Holiday Tips

Do’s and Don’ts
Important information!

“SUN STROKE” is very serious! The sun is deceivingly hot especially if there is a breeze. DO NOT sit in the sun for long periods. DO always drink plenty of water and DO always wear a hat when taking long walks. Dehydration occurs quicker when drinking alcohol and with the combination of the sun, you increase the risk of suffering sunstroke.

“BANJUL BELLY” as it ‘s commonly known often occurs through not drinking enough water. Alcoholic drinks DONOT substitute water. Symptoms may start with a headache, dizziness and stomach cramps. In severe cases, high temperature with vomiting and diarrhea can occur. In such cases avoid dairy product and drink plenty of water. DO Take care where you eat too, make sure the establishment have running water and have back up facilities for power.

SIMPLE REMEDY: A drink made from rice water with a little sugar and a pinch of salt will help to settle the stomach, if symptoms persist seek medical advise from a professional Doctor.

DOCTORS CLINICS IN YOUR AREA:
· Afrimed Clinic, Senegambia : Dr Omar Jagne Tel: 4465359 / 7739415
24 Hour service, Agents for Bupa International Health Care
· Kololi Clinic, Kololi : Dr Ceesay Tel: 4463434
· Lamtorro Clinic Senegambia: Dr Sallah Tel: 4460934
· Ndebaan Medical Center : Dr Jack Faal Tel: 4496426

PERSONAL SAFTEY: DO NOT Walk alone or on lonely roads at night. especially dark areas The Gambia is a relatively safe country, but DO use common sense, take the same precautions as you would in Europe. Take care of your money DO NOT carry more than you need when you are walking around.

AVOID TEMPTATION: Rent a security box in your Hotel if one is not provided free. Elsafe have safety deposit boxes for rent in most Hotels always make sure your personal belongings and credit cards are safely stored, DO NOT leave them lying around in your room.

DRESS CODE: Dress sensibly, DO NOT walk in the streets in Bikinis or swimming trunks as this is SOCIALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE Topless bathing is permitted on the beach, but DO NOT walk around topless. Simple casual cloths are fine during the day, Men should wear a shirt in the Evening time . Short sleeve and casual trousers are acceptable.

Enjoy your Gambia Holidays!

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website www.ttag.gm

The Gambia

Republic of The Gambia

Local Time = UTC

Capital City: Banjul (pop. 35 000, with suburbs 500 000)

Other Cities: Serrekunda (pop. 200 000), Basse Santa Su, Georgetown (Jangjang-bureh), Juffureh.

Government: Type: Civilian.Independence: 18 February 1965 (from the UK).

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean surrounded by Senegal.

Area: 11 300 sq. km. (4 360 sq. mi.)

Terrain: Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by low hills.

Climate: Tropical; hot rainy season (June to Nov.); cooler, dry season (Nov. to May).

Population: 1.5 million.

Ethnic groups: Mandinka 40%, Fula 18%, Wolof 14%, Jola 10%, Serahule 9%, Serere 8%, Krio/Aku Marabout, Manjago, Bambara.

Non-Gambians 13% of the population.

Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 4%, animists.

Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula (Pulaar), Jola, other indigenous languages.Literacy: 38%
Roots
Take a boat to Jufureh and meet the descendants of Kunta Kinteh. The claim by author Alex Haley, to have traced his ancestors back to Kinteh Family has made the former slave trade trading post Jufureh and the nearby Albreda, a popular visiting site. The slave house and the Cannon still remain from the French trading post which was foundind in 1681. Accross teh water is James Island, founded by the British in 1651. The water is gaining ground on the island and it is now only one third of it's orriginal size.
Up Country
For the more adventurous who wish to explore further afield, excursions can be arranged through various tour opperators. Take it slow and easy ona 10 day boat cruise to Basse and back, or over land by 4 wheel drive. Do make sure that you use knowledgable and experienced operators, some of the roads are not so good! Some trips may last several days staying at up country camps. Tours can also take you into the Casamance region of Senegal, or by crossing at either Banjul/Barra or Manso Konko/Farafenni to reach the north bank and into North Senegal.

Enjoy your Gambia Holidays!

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website www.ttag.gm