10 Things Explaining Why is Gambia a Good Tourist Destination?

It may be small, but we tell you why is gambia a good tourist destination crammed with a wide range of cultures, history, and natural beauty. The Gambia is one of West Africa’s smaller countries but the most attractive destination in the region. Its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to Europe have made the Gambia a popular tourist destination in West Africa.

What is so Special About The Gambia?

If you’re looking for winter sun, Gambia is an amazing destination with endless sandy beaches backed by swinging palm trees, serene rivers overflowing with bird life, a sub-tropical climate, and warm-hearted people

This West African country boasts an outstanding coastline for such a little nation of about 50 miles. The Gambia is a favourite destination for British tourists seeking a beach vacation because of its secluded sandy beaches and constant sunshine.

Why is Gambia a Good Tourist Destination?

See Africa Today has curated 10 things explaining why is Gambia is a good tourist destination? Here they are.

1. Beautiful, Uncrowded Beaches

The Gambia’s coastline is one of its biggest lures because of its expansive, spotless lengths of sweeping sand. Most of its beautiful sandy beaches never get too busy. The popular beach is Sanyang, also known as Paradise Beach. A modest bar, a café, and a few craft booths are present. Traditional wrestling matches organized on Sundays during the peak tourist season are quite exciting.

2. Unique Hotels

While vacations in The Gambia provide a wide range of lodging possibilities, stays by the coast and on the beach are undoubtedly charming. The hotels accommodate many travellers, whether they are looking for 5-star luxury vacations, 2-star comfort, a lodge floating on the River Gambia, or an elegant eco-retreat.

Each hotel or lodge offers something unique, from the sophistication of Coco Ocean Resort & Spa to the barefoot luxury of Mandina Lodges. Several restaurants and many hotels entertain. Some outstanding traditional groups perform in hotels, and you can watch them while eating or drinking.

3. Warm-hearted, Friendly Locals

Another charming aspect that explains why is gambia a good tourist destination is her people. The Gambia is known as the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” and you won’t find a friendlier welcome anywhere else! As a former British colony, there are several regional tribal languages, but English is the official language, making travel simple.

4. Year-round Sunshine

Subtropical temperatures in Banjul and other Gambian cities make this country a great choice for tourists. One of the finest periods to visit The Gambia is from November to June when average maximum temperatures reach the low 30s. Even during the rainy season, it rains briefly. Sharp showers mostly occur at night and have minimal effect on people’s vacations. The Gambia is an excellent place to go for the winter sun.

5. Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Despite being dangerous reptiles, crocodiles partly explain the narrative on why is Gambia a good tourist destination. Women go great distances to bathe in the waters near Bakau where crocodiles live due to the belief they have magical powers. Especially the ability to make them conceive.

There is a story about an English couple that was trying to conceive for years. A cab driver took them to the pool and in a few months, they emailed him ‌they were pregnant. The crocodiles are now so accustomed to people that you can approach them directly and stroke them, but only if the guides advise you to.

6. Birdwatching

With its abundance of rare birds in its rivers, swamps, grasslands, and woodlands, The Gambia is a bird lover’s delight. The nation is famous for birdwatching with over 560 bird species, which makes The Gambia a good tourist destination. Many hotels have lovely grounds where birds can be seen.

7. A colourful Culture

Enjoy dancing to the polyphonic beats of the djembe drums or head out for a bargaining experience in the market. Vibrantly colored batiks in the market are so appealing but they test you haggling skills to the end.  Even better on why is gambia a good tourist destination is a light cooking course in a courtyard garden. You are taught how to prepare traditional West African food.

8. Craft Markets

Once you get a great bargain on your taxi head to a nearby craft market to perfect your skills. You want at least half the price the stallholder asks. Before you start, the key is to stop and consider whether you want it and how much you will pay. Some vendors may be a little pushy, but you should just smile, stand your ground, take your time, and go with the flow.

The largest town in The Gambia, Serrekunda, and the Royal Albert Market in the capital, Banjul, are home to the most popular marketplaces. Both craft ‌markets sell anything under the sun.

9. Fishing Village

Fish markets are at Bakau, Tanji, and Sanyang. You may watch the fishing boats locally known as pirogues arrive and unload the day’s catch on the sites. Men and women swim into the river and fetch fish in buckets balanced on their heads.

10. Cheeky Monkeys

You can find different monkey species in The Gambia woodlands. Because of the abundance of vervet monkeys in this area, this endangered species is battling to live. You might also see a Western Red Colobus monkey in the trees, another reason clearing why is gambia a good tourist destination.