The Gambia Top Ten Attractions
Here are The Gambia's top ten attractions and activities not to be missed (in no particular order):
1. River Gambia boat trip excursions.
Any cruise, be it a several day one all the way upcountry to Janjanbureh or a simple afternoon fishing one, the River Gambia and its countless tributaries are a peaceful and relaxing way to enjoy The Gambia's natural and cultural environment. Find a cruise that's right for you at Denton Bridge, just before entering Banjul.
2. Abuko Nature Reserve.
This is an easily accessible protected area to view much of The Gambia's wildlife all in one day. Located in Lamin, a 30min or less taxi ride from the coastal resort areas, you'll likely see some of the the usual suspects - the vervet monkeys, monitor lizards, and red-billed hornbills, and perhaps also the more secretive bushbuck deer and crocodiles. Prepare to walk under a partly shaded canopy for a few hours and there's a small snack shack at the half-way point of the sandy trail. Some baboons, hyenas, and parrots are housed in cages here as well.
3. Serrekunda Market.
This is the biggest, liveliest, and sensory-overloaded market in The Gambia's largest village just minutes outside of the coastal resort areas. You could spend days meandering through the rows of makeshift stalls selling everything from strong-smelling and unusual types of fish, made-on-the-spot peanut paste (for domoda), and freshly ground baobab fruit, to animist juju trinkets, shoes in all colours, and many articles of clothing both new and used. Watch for pickpocketers and know how to bargain.
4. Katchikally Crocodile Pool.
Where else in the world can you pet a fully grown adult crocodile and have your photo taken as proof? This "pool" is tucked away in the midst of Bakau's slum so bring some Dalasi and buy a few things from the local sellers.
5. Gambian Reptiles Farm.
Situated between Gunjur and Kartong is this little informative animal haven of local, rescued animals including bushbucks, crocodiles, snakes, bush rats, and insects. Learn about Gambian wildlife and conservation here while getting a chance to hold a few of the specimens including a live African python! This is well worth the trip down the coastal road.
6. Road trip excursions.
If time permits, any road trips upcountry are a great way to experience the "real" Africa. Authentic mud-hut villages, ghostly baobab groves, and nightly encounters with bush pigs all await you, whether you follow the north bank road or the south bank road. Be prepared for pot-holed roads, lots of check-points, and simple accommodations with little or no electricity or running water.
7. Djembe lessons in a Gambian compound.
Spend some time with the locals. Get invited to their home, share a meal with the family, and learn to play the goat-skin-covered wooden drum to the exotic rhythms of mbalax. Make sure to pay your way but don't get taken advantage of - know who's compound you are going to and be sure that they are trustworthy.
8. Makasutu Cultural Forest.
Ancient tribal conflicts occurred in the sacred forests of Makasutu just outside of Brikama. Enjoy an evening of local dance, drumming, and singing here, explore the mangrove forests on guided pirogue tours, learn about traditional herbal medicine, or take a cooking and pottery class. Although this is a private eco-resort, you don't have to be staying at the Mandina Lodges in order to be part of the full or half-day tours.
9. Tanji fishing village.
Watching the fresh catch of the day being hauled to shore in large plastic buckets balanced perfectly on the heads of the local women, hearing the sounds of life amongst the sellers, buyers, and the seagulls, and choosing the seafood you want for dinner that night is what the small village of Tanji can offer. Bring lots of Dalasi (the fish is not as cheap as you think), a cooler/icebox, and good bargaining skills.
10. Relaxing by the beach or pool.
Spend a day just being idle, either laying on the beach or beside a pool. The Gambia has plenty of both. Bring a favourite book or magazine, order a fresh juice or fruit plate from the juice lady (expect her to remember your name and hassle you if she sees you again), and enjoy the warmth of the ever-present sun. Be sure to be under an umbrella, wear lots of sunblock, and drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic ones too!).
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