Bird Watching      Home      Accommodation      Activities      The Gambia    Ecology      Beauty Salon     Fishing    Photo Gallery      Weather     Contact Us     Hidden Gambia    Flights

The Gambia          
The Gambia is named after the Gambia River, which flows through its  entire length from East to West (into the Atlantic ocean) for more than 300 miles. The Gambia is the smallest independent country in Africa - with a population of just 800,000 living on an area of 4,000 square miles - a narrow belt of land on either side of the river. Its sister Republic of Senegal surrounds it on three sides; the western boundary being the Atlantic Ocean with its glorious beaches and wide river estuary at Banjul, the capital.

Britain gained control of the mouth and the lower reaches of the river and started trading with the Gambians in 1587, and within a few decades had explored the river and established an enclave in the surrounding French territory of Senegal, a useful base from which to launch attacks on French trading settlements.

Language
The official language of The Gambia is English, which is used in schools, courts of law and the administration. French is taught in some secondary and high schools and many of the staff in hotels, restaurants and excursion agencies speak other European languages such as German, Italian, Dutch, French and the Scandinavian languages. 

Religion
The majority religion in The Gambia is Muslim, however there are three main Christian denominations - Roman Catholic, Anglican and Methodist. Recently, other churches (mainly 'born again') have established missions in The Gambia. Churches are located in various parts of Greater Banjul and in the provinces.

Local Customs
It is recommended to greet a person before starting a conversation. A handshake is widely used as a form of greeting with the word 'Salamalekum' meaning Hello. The majority of Gambians are Muslims and their religious beliefs should be respected by visitors.
The right hand should always be used to give or receive things. Gambians are a very friendly people and visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality.

Drinking Water
In most of Greater Banjul, the water supply system is fed from deep bore holes which is adequately chlorinated and considered safe for drinking. However, bottled mineral water is available from all hotels, supermarkets and restaurants. The water at Footsteps Lodge comes from its own borehole which is uncontaminated by other users and is perfectly safe.  

Crime
The crime rate in The Gambia is generally lower than in most countries in this sub region. The main offences are petty thefts and break ins.  No need to worry 'Footsteps has its own security staff. Just take normal precautions when out and about.

Shopping
There are well stocked supermarkets in Banjul, Bakau, Serrekunda and along the mixed business and residential area of Kairaba Avenue The main supermarkets are St. Mary's, Harry's, Maroun's, GSC, Atson's, Kairaba, Happiness, Stop Step and Shop, Sony's and A-Z. Most stores are open from 9.00am. Some close at 10.00pm and others up to 12 midnight. Most are closed on Sunday.
The craft markets outside the hotels in the main resort areas offer a variety of items and the most popular are tie-and-dye materials, batik, antique masks and other wood carvings, leather goods, jewelry, sand painting and basketry. Buy with caution and use the African practice of bargaining for a fair price using your own judgment.
The main markets in Banjul, Serrekunda, Bakau and Brikama are also interesting to visit. Shop and stall owners literally sell everything under the sun.

Please remember.. It is illegal to export from The Gambia any article made from wild animal skins, ivory, or the feathers of any protected creature. Offenders will have goods confiscated and heavy fines imposed.

These notes were compiled from information provided by The Gambia Tourist Office