Gambia

Charming Gambia

The Gambia is an ideal holiday destination in Africa. It has the perfect climate, untouched beaches, budding birdwatching spot and interesting wildlife. It is rather strange that The Gambia isn’t a more popular travel destination to thrill-seekers. It’s a simple country with the attractiveness of a beach holiday destination but has more charming pulls yet to be discovered.

Common West African staples such as rice, cassava and vegetables appear in Gambian cuisine. There is a handful of European and Asian restaurants, but why visit The Gambia if you aren’t going to try one of their traditional dishes? Superkanja (okra stew), benechin (one pot Jollof rice with fish or meat) and baobab juice can be found in many Gambian homes.

http://grateful.love/lists/21-deliciously-warming-west-african-dishes-you-should-be-eating-this-winter/205 (Superkanja)

Looser fitting clothes are worn as traditional wear by Gambian men and women. Women do usually cover up and can be seen wearing grandmuba (a robe like-dress that flows to the tips of their wrists and feet) and the West African customary headwraps, commonly referred to as a musso by locals.  Men similarly also cover up and can be seen wearing kaftans (long robes) and called fataro or jalabe. Slightly different from their neighbouring countries, Gambians do wear more pastel colours.

http://treasuresofwestafrica.com/gambia-women-club/ (Gambian wear)

The highlight of many that have visited The Gambia is Makasutu. It is sacred to the people and has a mystical tale of its existence. It is home to troupes of playful baboons, exotic birds and is the source of palm wine. Canoe down the river in handmade vessels as you enjoy an afternoon away from the city. Forming part of the country’s ecotourism sector, the forest sustains the villagers around it as many make their livelihood through it. Palm wine, oysters farming and even craftsmanship are all trades founded from the forest. There are excursions and day visits organised by an operator in the area.

A historic visit in The Gambia to the Stone Circles of Senegambia. Spanning across a 100-kilometre radius along the River Gambia. It is the remains of the of previous Gambian and Senegalese tribes. They are ancient burial mounds and date back to as early as the 3rd century BC. It highlights a functioning African society as an important historical find. Although it is 4 hours away from the capital Banjul, it proves to be an interesting attraction of The Gambia and for African history. Consider finding a guide with an SUV to tackle the bumpy roads on your way to Wassu.

http://tripfreakz.com/offthebeatenpath/stone-circles-of-senegambia-gambia  (Stone circles)

Another delight of your trip should be the Katchikali Sacred Crocodile Pool. Located in central Bakau, about 15 Kilometres out of Banjul lies these revered pools. Considered as sacred by locals who perform fertility rites at the pool. There is a huge number of Nile crocodiles on site and can wander easily around the area. There have also been sightings of albino crocodiles, which adds to the pool’s appeal. Visitors to the pools can touch the crocodiles, supervised. It’s a thrill-seeking adventure, so be sure to take your camera along.

http://visit-thegambia.com/go-discover/kachikally-crocodile-pool/ (Crocodiles)

Due to the almost perfect weather, friendly faces and ease of the country, The Gambia is an idyllic African destination for first-time visitors to the continent.