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GAMBIA INTRO
WHAT TO EXPECT...
or 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.
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.
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THE SMILING COAST OF AFRICA
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 Englishspeaking, 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.
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.
A FANTASTIC CLIMATE
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.
SUNSHINE HOURS (AVERAGE)
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.
TEMPERATURE °C (AVERAGE MAX)
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
For more advice or to book call The Gambia experts 0845 330 4567
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