Gambia has been known as a laid-back West African beach destination for years, but this has gradually changed as the country began to focus on people as a conservation and cultural hotspot.
The Gambia Tourism Commission recently unveiled a comprehensive marketing strategy to showcase the country as a comprehensive ecotourism destination as part of a World Bank-funded diversification and resilience project.
“The world’s travel patterns are developing and the Gambia is adapting,” said Abubacarr Camara, Director of Tourism. “As we continue to celebrate the beach tourism industry, we are now unleashing the potential of ecotourism, heritage experiences and adventure travel.”
Tourism officials say what makes the small country particularly attractive to African travelers is its accessibility. “Gambia is a great start for anyone who comes to Africa from an English-speaking country,” said Linda Verasdal, a Norwegian-born travel entrepreneur who has lived in Gambia for over 15 years and is the founder of the Ethical Travel Portal. “English is the official language, which means visitors can easily interact with locals.”
The lack of language barriers makes interactions with many ecological tourism projects in the Gambia. Only an hour south of the main tourist area, Gunjur village displays several grassroots programs including the Turtle Project, which protects turtle eggs until hatch and conducts innovative plastic recycling programs.
“These small projects have made a real impact,” Verasdal said. “It’s really fun to see these grass-roots initiatives, and it’s worth it for visitors who want to understand the challenges and solutions.”
One of the most innovative projects in Gambia is the Gambia Cotton Trail, which connects coastal guns to the upstream villages of Njau through a woman-led initiative through a female-led initiative. Visitors can follow the entire production chain from cotton through rotation, braiding and tailoring. “It's a way to learn culture, people and history, and they all fit into a journey that allows you to see the country,” Verasdal said.
Travelers who want to explore these community projects can stay Step-by-step ecological gate In Gunjur, one of the historic eco-decorations in the Gambia, about a mile from the beach and a 25-minute walk through scenic off-road terrain.
From safari to rare monkeys
From the coast, travelers can organize boat tours on the Gambia River, the easiest waterway in Africa. Near Gunjur, these tours explore tributaries and border waters with Senegal, visiting the Pelican Island where hundreds of water birds gather.
For more wildlife, visitors can travel to the central area. “If you want to meet hippos, then red Gorobs monkeys, travel upstream for a few hours and stay overnight,” Verasdal said. “In the afternoon, watch wildlife drink at sunset; early the next morning, visit one of several monkey colonies.”
For staying upstream, Kaulun River Camp Overlooking the river, it has recently expanded with upgraded rooms. It is the ideal foundation for exploring the historical roots of the western part of Albreda and Juffereh, as well as wildlife experiences in the east near Kuntaur. Simple properties in Janjanbureh, e.g. Kairoh Garden Or Musa's Garden Lodge offers authentic hospitality and direct access to hiking trails, sunrise kayaking and community interaction.
The highlight here is a visit to the Red Colobus project near Kuntaur/Janjanbureh. The community advocates spending on visitors directly for forest conservation, while guests take guided walks to find rare primates in ancient trees.
Inland activities continue through such Fairplay GambiaA social enterprise located in Janjanbureh offers everything from a three-hour sunset cruise to a multi-day adventure along the Gambia River. Activities include kayaking, hiking, fishing for the famous African tiger fish and visiting the Gambia River National Park, where rescued chimpanzees live on protected islands.
According to Verasdal, the Gambia's location on the main bird migration route makes it a paradise for birdwatchers and records over 500 species. “Some guests come just for bird watching, but then find more things, like walking trails, and you can almost see other tourists,” she said.
Cruise phones rise
Interestingly, cruise companies have begun to include the capital Banjul in their itinerary: Norwegian Cruise, Oceania Cruise, Dutch America Line, Seabourn Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Silversea have all recently added phone calls here, with the day trips highlighting natural wonders and cultural experiences.
But for those who want a snapshot on the shore, Verasdal suggests that a comprehensive travel should be combined with the coast and the Upper Country. She said: “Spend a week to use places like footsteps eco-hotels as your base and then add three to four nights upstream, combining wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, adventures.
Short distances, everyone speaks English, and it is actually possible to get a full Gambian experience in 10 to 14 days – from in Kunta Kinteh Islanddetail the history of the slave trade; watch the kingfisher fall in the mist for the lazy sunrise; and the night flowers learn how cotton thread turns into beautiful handicrafts.
