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The Republic of Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then.
Official Name : Republic of The Gambia
Banjul
1,641,564
English (official), and others
Dalasi
Muslim, Christian, others
10,000 sq km (3,861 sq miles
220
The Gambia is generally recognized as perhaps the most pleasant in West Africa. There is sub-tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season is from November to May with the Harmattan wind keeping the humidity low. The rainy season is from June to October with high humidity and average temperatures around 26-32C. Temperatures are mildest along the coastline and the amount and duration of rainfall lessens inland. Rainfall in most parts of the country does not exceed 40 inches and sunny periods occur on most days even in the rainy season.
James Island and Related Sites present a testimony to the main periods and facets of the encounter between Africa and Europe along the River Gambia, a continuum stretching from pre-colonial and pre-slavery times to independence. The site is particularly significant for its relation to the beginning of the slave trade and its abolition. It also documents early access to the interior of Africa.
Thsi site consisting of four large groups of stone circles represent an extraordinary concentration of over 1,000 monuments in a band 100 km wide along some 350 km of the River Gambia. The four groups, Sine Ngayène, Wanar, Wassu and Kerbatch, cover 93 stone circles and numerous tumuli, burial mounds, some of which have been excavated to reveal material that suggest dates between 3rd century BC and 16th century AD. Together the stone circles of laterite pillars and their associated burial mounds present a vast sacred landscape created over more than 1,500 years. It reflects a prosperous, highly organized and lasting society.
Though the Gambia is small it offers a wide variety of sites offering tourist excursions & attractions. There are numerous land-based tours, mixed excursions & river trips.
Starting from the coastal holiday resorts of Kombo North you can begin with the various tourist attractions of Banjul the Capital where you find national Museum on Independence Drive, the bustling & lively Albert Market, the huge arch at the entrance to the capital or marvel at some of the colonial architecture. A few kilometers away from Banjul towards the coastal areas you get to the major vacation locations of Bakau, Cape Point, Fajara, Kololi, along the Senegambia strip & Kotu where you can enjoy local attractions of endless beaches & almost refreshing sunshine & other leisure activities such as watersports, quadbiking, golf and tennis. These areas are where most tourist choose to spend their time with its numerous restaurants, bars, shops & local night clubs At Bakau there is the Craft Market, Katchikally Crocodile Pool (whose crocs are said to be so tame and tourist can touch them) further inland you find Serrekunda town with its dazzling & hectic market, There is also the Bijilo Forest Park which is within easy walking distance from the Kairaba or Senegambia hotels.
The destinations of Brufut Heights and Brufut Gardens are becoming an increasingly important resort destinations after the opening of the Sheraton beach hotel and the development of the local area's facilities. For the more adventurous you can take a one-day or half-day excursion further down the coast of the Tanji Village Museum & Bird Reserve where you can hire a boat and take an expedition among the mangroves with amazing scenery. You can also go for camel safaris at Tanji which is located just after the bridge on the left. At Kartong you can visit the Lemonfish Art Gallery which display works from local Gambian artist. Micro-light flight are also available that offer visitors stunning views of the creeks and other natural tourist attractions. Birdwatching is possible even within the tropical gardens of the major hotels and many actively encourage birds to breed on their hotel complexes.
The Gambia has much wildlife & bird reserves such as Tanji and Abuko Nature Reserve which is a 20 minutes drive from most hotels. Abuko forest is also home to lions, hyenas & various species of monkeys. There are numerous safari camps located up-country and most are to be found on the river banks offering reasonably descent accommodation. For the even more adventurous you can visit the Tanbi Wetland Reserve which is located south of the capital. It is a large expanse of creeks & mangrove swamps with plenty of opportunities for cruising, bird watching fishing. Fishing excursion opportunities are endless. You can choose sea or creek fishing as well as the river itself where you can hire a boat from numerous tour operators located at Denton Bridge. Some of the Gambia's most ancient monuments are located inland near Wassu, where circles of stones mark 1,200-year-old burial grounds. Way up river you will get to the Baboon Island which forms part of the River Gambia National Park. On the north bank which you can reach by ferry from Banjul there you can visit Fort Bullen at Barra Point and Jinack Island which is part of the Niumi National Park where you can do dolphin watching. On the river bank itself further inland try out the 'Find Your Roots Excursion' which is a one day pilgrimage to the village of Juffure made famous by Alex Haley's book 'Roots'. Nearby there is the slavery museum at Albreda. Not far from the shore the ruins of Fort James Island.
There are quite a number of festivals that take place each year in The Gambia and most are based around annual Islamic festivals. Yet there are also a number of local and traditional religious festivals that are worth observing if you can. Whilst some of the Muslim festivals, such as Ramadan, can be ascetic affairs the local festivals such as naming ceremonies and weddings are a riot of colour, dancing and music. So keep your ears open and if you can get along to see one of these they are well worth a visit.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which, from the breaking of dawn to the setting of the sun, all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing and any kind of tobacco use. The fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and learning to thank and appreciate all of God's bounties.
Koriteh is a public holiday and marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims all over the world start their day with morning prayers after which they come together with family and friends to enjoy the feast and celebrations.
Sacrifice’ and it is a national holiday that takes place 2 months and 10 days after the end of Ramadam to commemorate the story of Abraham. According to the Qur'an, Allah asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son and although Abraham was deeply troubled by Allah's request, he agreed as a sign of his obedience. Just before Abraham began the sacrifice, Allah told him to offer a sheep instead.
This normally takes place one week after the child is born. The elders of the village gather together in the morning and name the baby whilst slaying a chicken, goat, sheep or cow depending on the wealth of the family. Then all the villagers friends and family are invited to join the celebration which lasts throughout the day and into the night.
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