Gambia is a small African country sandwiched within the country of Senegal which it borders to the north, east and south. Travelers to Gambia will find more than long, sandy beaches – while it does not have the big game species of other African countries such as elephant and buffalo, Gambia is known to be a top birdwatching destination.
Its greatest natural feature is the river Gambia which wends its way through the length of the country to the Atlantic ocean, the peaceful beauty and wildlife along its banks an attraction that is entices more Eco-tourists than ever to pay a visit. In addition to the natural beauty, there are vibrant markets, colorful festivals and plenty of traditional music and dance.
Gambia's South Atlantic Coast
This section of coastline, south of Gambia's capital Banjul is one continuous strip of shallow bays and beaches – some are empty while others are busy fishing centers.
The area is still wild with an undiscovered feel about it where one can walk along the sandy beaches for hours without coming across another soul. Tourist development in this part of Gambia is proceeding at a gentle pace – there are a scattering of beach bars and rustic accommodation along the coast which, although not sophisticated, set themselves up as eco-tourist camps with an emphasis on making the most of the unspoiled natural environment.
An excursion popular with travelers to Gambia is to explore the southern region by taking an all-day 'bush and beach' tour or a 4 x 4 adventure trip. This kind of trip combines visiting villages such as Tanji with its bird reserve and fishing center or Kartong with its sacred crocodile pool with lunch to follow on one of the pristine beaches.
The country is forested and beautiful with numerous tiny hamlets where the traveler can get a glimpse of rural African life.
The Gambian Tanbi Wetlands
The Tanbi wetlands are a wilderness of mangroves, saltwater creeks and mudflats just inside the mouth of the River Gambia which is home to some endemic, rare mammals such as the marsh mongoose and the west African manatee. The wetlands are particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset when the waters are calm and the bird life at its most active.
Expect to see pelicans settling down to roost in the huge baobab trees or kingfishers, storks, dazzling bee-eaters or African darters perched on low mangrove branches. The birds retreat from the blazing sun during midday.
A suggestion for those traveling to Gambia's wetlands is to explore the mangrove lined waterways by hiring a small dugout canoe where one can enjoy the peace of the river and be entertained by monkeys bounding through the trees, or alternatively why not take a guided excursion from one of the resort hotels, lie back and relax while someone else does the rowing?
Source:
"The Rough Guide to The Gambia" by Emma Gregg and Richard Trillo
More articles on travel in Africa:
How to be an Eco-Tourist in Africa
Malawi National Parks and Safaris
Overland Travel in Africa with Small Children
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