Whoever said, ‘Big surprises come in smaller packets’, might have quoted after visiting Gambia. Gambia being the smallest country on the mainland of Africa varies from rich history to a wide variety of landscape. Because of its position between the Tropic of Cancer and Equator, the country becomes a great place to spend summer vacation. The holidays on the beach will be mind blowing, sun on top with sea in front and you resting under the palm woven roof! But you just can’t sit whole day on the beach and not explore the hidden Gambia. Gambia’s picturesque varies with lustrous beaches, luxuriant tropical forests, marsh land, and savannah. One of the Africa’s big stream, Gambia River flows through Gambia country.
Gambia is known to be eco-tourists destination. The country has over five hundred and forty different species of birds and paradise for the bird lovers. The country is filled with parks, reserves and old villages which gives the country unique identity and ethnic old world feeling!
The Gambia was Britain’s first and very last colony, being formally colonized in 1765 and gained independence after two hundred years, later in February 1965. Since then, the nation has enjoyed long term of steadiness; unluckily this has yet to interpret into opulence for its population.
For sight seeing there are many things to visit but the best you shouldn’t miss are as follow:
Banjul:
It’s the capital of Gambia. The entrance of the city, Arch 22, symbolizes the over-thrown unconstitutional power in the 1994 by making Yahya Jammeh, the next (current) president of the country. Except for this historical symbol, Gambian National Museum, the Albert Market, Banjul State House, Banjul Court House, two cathedrals and several major mosques are other sites you don’t want to miss out.
Baboon Island:
It is the chimpanzee’s rehabilitation centre, working since 1969. It takes cares of the orphan chimps around the Africa.
Take a boat to the mangroves stream, commonly known as Bolon. Near the river Gambia is a Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve which is the main tourist destination and also a paradise for birdwatchers as there are over five hundred and forty different species of birds.
What the use coming here you don’t get wet in the famous river of Gambia. Janjanbureh Island is perfect place to go, it is the mid river spot, where you can sit and enjoy the beauty around.
Abuko Nature Reserve is the best known tropical forest. Resorts are also within reach of the park. The park is home for crocodiles, monkeys, reptiles, etc. In the morning the forest is the best to go in for walk, the whole picture of forest looks stunningly different and beautiful.
Meet up a friendly croc at the Katchikali Crocodile Pool, a place sacred to the Mandinka clan in the coastal rural community of Bakau. Early fertility rites were sometimes held here.
Transportation:
Banjul (BJL) (Yundum International) is the main airport to the southwest of the city, Banjul which is just eleven miles away. The airport serves the best international flights such as Astraeus airlines which run from London, North American Airlines has direct flight from Baltimore.
Private taxis can be hired from Dakar (Senegal) to Barra; from there you will get a regular ferry service to Banjul. Shared taxis and local buses also go through this route.
