in the first place.
- prevalent diseases
Though it is unlikely to fall seriously ill while in The Gambia, using common sense and taking the proper precautions with your health are strongly recommended. Precautions such as practicing safe sex, getting vaccinations if applicable, and taken medications needed such as anti-malarials.
The most likely hazards that will occur are stomach problems and sunburn, however, please do read all of the information below and do visit a travel clinic before you begin your travels to The Gambia.
For more information on health you can also visit www.who.int
Note: The information below is for reference only, describing some of the prevalent diseases in The Gambia. Please see a Doctor and visit a travel clinic for professional expertise, and proper care should be taken if any health problems occur. Though vaccinations and treatments are available for some of the diseases below, prevention should be the main priority as not all vaccinations and treatments are a guarantee, especially depending on the severity of each case.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
Adult HIV prevalence in The Gambia was about 2.4% in 2005 (UNAIDS), which is relatively low in comparison to many other African nations. However, serious precautions should nevertheless be taken.
- caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), acquired directly from infected persons, either by sexual contact, exchange of blood or body fluids or from mother to child.
- symptoms are primarily the result of conditions that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. Most of these conditions are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are normally controlled by the elements of the immune system that HIV damages.
- no vaccination and no treatment to cure HIV and AIDS is available. Avoiding exposure to the virus is the only prevention.
Cholera
- acquired by ingesting contaminated drinking water or food, in particular fish and shellfish, raw fruit and vegetables.
- symptoms include diarrhoea which can lead to dehydration and further complications.
- vaccination is available.
- treatment is available via antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and various re-hydration procedures.
Hepatitis A
- acquired from infected persons by the faecal-oral route (germs from the faeces of an infected person contaminate the food and water drunk by another) or by prolonged close contact.
- symptoms include fever, malaise, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice.
- vaccination is available.
- treatment is available via antivirals.
Hepatitis B
- acquired directly from infected persons by unprotected sexual contact, prolonged close contact, the transfer of blood, or sharing needles.
- symptoms include fever, malaise, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice.
- vaccination is available.
- treatment is available via antivirals.
Malaria
Malaria is a common and life-threatening disease in many tropical and subtropical areas, including The Gambia. It is currently endemic in over 100 countries, which are visited by more than 125 million international travellers every year. Fever occurring in a traveller within 1 year of leaving a malaria-endemic area is potentially a medical emergency and should be investigated urgently.
- acquired through the malaria parasite Plasmodium that is transmitted by various species of Anopheles mosquitoes, which bite mainly between sunset and sunrise. There are four types of human malaria: Plasmodium falciparum, P.vivax, P.malariae, and P.ovale. P.falciparum and P.vivax are the most common. P.falciparum is by far the most deadly type of malaria infection.
- symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscular aching and weakness, vomiting, cough, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain and appear 7 to 15 days after a person is infected.
- no vaccination is available, therefore prevention via anti-malarials, also known as prophylaxis (Malarone, doxycycline, and Lariam, for example) sleeping under a mosquito net, and wearing insect repellent are of utmost importance.
- treatment is available by taking certain prescribed anti-malarials.
Do I really need to take anti-malarials, even if I'm staying for only a week? Malaria is very common in The Gambia, any time of year and throughout the country. Some visitors choose not to take any anti-malarials, whether they are here for a short period of time or for an extended period of time, and for a variety of reasons. It is highly recommended to take anti-malarials, however, if you decide not to, be sure to have any flu-like symptoms checked out either in The Gambia or back in your home country (in which case you need to mention to your doctor that you have been in a malaria zone). This should be done for at least a year after your possible exposure to malaria. If you plan on further travel after your visit to The Gambia and you find yourself in rural areas with no medical services nearby then be sure to carry in your first-aid kit malaria treatment (as prescribed and discussed with your doctor).
Why do mosquitoes bite? Only female mosquitoes bite as they require a blood meal to acquire the protein needed to produce eggs. Females lay multiple batches of eggs during their lifespan and a new blood meal is needed to produce each batch.
Why do mosquitoes seem to bite some people, but not others? Mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide that we - and other animals - exhale. They may also be attracted by various odours - perfume, perspiration, lactic acid, detergents - that combine in unique ways to make one victim more attractive than another as a meal. Because dark colours absorb heat and lighter colours tend to reflect heat, mosquitoes also tend to be more attracted to victims dressed in darker clothes.
Why do mosquito bites itch and swell? The itching, swelling, and burning from a mosquito bite are actually caused by the body's auto-immune response to the saliva injected by the mosquito when she feeds. This saliva contains anti-coagulating agents that prevent the victim's blood from clotting as it is sucked into the mosquito's abdomen. A bite may take several days to heal and stop itching. Treat it with Calamine lotion or a topical anti-itch medication.
Why is DEET (a chemical added to insect repellents) effective? DEET blocks insect receptors (notably those which detect carbon dioxide and lactic acid) which are used to locate hosts. DEET "blinds" the insect's senses so the biting/feeding instinct is not triggered by humans or animals which produce these chemicals. Although DEET is an approved chemical, other alternatives are available, though they are not as effective. Alternatives such as the use of various oils like citronella oil and catnip oil are common.
Meningitis
- acquired directly from infected persons by the faecal-oral route or through aerosol transmission (sneezing, coughing) and respiratory droplets from the nose and pharynx of infected persons or healthy carriers.
- many infected people become asymptomatic (no symptoms) carriers of the bacteria and serve as a reservoir and source of infection for others. Meningococcal meningitis has a sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and stiff neck, plus various neurological signs.
- vaccination is available.
- treatment is available via antivirals, antibiotics, and others, depending on the condition.
Rabies
- acquired usually from being bitten by an infected mammal (dogs, cats, and monkeys, for example), though transmission may also occur from being licked or scratched by an infected mammal.
- symptoms progress rapidly from fever, headache, paralysis, bouts of terror and aggression to coma and death.
- vaccination is available.
- treatment is available, however, not once symptoms have started (any time from four days to two years after being exposed).
Typhoid fever
- acquired by ingesting contaminated drinking water or food. Occasionally direct faecal-oral transmission (germs from the faeces of an infected person contaminate the food and water drunk by another) may occur.
- Severe cases are characterized by gradual onset of fever, headache, constipation or diarrhoea, malaise, anorexia and insomnia.
- vaccination is available.
- treatment is available via antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.
Yellow fever
- acquired by the bite of infective Aedes mosquitoes. The mosquitoes bite during daylight hours.
- Although some infections are asymptomatic (no symptoms), most lead to an acute illness characterized by two phases. Initially, there is fever, muscular pain, headache, chills, anorexia, nausea and/or vomiting. About 15% of patients progress to a second phase after a few days, with resurgence of fever, development of jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and haemorrhagic manifestations; half of these patients die 10-14 days after onset of illness.
- vaccination is available.
- no treatment to cure is available.
Back to Guide to Gambia Main Index
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