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Home » Gambia

Gambia

The Republic of The Gambia is a country in West Africa. It’s the smallest country within mainland Africa, and its capital city is Banjul. This small country is diverse in many ways and has a rich cultural background. Some of the more tourist-friendly destinations are on the Atlantic coast where you’ll find lots restaurants, bars and attractions.  

The Gambia River is a stunning natural haven to wildlife with its varied ecosystems. Boat trips are an unforgettable experience on the river and allow visitors to witness natural habitats, making for unique photographic opportunities while spotting local wildlife with an experienced guide. 

Kiang West National Park and the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve includes monkeys, hippos, leopards, hyenas and some rare birds. Accommodation in the mangrove forest in a luxury lodge is a perfect way to experience this beautiful part of Africa, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover more wildlife on guided tours, or explore the area by canoe. The area is also a perfect place to make your base from which to discover the local villages and friendly people whilst having a relaxing and enjoyable time. 

The Gambia is also known as the Smiling Coast of Africa and the local people certainly do give a happy smile and a hearty welcome. Brikama Market is a large market area where you can purchase everything from fresh produce, to fish, bread, fruit and vegetables. You can also buy clothing and other locally made items.

You can discover the daily lives of the locals at such a busy market and taste traditional foods. One local dish is Jollof rice (benachin), which is a dish of spiced meat and veg with tomato puree cooked with rice.

Gambia is certainly a bird watchers paradise with roughly 540 bird species logged  in this naturally diverse country. Part of the culture lies with the tribal groups, the Mandinka, and also the Wolof, Fula, Jola and Serahule. The capital, Banjul, is where the Wolof are concentrated, and the Mandinka can be found in the country and rural areas. Each tribe, as you may have guessed, has their own traditions and culture. 

A welcoming atmosphere with rich diverse areas to explore, livelier tourist destinations along the coast, and a quiet mangrove forest that offers river trips and wildlife spotting, there’s something for everyone here.

Gambia – Portraits of Beauty, Elegance and Dignity

Gambia – Portraits of Beauty, Elegance and Dignity

ByTom Warburton Updated22 March 2021

I went to Gambia thinking the hardest aspect of the country to capture would be the people. I’m not a natural portrait photographer and was a little nervous of asking the locals if it was…

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Gambia – A Village Kumpo Dance

Gambia – A Village Kumpo Dance

ByTom Warburton Updated8 March 2021

This Kumpo dance was held in the village of Kanuma, Gambia and was held in celebration of the “Light Up the Village Project” which sponsored by The Gambia Experience. A Kumpo is a mythical figure…

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Gambia – Light Up a Village

Gambia – Light Up a Village

ByTom Warburton Updated8 March 2021

Most of us take switching on the lights after dark for granted but in large parts of the world it is not as easy as flicking the switch. Which is why it was so fantastic…

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Gambia – A Visit to Mason Nursery School

Gambia – A Visit to Mason Nursery School

ByTom Warburton Updated8 March 2021

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit the local nursery school when I was staying at the Mandina Lodges. My guide Mamadi and I walked for 20 minutes or so through the…

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Gambia – The Floating Paradise of The Mandina Lodges

Gambia – The Floating Paradise of The Mandina Lodges

ByTom Warburton Updated2 April 2021

(Abraham, Yanks, Yahya and Sait) The main Gambian tourist area is on the coastal strip. If beaches, bars and restaurants are your thing then it’s great, but it’s not for me. The alternative is to…

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Gambia – Baboons and Birds

Gambia – Baboons and Birds

ByTom Warburton Updated8 March 2021

Gambia is a bird watcher paradise with around 540 bird species having been logged. Although Gambia doesn’t have the large mammal populations of East Africa day trips can be arranged to Senegal to visit some…

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Gambia – A Visit To Brikama Market

Gambia – A Visit To Brikama Market

ByTom Warburton Updated15 February 2021

A morning trip to the huge Brikama Market in Gambia turned into a major event. As word spread around the market that I had a camera that could print the photos then and there –…

Read More Gambia – A Visit To Brikama MarketContinue

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