GAMBIA - SMILING NATION OF AFRICA
Gambia is the smallest country of Africa located on the Western side of the continent. The country is the most favorable and affordable tourist winter destination attracting tourists from all over the world for fun, sun, sea and sand. The rich culture of Gambia along with its optimum distance from Europe makes it unique over many other destinations. Gambia became independent from United Kingdom in 1965 and joined the Commonwealth. Gambia is relatively a more stable country than its other African nations after gaining independence from Britain though one third of the population is still below international poverty line.
HISTORY AND CLIMATE
The first written accounts of Gambia’s existence were provided by Arab traders in 9th and 10th centuries. By 11th and 12th century, many other rulers such as Takrur and from Ancient Ghana converted most of the population to Islam. Portuguese entered the country by sea and dominated trade later in the 15th century. Gradually, the British began trade with Gambia and during the 17th and 18th century, France and Britain continually struggled to gain political and commercial supremacy over the Gambia River. Slave trade was at its peak during those days and as many as 3 million slaves were taken to Europe, West Indies and North America. During the Second World War, the Gambian military was sent to Burma to fight with the Allies. After the World War, Gambia soon became the republic which made Gambia the first and the last British colony in West Africa.
Gambia has tropical climate being close to the equator. The weather is hot and rainy from June till November. Rest of the year has cool temperature with a dry season. Gambia borders the Atlantic Ocean possessing 80 Kilometers of coastline.
ECONOMY
Gambia like all other developing countries is an agriculturally rich country accounting for about 30% of GDP and employing 70% of the labour force. Fishing, forestry and peanut production form the basis of traditional subsistence agriculture. Industry is primary agriculture based like bakery and peanut processing contributing 8% to the GDP. Gambia thus has a liberal market based economy having fluctuating exchange rates, peanut export and a major tourism industry.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Gambia being a very secular country has range of ethnic groups all living together peacefully and possessing their own language and culture. Mandinka is the largest tribe followed by the Jola, Wolof, Fula and Serahule. The non resident Africans living include Europeans and Lebanese. More than 60% of the population still lives in rural villages emphasising on their traditional values and code. Though Islam is the dominant religion but the people are allowed to practice any religion of their choice as the government has not established a state religion. More than 90% of the population is Muslim adhering to Sunni laws. 8% of the population consists of Christians and the remaining 2% follow indigenous beliefs and some are atheists.
The culture of Gambia is a product of diverse influences of different ethnic groups residing here. Gambians are renowned for their superb music and dancing. The Gambian history was popularized in the Alex Haley book and TV series Roots describing the profitable sites for slave trade and how it came to a halt later in 19th century. The government provides free and compulsory primary education to all students in Gambia though the lack of resources has made the implementation difficult.
ATTRACTIONS
Even though Gambia is a small country in Africa, its mighty coastline with exotic beach resorts and bustling fishing villages lures tourists to trace this minute country on the map of Africa. There are numerous sites for land based tours, water excursions and other tourist attractions.
• Serrekunda
Serrekunda is the largest town of Gambia consisting of 9 villages. This town is a must visit for visitors who want to experience culturally vibrant urban life of Africa. It is famous for its hectic bustling market and Sayer Jobe Avenue having local shops, craft sellers and street peddlers from all over West Africa and Arab countries. Tourists can also enjoy wrestling, the national sport of this region contests taking place on weekends. There is also a Batik and Craft Factory and Paper Recycling Project located in the village where the tourists can see the traditional skills of manufacturing. The local Gambian talent can be seen at the French Cultural Centre where theatre and live music, café and a music recording studio is found.
• Abuko Nature Reserve
Gambia’s first and oldest nature reserve offers an amazing richness of flora and fauna of Gambia and is home to a number of native birds of Africa. It is located near the capital Banjul so is an easily accessible wildlife reserve for tourists making it a great tourist attraction. It is also the closest tropical rainforest to Europe. Many animals like lions, hyenas, crocodiles are found here but it is particularly distinguished for its monkey and bird population. There is a vast variety of flora available with the labelled trees for people who do not know much about flora. The visitors can trek through the natural trail which leads to thick, dense forests giving a glimpse of butterflies, brightly coloured beetles and the ground squirrels. There is refreshment kiosk on the way and the exit route if they get tired of walking.
• Tanje
The Tanje is a small fishing village located around 11 kilometres south off the Atlantic coast containing the village museum along with the Tanje Karinti Bird Reserve. The village is famous for its bonga fish smoking houses and the great opportunities of bird watching of more than 300 species in the reserve. It is also close to the Bijol Islands where aquatic wildlife such as minke whales, dolphins, turtles and monk seals are found though a special permission is required to land on this protected area. Tanje village museum is an exclusive place presenting the blend of natural history and traditional culture of Gambia in a very fascinating and accessible way for visitors. The museum is more like an African village containing mud huts with thatched roofs adorned with traditional artefacts and furniture. It is often called a ‘Living Museum’ where the visitors can interact with the craftsmen at work and enjoy the live music and dancing shows.
BANJUL
Banjul the capital city of Gambia is surprisingly one of the smallest cities of Africa situated on St. Mary’s Island. The inscrutable heart of Banjul is the colourful Albert Market known for its energetic, chaotic and diverse nature and a must visit for all tourists. It is a great place for tourists to stroll and shop for local crafts, silver jewelery clothes, batiks, fruits, vegetables and other household goods but they must remember to bargain the original prices. Other places worth visiting are the War Memorial and Fountain, MacCarthy Square, National Museum and the African Heritage Centre selling traditional objects of local art from all over Gambia. Arch 22 is the tallest building of Gambia open to all public to admire the splendid view of the city from the top.
The adventure lovers can visit the West Kiang National Park, Gambia’s largest National Park and a home to 300 species of birds. There is a diverse population of mammals, reptiles and fish found in this massive park. Bijilo Forest Park and River Gambia National Park also known as Baboon Island are other national parks to visit to see a variety of flora and fauna for nature lovers.
The tourists can also take a ride in the local pirogues which are skinny wooden boats with a motor on the tranquil motorways of Oyster Creek, a notable destination for bird watchers.
TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION
There is an international airport in Banjul which the country’s only airport thus catering to all international flights. Taxi service is available to pick up and drop from the airport to the hotels. The ferry service in the Gambia River from Banjul to Barra is also available and is most economical lifeline for the people. There are also Mercedes buses and minibuses to places in Senegal and upcountry towns.
Gambia offers a range of restaurants serving all cuisines like British, African, and Lebanese and even has some wonderful takeaway joints. For staying, the beach resorts are considered the best option providing all indoor facilities like in room telephone, TV, internet, swimming pools along with air conditioned comfortable rooms. Some of the famous tourist resorts are Kotu, Bijilo, Koloi and sunset beach hotel. There are also lodges with camping facilities and guest houses available for backpackers. Gambia is one of the few countries providing eco friendly accommodation where all establishments are made environmentally friendly like use of solar energy, recycling etc.
Gambia has innumerable attractions, outdoor activities, and sight seeing tours, adventure excursions and many more that a tourist will never be in shortage of. Gambia’s vibrant culture and the exotic Atlantic Coast Resorts tempt the tourists along with the sun and surf. It is an ideal destination for bird lovers who can leisurely course through mangrove-lined wetlands and the island of Georgetown.
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