Gambia Travel Info
We’ve put together a definitive online guide to provide you with all the information you will need to prepare for your holiday to The Gambia.
Here you will find information to help you prepare for your visit, plan your journey to the airport, flight details for the journey to Banjul, and what to expect during your stay in The Gambia.
Further Travel Information
When you book with us we will also send you a guide in the post together with your booking details.
Know Before You Go
Essential information and handy tips to help you prepare for your holiday including getting around, communication, special needs, currency and medical requirements in addition to other useful information about travelling to The Gambia.
Travel Extras
Find out about extra services available to help your holiday get off to the best start including airport hotels and parking, holiday insurance, flight upgrades and Gambian airport transfers.
Flight Information
View schedules and information for the five UK airports we fly from, airport security procedures, how to upgrade your flight, and information on what to expect when arriving at Banjul Airport.
If you have any questions that are not covered here, please refer to our FAQs page or contact our reservations team who will be happy to help 0845 330 2060.
Flight Information
Friday and Tuesday charter flights are available from Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, East Midlands and Glasgow (Tuesdays only).
The Gambia Experience offers the widest choice of year round flights to Gambia, from five UK airports in winter and from London Gatwick in the summer.
Know Before You Go
All you need to know before travelling to The Gambia.
To help you prepare for your holiday we have put together some important information and handy tips on what to expect when you arrive in The Gambia including information on our resort team, health, currency and essential information regarding communication so that you are easily able to stay in touch with your family and friends during your stay.
We hope you find this information useful.
www.fco.gov.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
We've put together a list of answers to questions we are often asked by our customers before travelling to The Gambia. We hope you find these helpful.
If you have any other questions that are not covered here, please contact our reservations team on 0845 330 2060 or email your question to us: holidays@gambia.co.uk
Q: I need extra baggage allowance, can you arrange that?
Generally speaking the cost is £7-£10 per extra kilo, however, this is subject to change and baggage is not guaranteed to be checked in.
We have a limited amount of excess baggage, which we can allocate, however, this is only given for the benefit of a registered charity.
If travelling on economy from London Gatwick, upgrading to Premium/Star class (subject to availability) would benefit you with a larger baggage allowance.
Q: Do I need to show my yellow fever inoculation certification to enter the country and will I be refused entry if I haven’t even had the inoculation?
Some GP’s suggest that you will need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration and will be refused entry if you don’t show it and will also be refused if you haven’t had the inoculation. If travelling to Gambia from the EU you are not required to show your certificate as proof. You will not be refused entry to The Gambia if you haven’t had the inoculation on this basis alone. However, we do strongly suggest you consult your doctor, obtaining professional advice before booking.
For up-to-date advice visit the World Health Organisation at www.who.int/ith and the Department of Health leaflet (Ref T6) “Health Advice to Travellers” is available free from your GP, travel agent or by phoning FREE on 0800 555777.
Q: Can I stay on ‘All Inclusive’ board basis in The Gambia?
Generally speaking The Gambia doesn’t offer an ‘All Inclusive’ board basis at hotels, due to the affordability of meals & drinks in local restaurants/shops and also due to the accessibility of restaurants in the surrounding areas immediately outside the hotels.
The Gambia Experience also encourage clients to support the local economy as part of our commitment to Responsible Tourism so that future generations can continue to enjoy residing in and visit the country.
Q: When do I have to check-in for the flight?
Charter Flights
For Gatwick flights, please make sure you check in at least 2 hours before your flight. (Premium Class passengers have their own dedicated desk and can check in 90 minutes before the flight). For Bristol, Manchester & East Midlands the check in time is 90 minutes before departure.
Scheduled Flights
Please make sure you check in at least 2 hours before your flight. (Star Class passengers have their own dedicated desk and can check in 60 minutes before the flight).
Q: What happens if there is a delay?
Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all concerned, flights are delayed for reasons beyond our personal control. In the event that such a delay occurs, we will always do our best to provide a snack or meal when appropriate and in the case of an overnight delay, suitable accommodation. Should there be an extended delay to your homeward flight we will endeavour to delay your departure from your holiday accommodation.
Q: Who do I tell about special requests?
If you have any special requests for your holiday accommodation or flights, please ensure they are requested at the time of booking. We shall be pleased to pass on your request to the airline or hotel, however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.
Q: What is the Barra Ferry?
A ferry service between Banjul and the North Bank. The service doesn't always run to schedule and can be subject to change without notice leaving people stranded on the North Bank. The ferry carries both vehicles and foot passengers, and can get very crowded and is not a very comfortable journey but great for the adventurous looking for real local atmosphere.
Q: How do I voice my feedback on my holiday?
To assist us to improve our service and ensure standards are maintained, we will be most grateful if you would take the time to complete our questionnaire in resort and return it to our resort staff prior to your departure. We will also donate £10 to the Gambia Experience Schools Project for every 100 questionnaires received.
Q: When will I receive my tickets?
These can be expected 2 weeks prior to your date of travel together with: accommodation voucher, luggage labels, details of UK airport parking, hotels, our information booklets "Things to Know Before You Go" and a "Gambia Guide" which we hope you will find useful.
Your actual flight timings will be those shown on your tickets, please check them carefully as soon as you receive them.
Q: What type of clothing should I wear?
Generally take clothes that are comfortable and loose fitting, preferably cotton; we also recommend a hat as protection against the strong midday sun. Although dress is not formal, in the evenings most hotels and restaurants require gentlemen to wear shirts and long trousers.
Q: What about travel insurance?
Holiday insurance is a must. We feel it is so important that we insist you either take our special holiday insurance or arrange a policy yourself at the time of booking which must provide cover equal to our own standard policy.
Q: Is there poverty?
The standard of living in The Gambia is obviously much lower than ours as it is a developing country, so poverty and begging are common. Having said this, most Gambians are extremely hospitable and it is not uncommon for locals to invite tourists to their homes.
Q: What are the beaches like?
The coastline of The Gambia does suffer from erosion. The beaches were replenished at the end of 2003 and although some have since suffered again there are still wide sandy beaches at Kololi, Kotu, Bijilo and Cape Point.
Q: What about insects?
These are an unpleasant fact of life, especially in hot climates. The hotels we feature take what steps they can but total eradication is not possible.
Q: Can I go scuba diving?
The Gambia is not suitable for diving. The Atlantic Ocean does not give The Gambia crystal clear waters. Depending on the time of year the surf can be high and there may be strong undercurrents in places.
Q: Can I go on safari?
The Gambia has no migrating wildebeest, giraffes or any of the large animals commonly associated with Africa. However without leaving your hotel you can see a breathtaking variety of bird life, in addition to monkeys and lizards. Baboons and crocodiles can be seen nearby and then far up the river, hippos.
Q: Are mosquitoes a major problem?
Mosquitoes are most active around late afternoon and through the evening. We strongly recommend the use of a good insect repellent to prevent being bitten, in conjunction with anti-malarial tablets as prescribed by your doctor.
Q: Is the Gambia safe? I've heard stories of hassling.
Gambians are friendly and hospitable people. Crime against tourists is low. Some Gambians have chosen to make their living outside the hotels and on the beach selling excursions, handicrafts and fruit or offering to show tourists around the local area. However, not all tourists appreciate the attention of these boys who can sometimes be persistent to the point of being a nuisance but not alarming or threatening.
Q: Will my room be exactly the same as the one in the brochure photograph?
The interior photograph is selected as being typical of that hotel, however your room may differ in decor and/or layout.
Q: Is there a problem with electricity?
There can be occasional problems with electricity, however most hotels have their own back up generator. Slight disruption in supply can effect the efficiency of air-conditioning and supply of hot water during periods of high demand.
Q: How easy is it to get around in The Gambia?
It must be stressed that good road surfaces, traffic and direction signs are still not too common, however the road quality on the main highways has improved over the past several years. There is no rail service but you will find taxis readily available outside your hotel.
Taxis can be hired for a specific journey or for a half or full day, in both cases it is best to agree the price in advance; there is a price board together with a taxi supervisor to help. The taxi waiting time is charged at approximately £1.00 per hour. Bush taxis are available which are often very crowded but offer a very economical way of travelling and a way of absorbing part of the local flavour.
Car hire is also available for the more independent, although rather expensive and definitely not recommended. Please contact our Resort Office for details. Another method of transport gaining popularity is the bicycle, which allows you to explore the area around the hotel at a leisurely pace, but be sure to remember that they drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Q: Do you need inoculations to visit The Gambia?
Although inoculations are not compulsory for entry, we strongly suggest you consult your doctor before booking who will recommend certain medication, including anti-malarial tablets as a precaution. Children and pregnant women may require special vaccination procedures. We would advise that you take medicines to treat dehydration, small ailments, stomach upsets, insect bites and cuts, along with mosquito repellent and sun tan creams, as such items are expensive and not always available in The Gambia.
A practice which should be avoided in any hot climate is drinking very cold drinks straight after coming out of the hot sun as this can cause stomach upsets. Bottled water can be bought in most hotels and supermarkets at a reasonable price. A Department of Health leaflet (Ref T6) "Health Advice to Travellers" is available free from your GP, Travel Agent or by phoning FREE on 0800 555777.
Q: Are there many restaurants in The Gambia?
A noticeable change over the last few years has been the increase in the number of restaurants offering quality dining for excellent value and The Gambia is gaining an international reputation with more quality chefs from around the world now living and working in the country. There is a wide variety of restaurants in The Gambia ranging from casual beach bars to formal gourmet dining, serving a range of cuisine from Italian to Lebanese. Prices vary but are not expensive, with a good 3 course evening meal in a top quality restaurant costing on average about £20 per person excluding drinks and service - fine dining in The Gambia costs less than the equivalent in the UK and a simple meal and beer can cost under £10 per person.
The dress code in most restaurants is casual, but in the evening gentlemen are usually required to wear long trousers. Depending on your hotel, some of the restaurants may be a taxi ride away but these can be pre-booked with waiting time until you are ready to return to your hotel.
Of particular note is the abundance of freshly caught seafood including lady fish, barracuda, snapper, butter fish, lobster and huge Atlantic prawns. Vegetarians are increasingly catered for; many hotels and restaurants will offer a vegetarian dish and some will accommodate with dishes made to order. Click here for our restaurant guide.
Q: What is the weather like?
Located midway between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, The Gambia enjoys virtually uninterrupted sunshine and high daytime temperatures with almost no rainfall from November to June. On the coast, The Gambia experiences only small fluctuations in temperature from winter to summer; however from July to October the humidity level is high as the tropical sun will be punctuated by short but spectacular showers. Although the months of heaviest rainfall are August and September, we have found that most rain occurs at night and has not detracted from our clients' enjoyment of their holiday. Nevertheless, a lightweight rain mac or umbrella may prove useful in these months. Between January and April, evenings and early mornings can be cooler than people expect. For those planning to travel inland away from the coast and the benefit of the sea breezes, it is important to note that temperatures during the summer can reach 42°C.
Q: What language do they speak in The Gambia?
Whilst the various tribal languages are used by the Gambians to converse between themselves, the official language and language of instruction in most schools is English (The Gambia is a former British Colony).
Q: Is there any time difference between here and The Gambia?
The Gambia is on GMT. During British Summer Time The Gambia is an hour behind us here in the UK.
Q: What is the currency in The Gambia and what travellers cheques should I take?
The Gambia's currency is the Dalasi, with £1 Sterling buying around 43 Dalasi in March 2008. As with all currencies, the Dalasi rate to the Pound can fluctuate. Dalasi are available in the UK but you will get a better exchange rate in The Gambia. Currency can easily be obtained at your hotel, bank or bureau de change and there are a few ATM's where cash can be obtained from a VISA card. The largest note that is available is the 100D and the smallest is 5D - it is always worth trying to keep your smaller denominations as many stall traders will not have enough small notes for change if you pay with a larger note. Although some restaurants and hotels in The Gambia do accept credit cards, it is not wise to rely on them. Debit cards are still more restricted; Solo and Switch cards are not accepted.
We advise that you don't take Amex Travellers Cheques as you will get charged when exchanging them. All other Travellers Cheques (i.e. Visa, Natwest) should not incur any charge.
Q: Is one week long enough for such a long journey?
Yes. With only 6 hours flying time from the UK and no jet lag you can be relaxing by the pool by late afternoon, sipping a cocktail and watching the sun set. In fact long weekends, flying out on a Friday and returning on the Tuesday are becoming more popular for a quick 4 day break relaxing in the sun.
Q: Do you need a visa to visit The Gambia?
For British passport holders visas are not required for entry into The Gambia. Other passport holders should contact the Gambia High Commission for visa requirements. A full British 10 year passport valid for at least 3 months after your date of arrival back in the UK is required.
Gambia Holidays
Under 6 hours from London and with no time difference, The Gambia is an English speaking former British colony and an exciting destination all year round.
The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa, situated on the unspoilt west coast on approximately the same latitude as Barbados. Mostly flat, the country is dominated by the majestic River Gambia from which it takes its name. A sub-tropical climate, fascinating culture, magnificent wide sandy beaches and some of the friendliest people on earth add up to a great holiday destination. The Gambia is not for everyone, as the pace of life is unhurried, but many people get hooked, returning year after year.
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