Be a Good Tourist
Though The Gambia is not a new destination for tourists looking for a getaway, the industry is still in its developing stages. Therefore it is important to follow the tips below to ensure minimal cultural and environmental disruption and damage.
Responsible tourism is about minimising your impact and maximising your connection with people and the environment. In addition, as The Gambia is a poor, developing nation, supporting the local people directly is of course recommended.
Notes: The Gambia had implemented a No Smoking law in all public places in 2009, though currently it seems not to be effective. In addition, a No Littering and No Bribery law have been in effect since 2008.
Do your research. The more you know about The Gambia and its people before you arrive here, the better your stay will be.
Consider flight-only purchases or package deals with flight and hotel only, rather than an all-inclusive package. This way you can choose your own accommodations and/or restaurants, ensuring more money will go to local businesses (tour companies that offer package deals take an enormous cut), all the while saving yourself some money too.
Come during the off-season. This will help alleviate the issues due to the lack of tourists during the months of May to September such as unemployment for the tourist industry workers. During the off-season prices tend to be cheaper and you may find that you have the entire beach to yourself.
Go upcountry. The Kombos area sees most of the tourists while the rural communities are in most need of them financially.
Respect local culture and customs. Understand the history and culture of The Gambia, learn some phrases in the local languages, and dress appropriately in this Muslim nation.
Visit the local parks such as the Bijilo Forest Park, Abuko Nature Reserve, the Gambian Reptiles Farm, and other nature parks.The fees you pay (which are very reasonable) will contribute to the preservation, research, and upkeep of the local flora and fauna. Remember not to feed the animals, no matter how tempting it seems (locals will even provide the food for you but they shouldn't be).
Don't purchase items made from endangered species. Not only is it illegal to bring such items as skins, ivory, certain wooden products, coral, turtle shells, and bone home, but you can help stop illegal poaching by not adding to the demand.
Expect to pay different prices than local residents for services and items such as taxi fares and attraction fees. As a tourist you do have more wealth in relative terms.
Though litter is seen all over, do not participate in the act of littering yourself. As of June 2007, the Government of The Gambia has implemented a zero tolerance for littering and fines will be imposed on those that do.
Minimize your electricity consumption. There's no need to leave the fan/air-conditioner or lights on while you are out of your room for example. The same goes for your water consumption.
Don't encourage driving on the beaches. This greatly damages natural habitats for many species, especially the turtles who come to the beach to lay their eggs.
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