8 Best Things To Do in The Gambia, West Africa

Are you planning to visit the Gambia soon? Read more below about the things to do in The Gambia so you can now prepare for your trip!

The Gambia is a country in West Africa. It is popularly known for its beaches on the Atlantic coastline. It is also the smallest country in mainland Africa that’s why traveling around the country is very easy. However, planning is still necessary when going here.

For this reason, we made this article for you so you can prepare just in time before your trip to this country.

Here are the things to do in The Gambia that we recommend:

1. Bijilo Forest Park

A very beautiful, mostly easy hike with the opportunity for nature and bird watching – especially if you leave the first two circular routes behind and continue. In the beginning, there are a lot of visitors, often with guides who feed the vervet monkeys and colobus monkeys. Calm observation is rarely to be thought of. But the park is very beautiful, with different vegetation zones and good paths.

2. River Gambia National Park

The Gambia River NP is very worthwhile. You can travel almost silently in small boats through the mangrove forests, where there are many rare birds and other animals.

3. Kotu Beach

The beach is very wide and gently sloping. The sand is partly dark, partly light, but fine sand. On the beach, as everywhere, there are vendors. Horseback rides are offered if you want some unique activity at the beach.

4. Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Most tourists come here to pet a crocodile – quite a special experience if you know the aggressiveness and reaction speed of the animals that are usually present. The small museum right after the entrance provides interesting details about the traditions of the different tribes of Gambia. In addition, you can – if you are out and about with open eyes – discover a large number of birds and, with luck, other animals.

5. Albert Market

The Royal Albert Market is definitely worth a visit. The market itself is manageable and you get everything you need or don’t need including souvenirs and handicrafts.

6. Makasutu Culture Forest

The park was almost deserted, so there was a good opportunity to roam the area with the guide. It is best to go there with a local guide in a small group. It’s fun and you learn a lot about the country and its people. It’ll be an unforgettable experience; pure nature, gangs of monkeys, a viewing platform, and a boat trip on a branch of the river through the mangroves.

7. Bakau Fish Market

The fish market is really a highlight. Real, authentic Africa in its purest form. This market is one of the best experiences of the entire trip in The Gambia. If you like to take pictures, this is awesome and not to be missed – women in colorful beautiful clothes, the men coming in from the sea in the fine boats and the seagulls circling in the sky.

If you’re in The Gambia, you need to find a relaxing and convenient place to stay in. We highly recommend Kololi Beach Resort. It is in a very strategic location and it boasts gorgeous natural views. 

The resort’s facilities such as the pool, bars, and restaurants are great entertainment while staying there. They also have villas that are spacious enough to make you feel at home. 

These are the possible things you can do in The Gambia So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in The Gambia.