gambia

[david56]

hi can anyone tell me what the gambia is realy like

im thinking of going in december this year, whats the food like, do you get pestered by the pedlers, ect ect.

[Paul22118]

David, we have been to The Gambia for something like the last sixteen years, usually just after Christmas. I would say that in the main the people of that Country are very friendly and honest. BUT you have to understand they are very very poor people and the temptation to beg or bother you for money or services is very strong. The place is in some respects beautiful but really it is a tip. So why does it drag us back year on year?

The climate is fantastic - 90 +. As long as you pick the correct hotel (do not have less than 4and a half stars) the food will be very good and the staff very competant and friendly.

Lots of hotels are rubbish and cheap, in every way. I recommend the Corinthia Atlantic, check out it's web site.

When you arrive at the airport keep your head down and once inside the secure sanctuary of the hotel in its fabulous grounds - enjoy enjoy enjoy. Good luck.

[david56]

thanks paul, ill take your advice butmay i ask you is it better to take british pounds or local currnecy

[Paul22118]

David,

It depends what your spending style is to be. If you are going for a hotel based sunsoaking seriously chilling out time then keep a tab and pay at the end of the week for your poolside / dinner drinks etc and pay in Visa or Sterling or Euro or dalasis.

You can take Dalasis into th eCountry from your UK bank. We take �50 worth of Dalasis as loose change (about 50 D to the �) then some Sterling cash and one credit card. Nothing else needed.

If you intend to do some organised trips (not for us but plenty available) then have ideally Sterling cash and pay up front when you book which is generally at the reps reception meeting.

NB Pick the right hotel and do not be economy driven - if you do you'll regret it.

[david56]

many thanks paul

[jelisa]

hi david - i havent actually been yet - i have just booked up to go in jan - mybest mate just came back and sh loved it totally, the main thing she said that she didnt like is the poverty, she said that everyone wants money always - this is the bit im not gonna enjoy - but she said that the beaches and everthing else is lovely - i know that the food is nice cos i have eaten lots of it - when you go make sure you ask for a dish callled benachin - its well nice - the food is spicy rice dishes - so lets hope that you like that kind of thing =- also did you know that 90% are muslim - this probably wont be a problem to you - i know loads and theya re all friendly as they can possibly be - apart from if you are a woman - for some reason the women dont like us females - oh and another thing - when you are walking along the street - the children will stare at you and shout TOOBAB at you - this is not an insult it means foreigner/whiteperson..... cos for some reason they tell all their friends cos they think that we are rich???who ar e they kiddiing......any way i do hope you enjoy it....and if i can be of any help - then just ask - as i say most of my mates are gambian.

[itsmefolks]

Anyone any experience of the Gambia. We have been to Tunisia several times and Gambia seems a little bit more Africa. We want basically a beach holiday but the hotel and food location etc has to tick some boxes. Looking at Trip Adviser holiday beach club Gambia seems to fair well. We are open minded and are very able in seeing past a few cracks and chips if you know what I mean? My main hobbies are bird watching butterflies and moths etc. My good lady loves shopping and markets. I don’t mind the latter as long as they are genuine. Anyway hope someone can help, and thanks in advance.