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Gambia Holidays

Cheap Gambia Holidays

The Gambia West Africa, cheap Gambia Holidays in bed breakfast, half board, full board and all inclusive Gambia holidays.
Gambia holiday resorts include: South Kotu, Kololi, Bakau, Cape Point, Banjul, Bijilo, Brufut, Kotu, Fajara, Dog Island, Kartong, Makasutu.

Introduction to The Gambia

 
WHAT TO EXPECT...
THE SMILING COAST OF AFRICA
     For a winter sun holiday, The Gambia is hard to beat
     – the climate, friendly people and short flight times
all add to its appeal; in summer it offers a quiet
alternative to the busier resorts of Europe.
EXPERIENCE SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Although when lying on the beach or relaxing by the pool you
could be in any tropical destination, it is also easy to experience
the local culture and feel as though you’ve truly arrived in Africa.
Travel to rural villages to watch palm-wine tappers, drive through
the African bush to hear the monkeys chattering and watch
flocks of colourful birds fly overhead; even from the comfort of
your hotel you can listen to the drums of local entertainers and
watch incredible energetic dancing. For first time visitors to
Africa The Gambia is a good introduction as it is English-
speaking, flights are less than six hours and the hotels are all
fairly close to the airport so transfers are also short.
However, The Gambia isn’t right for everyone and it is important
to know what to expect and choose the right location – that’s
where we can help. People travelling to a developing country for
the first time can find it a culture shock – there is poverty and
begging but there is also genuine hospitality and you will meet
some of the friendliest people on Earth.
Outside the hotels and on the beaches there are Gambians
selling fruit, nuts and handicrafts but it is the ones trying to work
as unofficial guides or “bumsters” that can become a nuisance.
Again, we try to prepare everyone with advice in our guides and
welcome meetings on the best way to deal with them – you will
soon realise that there’s no need to worry.
The population of The Gambia is mostly Muslim, although there
is a small number of Christians who live alongside them in
peace – even intermarrying. Other cultures are accepted and
alcohol is served in the hotels, restaurants and shops – the
country even has its own brewery. Although tolerant, we do ask
clients to adopt a modest standard of dress when outside the
hotels, particularly in more rural areas. The festival of Ramadan
lasts for one month from 1st August 2011.
Previous visitors agree with us: 50%* of people who travelled in
winter 2009/10 with The Gambia Experience have been before
and many return time and time again.
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Gambia is a former British colony; Gambians within resort
areas all speak English so communication within your hotel, in
restaurants and whilst out and about is very easy. It is one of the
smallest countries in Africa, situated on approximately the same
latitude as Barbados. Mostly flat, the country is dominated by
the impressive River Gambia from which it takes its name.
*Figure from winter 2009/10 holiday questionnaires.
An ideal winter sun destination, The Gambia enjoys almost
uninterrupted sunshine and high daytime temperatures from
November to June, and rainfall is virtually unheard of. It is less
known as a summer destination but many clients prefer this
quieter time when the landscape is transformed into lush green
with colourful flowering trees.
VALUE FOR MONEY
The Gambia is outside the euro zone and offers better value for
money than many other popular tourist destinations, both when
in resort and in the cost of your holiday, particularly The Luxury
Collection hotels. The Gambia’s currency is the dalasi and in the
last year the exchange rate has fluctuated between 39 and 44
dalasi to the pound.
NO LANGUAGE BARRIER
The official language in The Gambia is English and this is widely
spoken; newspapers and road signs are also printed in English
so you’ll immediately feel at ease. Gambians are educated in
English but there are several tribal languages including
Mandinka, Wolof and Jola so most Gambians are at least
bilingual.
= London averages
12

The Gambia is Under 6 hours flying time from London and has no time difference. The Gambia is an English speaking former British colony and an exciting destination all year round. This winter The Gambia is increasingly popular as it is outside of the Eurozone and is unaffected by the current poor Euro exchange rates. In fact the Dalasi to Pound exchange is pretty much unchanged from what it was 3 years ago! The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa, situated on the unspoilt west coast on approximately the same latitude as Barbados. Mostly flat, the country is dominated by the majestic River Gambia from which it takes its name. A sub tropical climate, fascinating culture, magnificent wide sandy beaches and some of the friendliest people on earth, add up to a great holiday destination, whether you are a after a summer getaway or seeking some guaranteed winter sun. The Gambia is not for everyone as the pace of life is laid back and unhurried, but many people get addicted, returning year after year. Call for any holiday quote to The Gambia on the above phone number.