Ashton's Gambia

Introduction to The Gambia

The Gambia is just a small country – approximately 11,000 km2 and has a population of between 1.5 and 2.0 million people. It is situated on the west coast of Africa and is surrounded by the much larger country, Senegal. The entire country lies below 100m and is approximately 330 km long by 25–30 km wide, the Gambia River runs through the centre of the country and is tidal for about 200 km. Mangroves grow over most of the river banks and many low-lying swamp areas, accounting for as much as 30% of the country.



The Gambia was a British colony until 1965 when it gained independence and it became the Republic of The Gambia in 1970. Most of the population is Muslim and approximately 25% is Christian. The people are very friendly and they love the British people. Most of the tourists are British, followed probably by the Dutch. You must remember the people in Gambia are, in general, rather poor and so whenever you are offered assistance with baggage, directions, drinks or food, etc a tip is anticipated and often requested.

The Gambia has a tropical climate and there are two distinct seasons though there is no sharp division between them. The wet season is approximately June to September and the dry season runs from October to May. We decided to go at the very end of November/beginning December, so the dry season had started and logically this meant that birds would often be attracted to water, and we anticipated a good deal of hide photography which was near to water – but more of that later.

I will not dwell upon the geography and climate further, but I would advise you that, speaking as an Englishman, it is incredibly hot and humid; walking with a rucksack of camera gear, plus a 500mm mounted on a tripod is not much fun at 36° C and 80–90% humidity!

A full passport with more than six months’ validity is required; you will also need immunisation for yellow fever, tetanus, hepatitis c, polio, diphtheria and tablets for the prevention of malaria. I took sterling travellers cheques along with £50 worth of Dalasis – you will get a better exchange rate in your hotel. As might be expected there is a range of hotels ranging from what might be loosely referred to as 2* to 5* rating; comparatively speaking, costs are low. Hotel food ranges from fair to very good, though it may prove highly repetitive – so the answer is go to the hotel next door or to a well-frequented restaurant.

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