Check the weather city by city, starting with Banjul.
Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa: a 50-km-wide corridor wrapped around the Gambia River and entirely surrounded by Senegal. It is known for its sunny Atlantic beaches (a favourite with northern European beachgoers), outstanding birdwatching (560 species), the chimpanzees of Kiang West National Park, and the historic slave trade sites on Kunta Kinteh Island (UNESCO).
The beaches of Kololi, Kotu and Senegambia are the heart of Gambian seaside tourism: pristine white sand, warm Atlantic waters, palm trees and lively beach bars. The Senegambia Strip brings together hotels, restaurants and nightlife. It is a favourite winter-sun escape for British and Scandinavian travellers.
Highlights : Kololi Beach — the most beautiful beach in Gambia, Bakau Craft Market — local handicrafts, Kachikally Crocodile Pool — sacred crocodiles.
Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island, UNESCO) is Gambia's main slave trade site — made famous by Alex Haley's novel Roots. The ruins of Fort James (1651) are UNESCO-listed. It is a deeply moving memorial site, reached from Juffureh and Albreda, villages where Mandinka traditions are still preserved.
Highlights : Kunta Kinteh Island — Fort James ruins (UNESCO), Juffureh village — birthplace of Kunta Kinteh (Roots), Albreda Museum — the history of the slave trade in Gambia, Pirogue crossing from Barra.
Gambia is one of the world's best birdwatching destinations: 560 species in a tiny territory. Highlights include Abuko Nature Reserve (20 minutes from Banjul), Tanji Bird Reserve and River Gambia National Park with its chimpanzees. Birders from around the world come here to tick off rare species in just a few days.
Highlights : Abuko Nature Reserve — 300 species just 20 minutes from Banjul, River Gambia National Park — wild chimpanzees, Tanji Bird Reserve — river and coastal birds.
Gambia is affordable for Western travellers. The beach resorts around Kololi are pricier than the interior of the country. Local food is excellent and very inexpensive. The dalasi can fluctuate, so it is wise to bring pounds sterling or euros.