Pre Travel Advice and Information

The Gambia is a Third World developing country and some may be shocked at the levels of poverty and conditions in which many people live. Be prepared for a culture shock.

The main tourist season is between early November and Late April with guaranteed sunshine and temperatures in the low to mid 30’s and no rainfall.

The rainy season is from July through to early October approx. The rains mostly come during the night with some fantastic electrical storms. The Humidity can rise to more than 80%. Having said this, the country is greener and lusher than at any other time and visitors still do come. This is a good time to see the abundant birdlife too.

The Gambia is predominantly a Muslim Country so be sensitive to this. See our Travellers Code of Conduct.

PASSPORTS
A full 10-year British/European Passport is required for entry into The Gambia that must be valid for at least 3 months after your arrival back into your own Country. See also ‘ Passport + Visa requirements ‘

FLIGHTS;
During the main Tourist season ( November to April/May ) there are a number of carriers flying to The Gambia so its well worth shopping around for prices. Outside of these times, the choice is more limited.
Your flight duration will be 5 1/2 to 6 hrs.

CHECK-IN
You will need to check into your Airport AT LEAST 2 hours before your departure time but this information may be checked on your ticket .

ALL FLIGHTS ARE NON-SMOKING.

LUGGAGE LABELS AND ALLOWANCE
Please ensure that your luggage is clearly labelled with your destination address and are securely fitted to your luggage.
We advise you NOT to complete your ‘return’ details until you are returning home (for security purposes).
You will usually be allowed to take hold-luggage weighing 20kg and hand-luggage weighing 5kg. It would be advisable to check this with your tour operator as you will be charged for all kilos exceeding this weight.
For security purposes, ONLY ONE PIECE of hand luggage will be allowed into the cabin, and this must not exceed 43cm x 28cm x23cm.
PLEASE DO NOT PACK ANY SHARP OBJECTS IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE, AS THEY WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE YOU ARE ALLOWED ONTO THE AIRCRAFT.

DRUGS
We advise you to avoid any involvement with drugs and do not agree to carry any parcels through customs for other people as substantial fines or long prison sentences will be incurred.

ARRIVAL IN BANJUL
Once you have been ‘bussed’ to the Arrivals building, you will proceed through Passport Control and then to the baggage carousel where you will wait for your luggage.
We advise you to take advantage of the many Porters who offer their services to you, as they will usher you quickly through the systems etc. We also suggest that you keep £1 coins (£1 per bag) at the ready, as this is the ‘going rate’ for your Porter’s assistance.
N.B. Newspapers are not readily available in The Gambia, so please save any papers/magazines you may have bought for use on the plane, as Project/Charity would be very grateful to receive them from you.

Health;
Malaria is a risk here and travellers are strongly advised to take the relevant precautions incl medication and applying mosquito repellents from early evening. Its also wise to wear long trousers / skirts and long sleeved tops during the evening throughout the year. The risk of malaria is more prevellant in the up – country regions so sleeping under a mosquito need is most strongly advised.

Consult your GP or holiday clinic at least 6 weeks before you travelas several vaccinations are recommended incl polio, tetnus, diphtheria, typhoid and hepatitis. Yellow Fever is also recommended though not compulsory for admission into the Gambia.

Insect Bites
These are caused by all sorts of mosquitoes, flies and other creepy crawlies. Not ALL mosquitoes carry Malaria and those that do are more prevalent in riverside areas and highly populated towns.
As Medina Salaam is very close to the coast it is lucky enough to have fewer mosquitoes than most areas.
Malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite mostly at dawn, dusk and during the night, so, as a precaution, you should spray your room in the evening (we provide cans of insect spray). You are also advised to keep your door closed and remember to sleep under your mosquito net.
Try to avoid being bitten as some insect bites are potentially hazardous. Deet is said to be the most effective mosquito repellent, the stronger the Deet content the longer it is effective. Deet is found in ‘Mosquito Milk’, ‘Jungle Formula’ and Boots do their own. “Mosiguard” is a ‘natural’ insect repellent and can be obtained at Boots and some travel shops.
If you should have any bites it is important to treat them with an antiseptic bite cream or tea – tree oil. If a bite becomes infected you should seek medical advice.
Cuts and Grazes
These should be washed and antiseptic applied, cover to keep clean.

Heat rash and prickly heat
You will perspire a lot, especially during the ‘rainy season’. Shower frequently, wear loose cotton clothes and consider using an anti-fungal powder where skin surfaces touch e.g. between your toes.

The sun and sunburn
The sun is extremely hot and you will need a high factor sun cream. It is best to stay in the shade as much as possible especially in the middle of the day. It is essential to wear a hat and you may prefer to keep covered up with long sleeves and thin trousers.

Dehydration
You need to drink about 4 litres of fluid a day, and more if you have diarrhoea or are doing heavy work. Early signs of dehydration are feeling weak or ‘light-headed’. If you feel like this, rest in the shade and drink plenty of water. Don’t be surprised if your African companions appear to drink nothing – their bodies have adapted to the environment, but yours hasn’t!

Your digestive system
You may get diarrhoea during your stay. This can be caused by a bug, change of diet/water, too much sun, or just general stress. Make sure you wash your hands before eating and don’t overdo unfamiliar foods. If you succumb, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Water or re-hydration fluids are best. Eat starchy foods or bananas but avoid other fruit and fatty foods until you have recovered.

Accidents
Take extra precautions to avoid accidents and don’t undertake any activity that you don’t feel entirely confident about.
Remember lamps and candles can present a fire hazard.
The currents in the waters off the beach may sometimes be quite strong, so make sure of these before you venture into deep water.
There are snakes in The Gambia, but you are unlikely to see one. However, it is advisable to wear closed in shoes when you walk in the bush, especially at night. If you do see a snake, don’t interfere with it in anyway, allow it plenty of room to escape and keep calm.

Road Hazards
Traffic travels on the right in The Gambia and there are very few proper pavements. In the towns, traffic and pedestrians mingle in a most alarming way and people on foot are expected to avoid the traffic, not the other way round! In the unlikely event that you are cycling, or driving along the road, when the President comes along, he will be preceded by a number of trucks of armed soldiers who will indicate for you to move off the road. If this should happen, please just pull off the road carefully and don’t panic. Self drive car Hire and motor cycle / moped hire are strongly advised against.

Road Conditions;
Other than the main Highway between the Airport at Yundum to the capital city of Banjul and the coastal Highway towards Kartong, most other roads are in very poor repair, full of large pot holes and little more than a dirt track. This is the case both in the coastal areas and further up – country. Travel by road is therefore long, bumpy and very dusty.

Animals
Don’t be tempted to stroke wild dogs and cats as many animals carry rabies and other diseases. So even if they look fairly healthy, a lick on a cut on your hand can transmit the disease.
Tip; Please respect our Responsible Tourism Policy on protecting wildlife and the environment.

Water;
Do not drink the tap water. Although safe, it has a different micro – biological make up than what you are used to so will cause an upset stomach to most holiday makers. Avoid local ice in your drinks for this reason and be cautious of salads as they may have been washed in local tap water. Bottled water is readily available from the many small supermarkets in the main tourist areas and from Hotel Bars.
Tip;- Please pass us your used water bottles as we re – use them and also pass them onto local communities who find them most useful for a variety of purposes. They is a much better solution than disposing of them as plastic does not break down and just adds to the waste disposal problems here in Gambia.

Water Supplies;
Water is a precious commodity, use it wisely. Take showers instead of baths and don’t run the tap while cleaning teeth etc. Be aware of conserving as much water as possible.

Bring any prescribed medication with you in your hand luggage. Paracetamol and anti biotics can be bought over the counter very cheaply. Camera film, toiletries, deodorants and shampoos are widely available from the supermarkets in the tourist areas but very expensive so bring plenty with you.

Tip; Please remove as much packaging as possible before you leave home. This will not only allow you more space in your luggage but will assist the problems of disposing of rubbish in the Gambia.

Suggestions for your First Aid Kit
Paracetamol (or your favourite pain-killer) Indigestion remedy
Immodium or other anti-diarrhoeal Laxative
Throat Pastilles Antiseptic wipes
Plasters Antiseptic cream
Sting relief cream Soothing eye drops
Tweezers/Scissors (these must not be carried in your hand luggage)
Other Useful Items
Torch with batteries and maybe a Head Reading Light

Very effective Local Fans and Straw Sun hats are available for sale from Local vendors and for those on our “Work – Adventures” from the Charities Lodge. (and these are MUCH cheaper than those available in the UK)

For more detailed information on Health issues, please read
“Lonely Planet Healthy Travel in Africa”

Electricity Supply;
Electricity supplies can be erratic even in the main tourist areas where the majority of the larger Hotels have to rely upon a Generator for at least part supply. The majority of electrical sockets are three pins the same as in UK. However, please consider how crucial your electrical appliances actually are and remember this is Africa.
For those on our “Work-Adventures” your accommodation at the Charity Base does have a small Solar System Electrical Supply. However, this does not run 24hrs per day and will not support hair dryers and straigteners so we suggest leaving them at home.

Lodges and camps outside of the main Tourist area generally do not have a mains electricity supply but operate from a Generator system. This will normally be operating for parts of the day and not in constant use.

Jangjan burea camp has neither mains nor generator – you will have the romance of using oil lamps during the evenings. This is the same if you are embarking on our River Gambia Expeditions and sleeping onboard the Boat.

Souvenirs;
T-shirts and wrap around type skirts are widely available from local markets and are cheap to buy. Souvenirs around are generally tye – dye fabrics, wooden carvings and drums.
Tip; To aid the local economy, please purchase these from local vendors, we will be happy to advise you on where best to purchase what items when you arrive.

It is normal to have to barter for everything so be prepared to haggle for your goods.

Telephoning Home;
‘Tele – Centres are available in the main Tourist areas and are a far cheaper alternative than calling from your Hotel room although this facility is available. For those on our “Work-Adventures” programme, you can purchase a local sim card for your mobile phone if you bring it with you. Otherwise alternative arrangements will be made for you to maintain contact with your family in UK. You will not be working at the Charity Base 24hrs, there will be plenty of opportunity while you are out and about to both call home and use the internet services.

Internet;
The Gambia operates on a Dial Up as opposed to Broad Band facility. This means that the connection can be erratic and systems much slower than that which you will be used too – be patient, as with many things here in Gambia. Remember this is a Third World Developing Country.

Money Matters;
The average price for a meal of steak is £4 (D200)
Bottle of wine - £3 soft drink 50p - coffee 50p
Beer - 70p, bottle of water - £1.50
The local currency is Dalasi, around D50 (fifty Dalasi to £1 ) There are many local places to exchange your money in the tourist areas and almost none out side of these areas. Credit cards are not readily accepted except by some of the larger hotels and you get a lower exchange rate for travellers cheques. There is a money exchange at the airport when you arrive and we suggest you just change the minimum here as the exchange rate is not that great – although better than you will get in your hotels.

There are currently ( March 07 ) 4 ATMs in Gambia all of which accept visa but not many other cards. £40 – D2000 can be withdrawn each time and upto 5 times in any one day. However you will be charged by your bank for each transaction and the system is very slow as works on the internet dial up system – there is no broadband connection as yet in The Gambia.

There are plenty of restaurants in the main tourist areas of Senegambia, Koto and Fajara but only 2 in Banjul within walking distance of the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel. There are none within walking distance of Palm Grove Hotel. The Airport is approx 40 mins from Senegambia + Kotu and an additional 20 mins to Banjul.

SWIMMING;
All the hotels have swimming pools, some of the self catering apartments also.
The sea around the tourist areas can be treacherous with very strong under currents – several people, tourists and locals, drown each year. Pay particular attention to the flag system which is in place on the majority of the beaches. IF IN DOUBT DO NOT SWIM.

The sea around the Sanyang area in South Gambia are said to be somewhat safer, again be cautious.

TAXI’s + LOCAL GUIDES;
Many local Taxi’s are in very poor condition. Its not unusual to have to hold the door closed whilst travelling. They will pull on and off the road for passengers without warning so can be quite hazardous both to their occupants and other road users. Before embarking on a trip in a local taxi, its worth while walking around it and checking for any obvious deficits i.e windscreen badly cracked, bald tyres, door tied on with string etc. if you are not too happy with the condition just wait for another – they pass by frequently. Remember to agree your price before embarking on your journey, there are no metered taxis.
Some visitors to The Gambia use local people as their guides. They find them around the tourist areas, often greeting them with, “Hello, remember me, I met you last year “ or “ Hello, remember me, I work at your hotel “ Be cautious about using these people as guides as there is a huge issue in Gambia of what is termed, “Bumster “ That is these people who offer to guide the visitors around, they tend to hassle the tourists to the point where many fear leaving their hotels as a result. These young men can be very persistent, following you for some considerable distance and never giving up it seems. The best way of handling them is by a firm, NO THANKYOU.
Tip;- Never admit to this being your first trip to the Gambia and please do not encourage “ Bumsterish Behaviour” by exchanging addresses and contact details or giving out money to beggers in the streets.

Crime and street robberies are very low in Gambia, and these young men pose little threat to physical safety, its more “Hassel “ than anything else.

WHAT TO WEAR;
The Gambia is generally a very informal country. Around the tourist areas shorts and t – shirts are accepted both day and evening time. (Be aware of the mosquito’s ) The 4 / 5 * Hotels require the men to wear long trousers to dinner if dining in their restaurants. Even in the tourist areas there are no proper pavements and road ways are ‘rough’ Woman will have little need for very high heeled shoes and its safer to leave them at home else risk an ankle injury !

Visiting Villages; Out side of the main tourist areas and while visiting villages, visitors need to be much more aware of acceptable attire. Long skirts / trousers are a must and shoulders should be covered. (See also our Travelers Code of Conduct )
Guests on our “Work-Adventures” programme should be aware that they should wear a full swim suit as opposed to Bikini when on the local beach as this beach is shared with local people who will likely be offended by the sight of a female exposing her body.

Please remember The Gambia is a Muslim Country, discretion and awareness is essential particularly outside of the main tourist areas. – see also our Responsible Tourism Policy.

GIFTS AND DONATIONS;
Poverty is extreme in the Gambia, particularly outside the main Tourist areas. The majority of villages not having Electricity or a piped water supply. Some villages survive using the Bartering System with very little cash available to buy medicines for the sick.
If you wish to give a gift or make a Donation, we will be happy to help you with this to ensure that it reaches its target.
If you wish to bring some items with you to give out to local people we recommend something from the following list;

Pencils – biros dry out very quickly
Reading books – children’s
Packets of vegetable seeds
Paracetomol pain killers
Any First Aid items
Cotton wool
Babies + Children’s clothes
Small blankets
Sanitary towels
Plastic / sterile gloves and aprons.
Childrens paints
* If luggage space does not allow for this then why not donate a mosquito net which could literally save lives. These can be purchased locally for approx £4 each or we will be happy to make the purchase for you. *

Illness Whilst in Gambia;
You must ensure that you have adequate travel insurance before leaving home. If you have booked either an Expedition or Work-Adventure through TILLYS TOURS and feel you need medical attention, we will be happy to advise and assist all we can. You will have full British support in Country with access to us 24hrs a day, you will be supplied with our local telephone number once you arrive.
We will be available to advise and assist on all matters including Emergency situations throughout your stay.

Please also refer to our “ Code of Conduct for Travellers’ ‘ Responsible Tourism Policy’ and our ‘ Terms and Conditions’

We hope this information has proved useful and helpful to you - WE HOPE YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME WITH US IN THE GAMBIA.

TILLYS TOURS – Management + Staff.