Traveling In Gambia

Gambia is a small West Africa country which is bordered by Senegal and a narrow Atlantic coastline.

This country is known for its diverse ecosystems found around the central Gambia River.

 Abuko Nature Reserve is a nature reserve that is easy to reach from any of the major resorts and attractions. It is best to explore this nature reserve on foot to get to see over 300 species of birds, reptiles, forest antelopes, monkeys and crocodiles. You can find out about the colonial history of Gambia in the twin villages of Jufereh and Albreda.

The reserve was created in the early 20^th century to protect a water collection point. This is Gambia’s first reserve. Conservation efforts are going on here which involve three primate species as well as antelope, porcupine, African palm civets, crocodiles, galagos and about 300 bird species.

One very interesting fact about Abuko is that the nature reserve is the closest tropical forest to Europe.

Kiang West National Park is a great place to explore varied terrain that consists of grasslands, dry woodlands, mud flats and mangrove creeks. This is the largest national park of its kind in Gambia and is a great place for bird watching.

You can see a lot of wildlife here like baboons, warthogs, bush babies, marsh mongooses and colobus monkeys. At times you can also spot crocodiles, dolphins and hyenas.

Kotu is a wonderful holiday destination. The beach is considered to be the best in the main resort strip in Gambia. It is a lovely white sand beach and the area is a great place to get to see wildlife and do some bird watching in the wetlands of Kotu Creek. If you like to you can take fishing and snorkeling expeditions.

Makasutu Culture Forest is a well-known eco-attraction where visitors can discover woodland fauna and learn the basics of medicinal plants on a cultural tour through the forest.

Boat trips are organized with dugout canoes. You can stay overnight in camps or lodges.

Wassu Stone Circles are mysterious stone circles found in Wassau in eastern Gambia. This is thought to be an ancient burial site of ancient kindgs and chiefs. It is a man-made wonder and more than 1,200 years old. The stones stand one to two and a half meters tall.

These mysterious stone circles are located in Wassu in eastern Gambia and are believed to be ancient burial sites. The Wassu Stone Circles are a man-made wonder that is estimated to be over 1,200 years old. Megalithic in origin, they stand one to two and a half meters tall.

Even though the biggest concentration of stone circles is here there are hundreds of circles throughout the country. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 and local legend has it that if anyone disturbs these stones they’ll be cursed.

Visit the quiet beach village with around 7,000 people made up of Wolof, Mandinka, Fula and Jola tribes. Sangyang Beach is made up of Paradise, Osprey, and Pelican beaches. It is considered to be the best beachfront in Gambia. The long stretch of remote shore is surrounded by mangroves and lagoons. The main economy here is fishing and the village has a great fish market. There are also many shaded footpaths along which you can to some nature trekking.

Janjanbureh Island is located in eastern Gambia and is located right in the heart of the Gambia River. Visitors can do some bird watching and take strolls along the walking paths.

The small town Janjangbureh is also known as Georgetown. It is located on Janjanburch or MacCarthy Island in the Gambia River. A walk through the town takes visitors to the old Commissioner’s Quarter. The 200-year-old house was once in habited by freed slaves. Visitors enjoy doing some bird watching.

Banjul is the capital of Gambia and home to the National Museum of Gambia. It is a port city located on Saint Mary’s Island.

The city has impressive colonial architecture, especially near July 22^nd Square Arch. Visitors enjoy climbing the arch to get a great view of the city.

It has a busy harbor and visitors enjoy seeing the street hawkers from Senegal and Guinea.

When in Banjul visit the bustling Albert Market which was created in the mid 19^th century and named after Prince Albert. It is an exciting place where you can find most everything like shoes, wooden masks, electronics as well as all kinds of foods. There are also street vendors and drink stalls.

In the city head for Ma Cumba Jallow Street just west of the ferry terminal and you’ll see various colonial buildings and traditional Krio-style clapboard houses.

The Old Town reminds one of Freetown in Sierra Leone because many Freetown families settled here in the early 19^th century. This is a great section to walk through to get a feel of history.

You’ll find The National Museum of Gambia in the historic building of the once white only Bathurst Club. There is a wide range of exhibits and displays among them exhibits of traditional Gambian life, the colonial history of Bathurst, information on the Senegambia stone circle sites, music and dance.

Be sure to see the giant Kankurang mask hanging in the main hall. This powerful ritual mask is used during rites of passage and coming of age.

Visit the amazing nine acre Kachikally Crocodile Pool located right in the heart of Bakau Old Town. Locals believe the water here has healing powers.

There are about 80 crocodiles that call the pool home. On this site you’ll also find an ethnography museum, souvenir shop, cafe and nature trail.

Bijilo Forest Park or Monkey Park is located just 11 km from Banjul. It is a lovely reserve that is visited by many. The trails are well maintained and there is lush flora, a gallery forest, grasses and low bushes.

The three primate species here are the red colobus, vervet and patas. Tourists are warned not to feed the monkey but they can get to be a handful.

Bird lovers will enjoy over 100 species among them osprey, bee-eaters and francolin.

The Brufut Resort and village is located between the Kombo South District and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach has golden sand and lots of privacy. To get to the beach you have to climb down cliffs which have paths.

Here you can see fishermen spearing fish and repairing nets. You can sunbathe, enjoy water sports, do some cycling and walk along the beach.

Serrekunda and the Atlantic Coast is Gambia’s biggest urban center with a bustling marketplace near the Atlantic coast. There are great resorts here for touris like Kololi, Kotu, Strand, Fajara and Bakau. Serrekunda has good restaurants and nightclubs.

The largest town is Serrekunda. Here you’ll find the Batik Factory, where tie-dyed and batik fabrics are made.

The Gambian coast has many fishing villages. The busiest and most popular being Tanji. The biggest activity is on the beach where you can do some people watching and go swimming. See the bustling fish market.

The Tanji Village Museum lets visitors have a look at Gambian traditions and lifestyle.

Enjoy the birds at the Tanji River Bird Reserve with savannah habitats and marine wetland along the river.

You’ll find more than 300 bird species including 34 raptors. There are also bushbacks, hyenas, green monkeys and the red colobus.

Check out the Bijol Islands which have more than 20,000 birds and seals and whales.

 

 

http://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/gambia/attractions

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-gambia/

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