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although Gambia is very liberal in its moslim culture - locals do appreciate it when you go wandering about in the villages and up country that you dress appropriate. Nothing special - no mini skirts, cover the shoulders and no bellies sticking out for the women and for the men just make sure you wear a t-shirt. That's all and that is not too much to ask for and it shows your respect for the local culture.
Whereas in the western world you don't take time to greet people - in Gambia you do take the time and you do not only ask about how the person you are meeting is but you also ask about his/her family. Whilst listing no the locals i was wondering why i always heard the same sentences - asking about it learnt that they are asking how the family is, how the mum is, how the dad is doing etc. We should take time and do the same
In early January the moslim in The Gambia celibrate the "TOBASKI". To celebrate Tobaski, every household that can afford it, buys a sheep and kills it, giving one third to relatives, one third to those who cannot aford to buy thier own and keeping a third for themselves. The sacrificing of the sheep is a very bloody affair and would disgust most westeners, as in this case sheep was held down on the ground and it's throat was cut with a very blunt knife, it took several minutes the sheep to die. After death the sheep was cut up and was on the BBQ within minutes. During the day neighbours would call in and everyone was given meat from the BBQ There is no set date for Tobaski and can vary by several days, when we were there, it was held during the second week of January and I was lucky enough to be invited to spend the day with a Gambian friend. We first went to his house where I was given...
tobaski is held in December. this is a massive religious gathering held by all muslims. The build up to it all the men are saving hard to buy their prized sheep, or goat, so expect it to be a bit manic days prior to it. if you want to attend the service like we did women must be covered up. we stood at the back and watched with awe, we did leave though before they slaughtered the sheep.
I recommend to take all the money you will need in cash with you. That is because I didnt see any cash machines but I have heard that there are two in the whole country.Money exchange is very easy at your own hotel reception.Notes are very dirty so its wise to have something like cleaning tissues with you.
The Gambians eat always from a bowl - men from one and the women from another. We get to use spoons because we were guests from Finland but usually locals eat by right hand. Left is for..well you know what. Drinking while eating is considered disrespectful towards elder people. Food was very spicy and we were among friends so it was okay for us tourists to drink.You are suppose to eat your own part of the food that is on your spot of the bowl. After eating the spoon is placed under the small table.Food was rice and sauce with meat and potatoes. Dont know the name of it.
About 80 percent of Gambia's population relies on local agriculture. The land surrounding every village is made up of small plots dedicated to the growing of crops. Each of these food plots is owned by one family, and range in size from 12 to 22 acres (five to nine hectares). The main crops include millet, manioc, corn, beans, eggplant, and bitter tomato (a type of hot pepper). In addition, many people grow peanuts as a cash crop to bring in a little extra money.
Just a tip from my Tour Company Rep. in the Gambia. The name ‘Lamin’ is very common for men in the Gambia. It’s like ‘Joe’ in America. He said if you ever need service in a restaurant, hotel or bar, just shout ‘Lamin!’ and someone will come. I only tried it once. It worked.
The Gambians trust you when you say "I'll pass by later and buy something" or "I'll come back tomorrow".Don't use this as an alternative to saying no, they'd rather you told the truth and that way they won't waste their time waiting for you.
English is the official language, and there are several indigenous tongues too -- of which Mandika, Wolof and Fula are the main ones. French (the main language in neighboring Senegal) sometimes comes in handy.
Kombo Beach Hotel Banjul
1 Review and 333 Opinions The Kombo Beach is the only hotel we have been to in The Gambia, we stayed here the first time and...
Kairaba Beach Hotel Kololi
2 Reviews and 283 Opinions well such an extraordinarily well run venue in Gambia. German influence, very efficient. What...
Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa Serekunda
371 Opinions
Reviews and photos of The Gambia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for The Gambia sightseeing.
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Q: Hi, we are going to Gambia on the 22nd Feb and our GP has given us a private prescription for Malarone. It's quite expensive and I...
A: It's not cheap anywhere as it is a relatively new and very effective anti-malarial drug, but is encumbered by patents, so there is only a single manufacturer, hence the...
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