Rahim Tabet | Februari 21, 2016 |
Gambia
Gambia is located on the west coast of Africa and is surrounded completely by Senegal in the west it borders on the Atlantic Ocean. Gambia is the smallest country on the mainland of Africa. The country is named after the River Gambia which flows right through the country. The long, narrow shape of the country is explained by the fact that the border with Senegal at least a cannon shot had to lie from the Gambia River. Before the country was discovered by the Portuguese lived different tribes from West Africa in the country. It was one of the fleets of Henry the Navigator in 1456 for the first time on the Gambia River has sailed. Equal hereafter became a trading post located on an island. From this trading post became the first slaves shipped to Europe and later to America from the beginning of the sixteenth century. In running the centuries Gambia Portuguese, ranked German and British territory. Gambia has remained a British colony until 1965. After the Gambian independence it has been for five years a member of the British Commonwealth. From 1970 Gambia completely independent and there is certainly a strong government in power for West African standards.
Since independence tourism in The Gambia has been increased especially in the last twenty years, tourism to Gambia massive momentum. Nowadays Gambia belongs to the most popular winter sun destinations in Africa. There are mainly British, Belgians, Danes and Dutch. The beautiful luxury resorts, the beautiful palm-fringed beaches and friendly people will make most tourists more than once to go on holiday to Gambia.
Traveling to Gambia
From the Netherlands is flying the best way to travel to Gambia. There is one big Gambia international airport. This airport is about twenty minutes drive from the capital Banjul. The airport consists of one runway. From the Netherlands go there in the winter period with regular charter flights from Amsterdam Schiphol. There are plans eventually to fly from Brussels to Banjul.
Flight Time
You fly from Belgium and the Netherlands in about six hours to Banjul airport. However, this is an average it is clear that the flight time is greatly increased by strong headwind. Especially when flown by smaller aircraft because they are forced to make a stopover in Faro and here to fill up extra fuel. The flight time can thus be extended by one hour.
Accommodations
Most hotels, apartments and resorts are found in western Gambia along the coast. Most tourists who go on holiday to Gambia staying in this area. This part of the country is the most developed and well attuned western tourists. They are mostly luxury resorts and hotels of four or five stars that you encounter in Gambia. They are fully equipped. Often there are several on-site restaurants, shops and sometimes even find hairdressers and beauty salons. Whoever Gambia prefer a more primitive stay will can spend in a tent or a hut authentic Gambian night. You will here especially the air conditioning really going to miss.
An unusual fact is that only find one hotel in the capital Banjul.
Travel in Gambia
Most transportation in Gambia for tourists going by bus or taxi. On every street corner and along most roads there are dozens of waiting taxis for a ride. The abundance of taxis ensures that these are fairly cheap in Gambia. In many cases, they work with fixed prices. These fixed prices are at most hotels on a board so that later you do not get any surprises. All taxis are yellow with Gambia over that two green painted stripes.
The bus was after the taxi the most common means of transport for tourists it is mostly used for transport to and from the airport and the excursions offered. Most buses are equipped with air conditioning which makes it very pleasant ride. The locals make these buses do not use this use the bush taxis. These are small passenger vans where normally ten people fit but sometimes twenty people worry. Is the bus is full, you can of course always stand on the bumper or find a spot on the roof. It goes without saying that are not or hardly be used by tourists this way of transport.
There are several companies in Gambia where you can rent a car. However, it is not really advisable to drive long distances alone in Gambia. The roads are bad and in some places they are not much more than a bumpy dirt road.
Customs & Documents
To visit The Gambia you must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months. On the plane you have to fill an entry visa. This will give you along with your passport at customs. You get a stamp in your passport and you can then 90 days off to travel through the country. Upon leaving, you get a new stamp in your passport. Want in The Gambia for longer than three months then you need to make a visa application at the consulate in Amsterdam or the Embassy in Brussels. Lang was required to pay a 'departure tax, but it is now abolished.
Travel Season & Climate
Gambia has a savannah climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season lasts from mid-June to mid-October. In this period there are quite a lot of rainfall. During this period, it rains about half of all days. The rain falling there often take one or two hours, but they are quite heavy. Most come rain come naturally from the sea and announce themselves early. The air is then slowly pitch black and the wind begins to set. Not long after the storms will be firm and will drop a downpour. After the dark clouds disappeared, the sun will shine again. This combination ensures that the humidity in this period is very high. This is also the case in the first month after the rainy season. When most of the moisture once from the ground, the humidity lower and it is more pleasant in the country.
The dry season is characterized by extremely low precipitation rates. This is in fact zero from December to April. The average temperature during this period is the day above thirty degrees Celsius and sinks into the evening and night just slightly below twenty degrees Celsius. This allows Gambia is a perfect winter sun destination. During the day enjoy the African sun on the beach and relax in the evening on the terrace. The sea temperature in Gambia is the year very enjoyable. During the rainy season and the months that followed, the sea can even be called hot. During the warmer months, the average sea temperature is slightly lower which he can have a wonderful cooling effect. The UV radiation is very high throughout the year in the Gambia, especially from February to October. During this time it is even possible to burn when the sun is hidden behind clouds. So make sure at all times for a sunscreen with a high factor.
The climate of Gambia read your extensive climate information including detailed climate tables for Gambia and different places in Gambia.
The Gambia sun calendar you can see exactly what each month the best months for a sunny holiday to Gambia.
Gambia climate Table
Currency and Money
The national currency of Gambia is the Dalasi. The dalasi is again subdivided into 100 butut, but its value is so low that you do as a tourist unlikely to encounter. Bututs come in coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50. Dalasi, there are only notes. There are notes of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 dalasi. Remarkably, the Gambian bills is particularly nasty. Every time you've paid anything you feel the urge to wash your hands.
There can be found very few ATMs in Gambia. It's best to make sure you bring plenty of Euros and these changes locally. This can take the hotels and resorts but often get a better price by street traders. You have to do or conduct tough negotiations. Some hotels and resorts, it is also possible to withdraw cash with your credit card do you have to pay a fee. The ATMs you encounter often have a maximum withdrawal amount per day. Many of the ATMs are replenished sporadically and are therefore often empty.
Prices in The Gambia are quite low even for products to be imported. The standard of living in Gambia is much lower than ours. You eat for a few euros and a beer will cost you no more than one euro at most places.
Tipping is customary Gambia if you've been or someone has answered a few questions for your help with something has to give a tip to eat. Most of the people in Gambia living on a minimum income and any supplements thereto are welcome. The average monthly income of a Gambian is about fifty euros which represents about 2,500 dalasi. A euro tip (about 50 dalasi) is already a significant amount. Taxi drivers, guides, maids and other people working in the tourism industry are used to getting a tip.
Time Difference
Gambia is in the time zone UTC + 0:00 and knows no summer or winter. As a result, the time difference between Gambia and the Netherlands in the summer time and two hours in the winter time 1 hour.
National holidays:
January 1 - New Year
February 18 - Independence Day
May 1 - Labour Day
July 22 - Day of the takeover
August 15 - Assumption
December 25 - Christmas
Variable holidays (national):
good Friday
end of Ramadan
Day of sacrifice
Birthday of Muhammad.
Language
The official language of the Gambia is English. This language is spoken and written by most of the Gambian population. English is also the language used in official documents of the Government and on the road. In addition to English, there are rooks buckle about thirty different languages and dialects. The best-known dialects are Mandinka, Wolof, Fulani, Dyda, Serer and Serahule.
Health
Medical facilities in Gambia are reasonable but fall into the void with what we are used to in the Netherlands. In larger cities like Banjul and Serekunda can be found hospitals but here you can get the best, but not quite right. In the smaller villages and towns there is often a doctor or nurse who has appointed several villages under his or her care. The resources and expertise of these individuals is often limited. It is striking that many of the doctors have been trained in Gambia in Cuba.
Not all Dutch insurance companies have arrangements with the health authorities in the Gambia. Is this not the case then you will have to settle the bill on the spot contact.
The tap water is drinkable here but has a decent taste. This is not good to drink and when you drink too much you can get stomach cramps. If you use it to make coffee or tea it does not hurt anymore but it does not affect the taste in the drink. It is suitable for brushing your teeth. If I'd recommend drinking bottled water.
Those who travel to the Gambia can be vaccinated best against some diseases. No vaccinations are mandatory, but is recommended to take a DTP, yellow fever, hepatitis A and hepatitis B injection. You'll travel overland to Gambia over a cholera stamp is required. There is malaria in Gambia swallowing malaria pills, use rub yourself with DEET and mosquito nets is not a luxury.
For the most current situation, you should consult the website of the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Health (LCR).
Phone & Mobile
The dial number for Gambia is 00220
The dial number for the Netherlands from Gambia 0031
All Dutch providers have reasonable coverage in The Gambia. Even in the more remote areas we had a normal coverage during our visit. Calling from Gambia to Netherlands is expensive. This may be cheaper but you will Gambia buy a ticket from a local provider. In most places in The Gambia you can use the GPRS network were unable to obtain a 3G or 4G network. In some hotels and cottages coverage is not very good. This is mainly due to the thickness of the doors and walls. In some places, hotels and restaurants in Gambia you can make free use of the Wi-Fi network. This work often without encryption. In many cases, it also goes insecure networks where you have to be careful what you watch and share.
Electricity
The standard voltage is 220-240 volts AC. One uses in Gambia sometimes uses the same connectors as in the Netherlands and in some places we use the driepinnige English plugs. It is therefore wise to take a travel plug when you go to Gambia on holiday. So you can just use your phone and laptop chargers. You should however keep in mind that the power supply is constant less as we are used to in the Netherlands or Belgium. Fortunately, most hotels and resorts with good aggregates so you usually no longer than five minutes without flowing is.
Booking.com
Safety
It comes in Gambia malaria. Make sure you give yourself good rub and malaria are not a luxury.
Caution!
Tips (see & do)
A must see in The Gambia is one of the colorful markets. The market Banjul, also known as the "Albert Market" and the Serekunda market is the largest and busiest.
Did you know ... -
There is only one hotel in the capital Banjul.
From the Netherlands is flying the best way to travel to Gambia. There is one big Gambia international airport. This airport is about twenty minutes drive from the capital Banjul. The airport consists of one runway. From the Netherlands go there in the winter period with regular charter flights from Amsterdam Schiphol. There are plans eventually to fly from Brussels to Banjul.
Flight Time
You fly from Belgium and the Netherlands in about six hours to Banjul airport. However, this is an average it is clear that the flight time is greatly increased by strong headwind. Especially when flown by smaller aircraft because they are forced to make a stopover in Faro and here to fill up extra fuel. The flight time can thus be extended by one hour.
Accommodations
Most hotels, apartments and resorts are found in western Gambia along the coast. Most tourists who go on holiday to Gambia staying in this area. This part of the country is the most developed and well attuned western tourists. They are mostly luxury resorts and hotels of four or five stars that you encounter in Gambia. They are fully equipped. Often there are several on-site restaurants, shops and sometimes even find hairdressers and beauty salons. Whoever Gambia prefer a more primitive stay will can spend in a tent or a hut authentic Gambian night. You will here especially the air conditioning really going to miss.
An unusual fact is that only find one hotel in the capital Banjul.
Travel in Gambia
Most transportation in Gambia for tourists going by bus or taxi. On every street corner and along most roads there are dozens of waiting taxis for a ride. The abundance of taxis ensures that these are fairly cheap in Gambia. In many cases, they work with fixed prices. These fixed prices are at most hotels on a board so that later you do not get any surprises. All taxis are yellow with Gambia over that two green painted stripes.
The bus was after the taxi the most common means of transport for tourists it is mostly used for transport to and from the airport and the excursions offered. Most buses are equipped with air conditioning which makes it very pleasant ride. The locals make these buses do not use this use the bush taxis. These are small passenger vans where normally ten people fit but sometimes twenty people worry. Is the bus is full, you can of course always stand on the bumper or find a spot on the roof. It goes without saying that are not or hardly be used by tourists this way of transport.
There are several companies in Gambia where you can rent a car. However, it is not really advisable to drive long distances alone in Gambia. The roads are bad and in some places they are not much more than a bumpy dirt road.
Customs & Documents
To visit The Gambia you must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months. On the plane you have to fill an entry visa. This will give you along with your passport at customs. You get a stamp in your passport and you can then 90 days off to travel through the country. Upon leaving, you get a new stamp in your passport. Want in The Gambia for longer than three months then you need to make a visa application at the consulate in Amsterdam or the Embassy in Brussels. Lang was required to pay a 'departure tax, but it is now abolished.
Travel Season & Climate
Gambia has a savannah climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season lasts from mid-June to mid-October. In this period there are quite a lot of rainfall. During this period, it rains about half of all days. The rain falling there often take one or two hours, but they are quite heavy. Most come rain come naturally from the sea and announce themselves early. The air is then slowly pitch black and the wind begins to set. Not long after the storms will be firm and will drop a downpour. After the dark clouds disappeared, the sun will shine again. This combination ensures that the humidity in this period is very high. This is also the case in the first month after the rainy season. When most of the moisture once from the ground, the humidity lower and it is more pleasant in the country.
The dry season is characterized by extremely low precipitation rates. This is in fact zero from December to April. The average temperature during this period is the day above thirty degrees Celsius and sinks into the evening and night just slightly below twenty degrees Celsius. This allows Gambia is a perfect winter sun destination. During the day enjoy the African sun on the beach and relax in the evening on the terrace. The sea temperature in Gambia is the year very enjoyable. During the rainy season and the months that followed, the sea can even be called hot. During the warmer months, the average sea temperature is slightly lower which he can have a wonderful cooling effect. The UV radiation is very high throughout the year in the Gambia, especially from February to October. During this time it is even possible to burn when the sun is hidden behind clouds. So make sure at all times for a sunscreen with a high factor.
The climate of Gambia read your extensive climate information including detailed climate tables for Gambia and different places in Gambia.
The Gambia sun calendar you can see exactly what each month the best months for a sunny holiday to Gambia.
Gambia climate Table
Month | Average max. temp. in ° C | Average min. temp. in ° C | Hours of sunshine per day | Days of precipitation per month | Sea temperature in ° C |
January | 32 | 16 | 8 | 1 | 22 |
February | 34 | 17 | 9 | 1 | 21 |
March | 35 | 18 | 9 | 1 | 21 |
April | 36 | 18 | 10 | 3 | 22 |
May | 35 | 20 | 10 | 7 | 24 |
June | 34 | 23 | 8 | 14 | 27 |
July | 33 | 24 | 7 | 17 | 28 |
August | 32 | 24 | 7 | 18 | 28 |
September | 32 | 23 | 7 | 16 | 28 |
October | 33 | 22 | 8 | 13 | 28 |
November | 33 | 19 | 9 | 6 | 28 |
December | 32 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 25 |
Currency and Money
The national currency of Gambia is the Dalasi. The dalasi is again subdivided into 100 butut, but its value is so low that you do as a tourist unlikely to encounter. Bututs come in coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50. Dalasi, there are only notes. There are notes of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 dalasi. Remarkably, the Gambian bills is particularly nasty. Every time you've paid anything you feel the urge to wash your hands.
There can be found very few ATMs in Gambia. It's best to make sure you bring plenty of Euros and these changes locally. This can take the hotels and resorts but often get a better price by street traders. You have to do or conduct tough negotiations. Some hotels and resorts, it is also possible to withdraw cash with your credit card do you have to pay a fee. The ATMs you encounter often have a maximum withdrawal amount per day. Many of the ATMs are replenished sporadically and are therefore often empty.
Prices in The Gambia are quite low even for products to be imported. The standard of living in Gambia is much lower than ours. You eat for a few euros and a beer will cost you no more than one euro at most places.
Tipping is customary Gambia if you've been or someone has answered a few questions for your help with something has to give a tip to eat. Most of the people in Gambia living on a minimum income and any supplements thereto are welcome. The average monthly income of a Gambian is about fifty euros which represents about 2,500 dalasi. A euro tip (about 50 dalasi) is already a significant amount. Taxi drivers, guides, maids and other people working in the tourism industry are used to getting a tip.
Time Difference
Gambia is in the time zone UTC + 0:00 and knows no summer or winter. As a result, the time difference between Gambia and the Netherlands in the summer time and two hours in the winter time 1 hour.
National holidays:
January 1 - New Year
February 18 - Independence Day
May 1 - Labour Day
July 22 - Day of the takeover
August 15 - Assumption
December 25 - Christmas
Variable holidays (national):
good Friday
end of Ramadan
Day of sacrifice
Birthday of Muhammad.
Language
The official language of the Gambia is English. This language is spoken and written by most of the Gambian population. English is also the language used in official documents of the Government and on the road. In addition to English, there are rooks buckle about thirty different languages and dialects. The best-known dialects are Mandinka, Wolof, Fulani, Dyda, Serer and Serahule.
Health
Medical facilities in Gambia are reasonable but fall into the void with what we are used to in the Netherlands. In larger cities like Banjul and Serekunda can be found hospitals but here you can get the best, but not quite right. In the smaller villages and towns there is often a doctor or nurse who has appointed several villages under his or her care. The resources and expertise of these individuals is often limited. It is striking that many of the doctors have been trained in Gambia in Cuba.
Not all Dutch insurance companies have arrangements with the health authorities in the Gambia. Is this not the case then you will have to settle the bill on the spot contact.
The tap water is drinkable here but has a decent taste. This is not good to drink and when you drink too much you can get stomach cramps. If you use it to make coffee or tea it does not hurt anymore but it does not affect the taste in the drink. It is suitable for brushing your teeth. If I'd recommend drinking bottled water.
Those who travel to the Gambia can be vaccinated best against some diseases. No vaccinations are mandatory, but is recommended to take a DTP, yellow fever, hepatitis A and hepatitis B injection. You'll travel overland to Gambia over a cholera stamp is required. There is malaria in Gambia swallowing malaria pills, use rub yourself with DEET and mosquito nets is not a luxury.
For the most current situation, you should consult the website of the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Health (LCR).
Phone & Mobile
The dial number for Gambia is 00220
The dial number for the Netherlands from Gambia 0031
All Dutch providers have reasonable coverage in The Gambia. Even in the more remote areas we had a normal coverage during our visit. Calling from Gambia to Netherlands is expensive. This may be cheaper but you will Gambia buy a ticket from a local provider. In most places in The Gambia you can use the GPRS network were unable to obtain a 3G or 4G network. In some hotels and cottages coverage is not very good. This is mainly due to the thickness of the doors and walls. In some places, hotels and restaurants in Gambia you can make free use of the Wi-Fi network. This work often without encryption. In many cases, it also goes insecure networks where you have to be careful what you watch and share.
Electricity
The standard voltage is 220-240 volts AC. One uses in Gambia sometimes uses the same connectors as in the Netherlands and in some places we use the driepinnige English plugs. It is therefore wise to take a travel plug when you go to Gambia on holiday. So you can just use your phone and laptop chargers. You should however keep in mind that the power supply is constant less as we are used to in the Netherlands or Belgium. Fortunately, most hotels and resorts with good aggregates so you usually no longer than five minutes without flowing is.
Booking.com
Safety
It comes in Gambia malaria. Make sure you give yourself good rub and malaria are not a luxury.
- - Remember when remote cottages and hotels in mind that you do not leave valuables on view. This may become an easy target for thieves.
- - On the crowded markets and streets in the major cities and tourist places can just as in the Netherlands pickpockets are active. The same money for public transport in The Gambia.
- - In the Atlantic there are different currents for the Gambia. These currents and, in particular, the lower currents can sometimes be quite insidious. State-colored flag displayed at most hotels and resorts whether it is safe to swim. In some places there are lifeguards at work.
- - The roads are not always of good quality, adjust your speed and driving style here on. Especially in the interior of Gambia but found few paved roads.
Caution!
- Homosexuality is illegal in Gambia on open homosexuality are heavy prison sentences.
- - Bargaining is a must in Gambia. Never pay more than half the original asking price.
- - About ninety percent of the entire population of The Gambia is Muslim. On Friday there will be quite a few shops are closed. Sometimes for a period of time sometimes for the whole day.
- - The hygiene is seriously put in places so watch out with raw products and meat and fish which is not well done.
Tips (see & do)
A must see in The Gambia is one of the colorful markets. The market Banjul, also known as the "Albert Market" and the Serekunda market is the largest and busiest.
- - Not far from the market in Serekunda find the Batik factory. Here you can buy beautifully painted African fabrics and get you how they are made.
- - On the road to the capital Banjul you encounter at the Liberty Drive the National Museum of Gambia. The museum is not comparable to the museums that we are used to in the West but if you want to know you have to stop here as more of the Gambian history.
- - A special charity project in Gambia is "Wide Open Walls". Internationally renowned street artists create beautiful works of art in remote villages in order to get tourists to the village.
- - One of the most beautiful beaches in Gambia Paradise Beach. At the beach you have to offer delicious on a bed to enjoy all the good that the Gambia.
- - The Atlantic Ocean in Gambia but also the Gambia River is known for its many species of fish. This makes a perfect fishing conditions Gambia.
- - A trip to Kunta Kinte Island is an advantage if you want to know more about the history of The Gambia. On this island were the slaves held captive in the country during the colonial past before she left for America.
- - The Gambian cuisine is a bit overshadowed by the many foreign restaurants are in the tourist areas. If you really want to eat Gambian then Domoda, fish or meat with vegetables in peanut sauce, highly recommended.
- - Is to be found one of the largest auctions of Gambia In the village of Tanji. The fish is processed directly from the boat. There are some smokehouses you can visit and where you can taste the hot smoked fish.
- - Do you want to see animals in Gambia go to one of the six national parks and also get more than five hundred species of birds against next several monkey species.
- - Want to see more of the interior of Gambia, hire a 4x4 with driver and visit places where you can not get with a normal car
- - The people in The Gambia have a shortage of everything, you have spaces in your suitcase take old clothes, notebooks, pens, etc. with it.
Did you know ... -
There is only one hotel in the capital Banjul.
- - In addition to tourism the country lives mainly from fishing and peanut crops
- - The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa
- - Gambia in the eighties wanted to merge with Senegal. The country would be called Senegambia. These plans are ultimately never implemented.
- - There find sacred crocodiles in Gambia that you can get without problems.
- - There exist in the Gambia River dolphins. do during a trip on the river you have a great chance to meet a few.
- - The slogan of the country "The smiling coast of Africa"
- - There from James Island more than twelve million slaves were shipped to America.
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