Gambia

A sliver of territory wrapped around its namesake river, The Gambia defies conventional geography—a nation barely 50 kilometers wide at its broadest, extending some 480 kilometers inland, almost entirely surrounded by Senegal. Yet this smallest mainland African country punches far above its weight class as a destination, offering Atlantic beaches, remarkable birdwatching, accessible wildlife, and genuine cultural immersion within a compact, manageable territory.

The Gambia pioneered African beach tourism in the 1960s and retains easy accessibility for European visitors, particularly British travelers who find direct flights, English as an official language, and a welcoming population that earned the nation its slogan: "The Smiling Coast of Africa." The river dominates everything—rising in the Fouta Djallon highlands of Guinea, the Gambia flows 1,130 kilometers to the Atlantic, with the final 480 kilometers forming this nation's spine.

What The Gambia lacks in spectacular landscapes or iconic wildlife it compensates with accessibility and authenticity. This is Africa entering gently—warm beaches as introduction, birdlife as revelation, river as pathway inland, culture as invitation. For many visitors, The Gambia serves as gateway to a continent, first taste of something different, beginning of a longer African journey.

The Gambia is one of only two countries that officially include the definite article "The" in their name (the other being The Bahamas). The government insisted on this distinction in 1964 to prevent confusion with Zambia, which gained independence the same year. The river itself likely takes its name from the Portuguese rendering of a local term—possibly the Mandinka "Kambra" or "Kamba," meaning river.

Despite tiny size, The Gambia maintains a distinct identity separate from surrounding Senegal—a legacy of British rather than French colonization producing different governmental systems, educational frameworks, and linguistic orientation. English official status makes The Gambia unusually accessible for anglophone visitors to West Africa, while the nation's multicultural character—Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahuli communities—creates a rich tapestry of traditions.

The concept of "teranga"—the Wolof word for hospitality—defines Gambian social relations and extends naturally to visitors. Gambians are notably friendly and welcoming—not merely professionally hospitable but culturally oriented toward warmth with strangers. This creates travel experiences where connections form naturally, where the staff becomes friends, where chance encounters yield invitations and relationships. The national flag features red, blue, and green horizontal stripes separated by white bands, symbolizing the sun, the river, and the forests.

The Gambia encompasses approximately 11,295 square kilometers—roughly twice the size of Delaware—extending as a narrow strip along both banks of the Gambia River from the Atlantic Ocean to points 480 kilometers inland. Width ranges from 24 to 50 kilometers, determined by colonial boundaries that essentially followed the river and its immediate environs while Senegal claimed everything beyond.

The river dominates everything. Rising in the Fouta Djallon highlands of Guinea, the Gambia flows 1,130 kilometers to the Atlantic, with the final 480 kilometers forming this nation's spine. The river remains tidal and navigable by ocean-going vessels for nearly 200 kilometers upstream, supporting trade that initially attracted European merchants and continues defining Gambian life.

Terrain is uniformly flat, with highest elevations reaching merely 53 meters. Vegetation transitions from mangrove swamps and mudflats along the coast and lower river through savanna woodland to more arid conditions upriver. The 80-kilometer Atlantic coastline features sandy beaches backed by palm trees—the foundation of Gambian tourism. Major resort areas cluster between Banjul and the Senegalese border, including Bakau, Fajara, Kotu, and Kololi.

Climate is tropical with distinct wet (June–October) and dry (November–May) seasons. Temperatures range from 16–24°C in the cooler dry season to 26–43°C at the height of the hot season (March–May). European winter travelers find conditions ideal from November through February.

Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the Gambia River region for millennia, though the area remained peripheral to the great West African empires—Ghana, Mali, Songhai—whose influence nonetheless reached this territory. The various ethnic groups now comprising Gambian society established themselves through waves of migration, each bringing distinct traditions and social structures.

Portuguese explorers reached the Gambia River in 1455, establishing trading relationships that soon included enslaved people. For three centuries, the river served as a conduit for the transatlantic slave trade, with trading posts including James Island (now Kunta Kinteh Island) processing an estimated three million captives for transport to the Americas. Alex Haley's "Roots," tracing his ancestry to the Mandinka village of Juffureh, brought this history to global attention in the 1970s.

British and French competition for influence resolved with the British retaining the river corridor (established as a colony in 1889) while France controlled surrounding Senegal. Independence came in 1965 under Sir Dawda Jawara, who governed until Yahya Jammeh's 1994 coup. Jammeh's increasingly authoritarian rule ended only in 2017 when he refused to accept electoral defeat, provoking international intervention by ECOWAS forces.

Current President Adama Barrow has restored democratic governance, though institutional development continues. The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has investigated abuses during Jammeh's 22-year rule, marking a significant step toward accountability and healing for the nation.

The Gambia's approximately 2.8 million people comprise several major ethnic groups: Mandinka (the largest, approximately 34%), Fula (about 22%), Wolof (16%), Jola (10%), and Serahuli (9%), with smaller communities. Islam predominates (approximately 95% of the population), practiced in a characteristically West African manner that incorporates traditional beliefs and maintains tolerance toward the Christian minority.

Gambian music reflects the griot tradition—hereditary praise singers who preserve history through song. The kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute, produces the distinctive sound associated with West African music; performances occur at hotels and cultural centers. Wrestling matches, traditional throughout Senegambia, offer entertainment when scheduled during tourist seasons.

Gambian society values community, hospitality, and proper social behavior. Greetings are essential—extended exchanges asking after health, family, and work precede any transaction or conversation. Rushing is perceived as rude. Dress modestly, particularly away from beach areas. Women should cover shoulders and thighs when visiting villages or markets; men should avoid shorts in similar contexts.

The capital occupies St. Mary's Island at the river mouth—an unusual location for an African capital, reflecting its origin as a colonial trading post. The population of roughly 30,000 (metropolitan area approximately 400,000) makes it one of Africa's smallest capitals, and urban energy concentrates in the mainland suburbs rather than the island proper.

Arch 22, a monumental gateway commemorating the 1994 coup (now awkwardly symbolic), provides panoramic views from its observation deck. Albert Market sprawls beneath, offering the authentic market experience: produce, textiles, crafts, and the chaotic energy of West African commerce. The National Museum houses ethnographic and historical collections including musical instruments, tools, and documentation of the slave trade.

The waterfront ferry terminal connects Banjul with Barra on the north bank—a crossing that provides excellent river views and access to Senegal or upriver destinations. The city retains colonial-era architecture alongside modern development, and its compact size makes it easily walkable for visitors seeking genuine West African urban experience.

The Gambia's tourism industry centers on beach resorts stretching south from the Banjul peninsula. Kololi and Kotu have developed most intensively, with hotels ranging from large international properties to smaller local establishments. Beaches offer palm-tree ambience, warm year-round swimming, and water sports including kayaking and sport fishing.

The beach experience differs from Caribbean or Mediterranean expectations. Beaches are public and local, meaning interaction with Gambian beach vendors—selling crafts, offering services, or simply chatting—is inevitable. Some visitors find this intrusive; others appreciate the cultural exchange. "Bumsters"—young men seeking to befriend tourists—require firm but polite declining if unwanted. The situation has improved through government and community efforts.

Fajara and Bakau, closer to Banjul, offer calmer atmospheres with smaller hotels and more residential character. Cape Point, Brufut, and Sanyang beaches south of the main resort strip provide more secluded alternatives. The Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau offers a unique cultural experience—a sacred pool where visitors can touch live crocodiles believed to bring fertility.

The Gambia River's navigability allows boat trips ranging from day excursions to multi-day expeditions. Most visitors take day trips to the mangrove creeks around Lamin Lodge, where boats glide past oyster-harvesting communities and bird-rich channels. The experience reveals a quieter Gambia far removed from beach tourism.

Longer expeditions reach the Baboon Islands chimpanzee sanctuary—a group of river islands where rehabilitated chimps live in semi-wild conditions, viewable from boats (landing is prohibited). Further upriver, Janjanbureh (Georgetown), the country's second town, serves as a base for exploring the interior, including the Wassu Stone Circles and the river's upper reaches.

The river remains the nation's lifeline, supporting fishing communities, trade, and transport. A journey upriver transforms understanding of this country—from the tidal mangrove zones near the coast through savanna woodland to the increasingly arid interior, the landscape shifts dramatically while river communities maintain traditions centuries old.

The Gambia punches extraordinarily above its weight for birding, with over 580 recorded species in a country smaller than Jamaica. This concentration results from varied habitats—coast, mangrove, river, savanna, woodland—within minimal distances, plus the Gambia's position on the East Atlantic Flyway bringing Palearctic migrants in winter.

Abuko Nature Reserve, easily accessible from the coastal resorts, provides introduction to Gambian birding. The 105-hectare reserve protects gallery forest harboring narina trogon, yellow-billed turaco, northern black flycatcher, and dozens of other species alongside monkeys and other wildlife. Kotu Creek and Bridge, adjacent to resort areas, offer remarkably productive birding within walking distance of hotels—kingfishers (giant, pied, blue-breasted), herons, and waders concentrate where creek meets coast.

More serious birders venture to Tanji Bird Reserve on the coast south of the resort strip, where varied habitats produce extensive species lists. Upriver, Tendaba Camp provides access to river habitats and gallery forest, while the area around Janjanbureh reaches peak birding richness with Egyptian plover—a much-sought species—among the possibilities. Organized birding tours with expert local guides maximize species counts; independent birding is possible but less productive.

Gambian music reflects the griot tradition—hereditary praise singers who preserve history through song. The kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute, produces the distinctive sound associated with West African music; performances occur at hotels and cultural centers. Jaliba Kuyateh, known as the "King of Griot," remains one of The Gambia's most celebrated musicians, carrying forward traditions that predate written records.

Village visits provide cultural immersion, though choosing community-based programs over commercial performances ensures authentic exchange and local benefit. Wrestling matches, traditional throughout Senegambia, offer entertainment when scheduled during tourist seasons. The Gambia's predominantly Muslim population (approximately 95%) welcomes respectful visitors to mosques, and Islamic festivals—particularly Eid al-Fitr ending Ramadan—create vibrant community celebrations.

The traditional attaya tea ceremony—a three-round ritual of preparing increasingly sweet Chinese green tea—offers an intimate window into Gambian daily life. Often shared among friends in the afternoon, the ceremony emphasizes patience and sociability. Participating in attaya with locals provides some of the most genuine cultural exchange available to visitors.

Kunta Kinteh Island (James Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a stark reminder of the slave trade era. The ruined fort, crumbling into the river, processed enslaved Africans for Atlantic crossing. Visits typically combine with Juffureh village, celebrated as the ancestral home of Kunta Kinte from Alex Haley's "Roots." While authenticity debates persist regarding Haley's genealogical claims, the sites provide powerful confrontation with history.

Longer expeditions reach the Wassu Stone Circles, laterite megaliths dating to the third century BCE through the sixteenth century CE—evidence of sophisticated cultures predating European contact. These mysterious formations, part of the UNESCO-listed Stone Circles of Senegambia, remain among West Africa's most significant archaeological sites.

Multi-day river journeys to the interior reveal villages unchanged for centuries, where traditional agriculture and fishing sustain communities. Mandina Lodges and Tendaba Camp provide atmospheric bases for exploring upriver, with pirogue boat trips through mangrove channels offering wildlife encounters and cultural immersion beyond the coastal tourism zone.

Gambian cuisine reflects the country's agricultural heritage, river resources, and multicultural population. Groundnuts (peanuts), rice, fish, and tropical vegetables form the foundation, with distinct preparations varying by ethnic group and region.

Signature Dishes: Domoda — rich groundnut (peanut) stew with meat or fish, the national dish served over rice. Benachin (Jollof rice) — one-pot rice dish with tomato, fish or meat, and vegetables, originating from the Wolof. Yassa — marinated chicken or fish in onion-lemon sauce. Supakanja — okra soup served with fufu (pounded cassava). Chere — couscous-like millet preparation.

Beverages: Attaya — Chinese green tea ceremony in three rounds of increasing sweetness, a social ritual. Wonjo — hibiscus flower drink, served cold and sweet. Baobab juice — tangy drink from the iconic tree's fruit. Fresh fruit juices from mango, papaya, and local varieties are widely available.

Domoda

The national dish of The Gambia, domoda is a rich, creamy peanut butter stew that's as comforting as food gets. Usually made with beef or chicken, it simmers until the meat is falling apart and the sauce is thick and luscious. Every Gambian grandmother has her secret for the perfect domoda.

Ingredients: 400g beef chuck or chicken thighs (cubed), 150g natural peanut butter, 2 medium tomatoes (blended), 1 large onion (chopped), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 30ml vegetable oil, 500ml water or stock, 1 cube Maggi bouillon, 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole), Salt to taste, 2 bitter tomatoes (optional, traditional).

Preparation: Season the meat with salt and let rest for 15 minutes. Heat oil in a heavy pot and brown the meat on all sides. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onion until golden. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add blended tomatoes and cook until reduced and the oil begins to separate, about 10 minutes. Dissolve peanut butter in the water or stock, whisking until smooth. Add to the pot along with the bouillon cube. Return the meat to the pot. Add the whole Scotch bonnet (don't pierce it unless you want extra heat). Simmer on low heat for 1-1.5 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The domoda is ready when the oil rises to the surface and the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Serve over white rice.

💡 Don't use sweetened peanut butter—it must be natural, with just peanuts and perhaps salt. The dish should be savory, not sweet.

Benachin (Jollof Rice)

Gambia's version of the beloved West African one-pot rice, benachin means "one pot" in Wolof. The rice cooks in a rich tomato sauce with meat and vegetables, absorbing all the flavors. The prized part is the slightly burnt bottom layer called "tahó"—fight for it.

Ingredients: 250g long-grain rice, 300g chicken pieces or fish, 200g mixed vegetables (carrot, cabbage, cassava, eggplant), 4 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 large onion (sliced), 60ml vegetable oil, 500ml water, 1 cube Maggi bouillon, 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, 2 bay leaves, 5ml salt.

Preparation: Season the meat or fish with salt and half the bouillon cube. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the protein. Remove and set aside. In the same oil, fry the tomato paste over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it darkens and the oil separates—this is essential for color and flavor. Add onion and cook until softened. Pour in the water and add remaining bouillon, bay leaves, and whole Scotch bonnet. Add the harder vegetables (carrot, cassava) first. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Rinse the rice and add to the pot, spreading it evenly. The liquid should just cover the rice—add more if needed. Place the browned meat and softer vegetables on top of the rice. Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes. Do not stir—let the bottom develop a crust. The rice is done when tender and all liquid is absorbed. Serve with the tahó (crust) distributed among diners.

💡 The slightly burnt bottom (tahó) is considered the best part—don't consider it a mistake. Scrape it up and share it among honored guests.

Superkanja

A hearty okra soup that's thicker than its name suggests, superkanja is loaded with dried fish, meat, and greens. The okra releases its natural thickeners, creating a rich, almost gumbo-like consistency. Palm oil gives it a distinctive orange color and flavor.

Ingredients: 300g fresh okra (sliced), 200g smoked fish or dried fish, 200g beef or chicken (cubed), 60ml palm oil, 1 large onion (chopped), 200g sorrel leaves or spinach, 2 locust beans (dawadawa) or 1 bouillon cube, 500ml water, 1 hot pepper (minced), 5ml salt.

Preparation: If using dried fish, soak in warm water for 30 minutes, then debone and break into chunks. Boil the meat in salted water until tender, about 30 minutes. Reserve the cooking liquid. Heat palm oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add the sliced okra and stir-fry for 5 minutes until it starts to release its slime. Add the cooked meat, dried fish, locust beans (crushed) or bouillon, hot pepper, and reserved cooking liquid plus additional water. Simmer for 20 minutes until the okra has completely broken down and thickened the soup. Add the greens in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning and serve over rice or fufu.

💡 Locust beans (dawadawa) add an authentic umami depth—look for them in African markets. A good fish sauce can substitute in a pinch.

Best Time: November through February provides optimal conditions—clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and peak bird populations. December–January sees the most British charter traffic; book well ahead. The rainy season (June–October) brings dramatically green landscapes and lower prices for adventurous travelers.

By Air: Banjul International Airport (BJL) receives direct flights from London Gatwick (approximately 6 hours), Brussels, and other European cities, primarily through charter operators during tourist season (November–April). Connections via Dakar, Casablanca, or Lagos available year-round.

Overland from Senegal: Multiple border crossings available. The most common route from Dakar takes approximately 4–5 hours via Karang. The Barra–Banjul ferry provides the final crossing. Trans-Gambia Highway connects northern and southern Senegal through The Gambia.

Visa: Many nationalities including British, American, and most European citizens receive visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days. Passport validity of six months required. Visa-on-arrival available for other nationalities—check current requirements before travel.

Currency: Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Exchange at banks, hotels, and licensed bureaux de change. ATMs exist but can be unreliable; bring sufficient cash in Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars. Credit cards accepted at major hotels only.

Transport: Taxis (shared and private) and minibuses (gelly-gellys) provide local transport. Hiring a car with driver is advisable for flexibility; self-driving is possible but challenging. River ferries cross between Banjul and Barra. Upriver travel typically requires organized tours.

Health: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended but not typically required for entry. Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations advisable. Tap water should be avoided—drink bottled water only.

Safety: The Gambia is generally safe for tourists. Normal urban precautions apply. The beach "bumster" phenomenon requires firm but polite management. Avoid walking alone on beaches after dark. The 2017 democratic transition has improved stability significantly.

Communications: GSM mobile coverage is widespread. Africell and QCell are the main operators. Tourist SIM cards available at the airport. WiFi available at most hotels. Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0).

The Gambia represents excellent value for African tourism. Budget travelers can manage on $40–60 per day; mid-range comfort costs $80–150 per day. Organized tours (birding, upriver trips) add costs but provide value through expert guidance.

The coastal strip offers everything from international resort hotels to local guesthouses. Rates are generally affordable by European standards—$50–150 per night for mid-range options. Upriver camps provide atmospheric alternatives for those seeking immersion beyond the beach.

Luxury: Coco Ocean Resort & Spa ($150–300, beachfront), Kairaba Beach Hotel ($120–250, established resort), Ngala Lodge ($100–200, boutique). Mid-Range: Kombo Beach Hotel ($60–100), Senegambia Beach Hotel ($50–90), Bakotu Hotel ($40–80). Budget: Numerous guesthouses in Kololi and Bakau ($15–30).

Upriver: Mandina Lodges (luxury eco-lodge, $120–200), Tendaba Camp (mid-range, $40–70), Janjanbureh Camp ($25–50). Booking Tips: Peak season (December–February) books up quickly—reserve in advance. Many properties offer all-inclusive packages through UK tour operators at competitive rates.

Roots Homecoming Festival (June, biennial) — International celebration of African diaspora heritage, centered on Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh. Cultural performances, historical ceremonies, and reconnection events draw visitors from across the Americas. Independence Day (February 18) — National celebrations, parades, cultural performances, and flag-raising ceremonies.

Islamic Festivals: Tobaski (Eid al-Adha) — the most important Muslim holiday, featuring prayer, feasting, and new clothing. Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr) — marks the end of Ramadan with community celebrations, food sharing, and family visits. Gamo — the Prophet's birthday celebration with Quranic recitations.

International Kanilai Cultural Festival (December) — Music, dance, and wrestling from across West Africa. Banjul Demba Cultural Festival — celebrating the Banjul community's founding heritage. Wrestling tournaments occur throughout the dry season, drawing passionate local crowds.

Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites (2003) — This UNESCO site encompasses James Island (renamed Kunta Kinteh Island in 2011) and associated sites along the River Gambia that bear testimony to the main periods and facets of the encounter between Africa and Europe: the pre-colonial and colonial trading periods, the slave trade era, and the post-independence period. The ruined fort, batteries, and warehouses on the small island represent the often-tragic complexity of African-European exchange over centuries.

Stone Circles of Senegambia (2006) — Shared with Senegal, this transboundary site includes the Wassu and Kerr Batch stone circle groups in The Gambia, along with sites in Senegal. Over 1,000 monuments in 93 stone circles and associated tumuli cover an area 100km wide and 350km long. Dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 16th century CE, these laterite pillars—some reaching 2.5 meters and weighing several tons—represent the largest concentration of megalithic monuments anywhere in the world.

Makasutu Culture Forest — A privately managed ecotourism reserve near the coast offering guided walks through five distinct ecosystems, traditional craft workshops, and pirogue rides. Often rated The Gambia's best cultural experience. Tumani Tenda — A genuine community-run eco-camp on the south bank where visitors sleep in traditional roundhouses and participate in village life.

Kartong — The southernmost village before the Senegalese border, with untouched beaches, a folk festival site, and a crocodile pool. Lamin Lodge — A stilted restaurant over mangrove creeks, perfect for sunset drinks and birdwatching. Bijilo Forest Park — Small coastal reserve with habituated monkeys and accessible trails, just minutes from resort areas.

Essential: Yellow fever vaccination certificate, malaria prophylaxis medication, strong insect repellent (DEET-based), passport with 6+ months validity. Good binoculars for birdwatching. Light, loose-fitting clothing in natural fabrics.

Useful: Modest clothing for village/mosque visits (cover shoulders and knees), a good bird field guide ("Birds of The Gambia and Senegal" by Barlow et al.), waterproof bag for river trips, sandals and walking shoes. Sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses.

Don't Forget: Cash in euros/pounds/dollars (ATMs unreliable), photocopies of important documents, small gifts for village visits (school supplies appreciated), a torch/flashlight for power outages. A light rain jacket if visiting shoulder season.

Official: Gambia Tourism Board — visitthegambia.gm. Emergency: Police 117, Fire 118, Ambulance 116. Embassy: British High Commission in Banjul provides consular services for UK visitors; US citizens served by the US Embassy in Banjul.

Birding: Gambia Birding — gambiabirding.com for species checklists and guide recommendations. Maps: International Travel Maps "Gambia" or Maps.me offline app. Health: Travel health advisory from CDC and WHO before departure.

"Roots" by Alex Haley (1976) — The groundbreaking novel tracing Haley's ancestry from Kunta Kinte in Juffureh to slavery in America. Essential reading before visiting Kunta Kinteh Island. "Birds of The Gambia and Senegal" by Barlow, Wacher & Disley — The definitive field guide for birdwatchers visiting the region.

"The Smiling Coast" by various authors — Collection of Gambian short stories providing insight into local life. "A Fist Full of Shells" by Toby Green — Illuminating history of West Africa's economic and social development. "Bradt Travel Guide: The Gambia" — The most comprehensive practical guide for independent travelers.

Sir Dawda Jawara (1924–2019) — The Gambia's first president, who led the country to independence in 1965 and governed for nearly 30 years. A veterinarian by training, Jawara established democratic governance and maintained stability until the 1994 coup.

Kunta Kinte (c. 1750–c. 1822) — The Mandinka ancestor of Alex Haley, whose story in "Roots" symbolized the experience of millions of enslaved Africans. Whether fully historical or partly literary, Kunta Kinte has become an iconic figure in diaspora consciousness. Jaliba Kuyateh — The "King of Griot," Gambia's most celebrated musician, master kora player keeping centuries of oral tradition alive.

Fatou Bensouda (b. 1961) — Gambian lawyer who served as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) from 2012–2021, the first African to hold the position. Sports: Adama Barrow was a security guard at Argos in London before returning to The Gambia and becoming president—an extraordinary journey that captured global attention.

Traditional Wrestling (Boreh): The Gambia's national sport, practiced throughout Senegambia for centuries. Matches combine athleticism with spiritual preparation and community celebration. Major bouts draw thousands and are broadcast nationally. Champions achieve celebrity status comparable to professional athletes elsewhere.

Football: The Scorpions, The Gambia's national football team, made history by qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, reaching the quarter-finals—a remarkable achievement for Africa's smallest mainland country. The domestic league features teams from across the country playing in compact but passionate stadiums.

Press freedom has improved significantly since the end of Yahya Jammeh's authoritarian rule in 2017. Under Jammeh, journalists faced imprisonment, torture, and disappearance—most notably the unsolved murder of newspaper editor Deyda Hydara in 2004. The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has since documented these abuses.

Independent newspapers including The Point, The Standard, and Foroyaa operate freely under the Barrow government. Several radio stations and the state broadcaster GRTS provide news coverage. Social media, particularly WhatsApp groups, has become a primary news source for many Gambians, though challenges to media sustainability and professional development remain.

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River Gambia Forest

Lush riparian forest along the river banks

Arch 22

Banjul's monumental gateway

Albert Market

The bustling heart of Banjul

Kunta Kinteh Island

UNESCO slave trade heritage site

Wassu Stone Circles

Ancient megalithic monuments

Abuko Nature Reserve

Gallery forest rich in wildlife

Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Sacred pool in Bakau

Traditional Wrestling

Boreh wrestlers on the beach

Mandina Lodges

Eco-lodges in Makasutu Forest

Kora Musician

Griot tradition preserved through music

River Wetlands

Bird-rich wetlands on the north bank

Welcome to Banjul

Arriving in the Gambian capital