Gambia

[ohthejoy21]

Anyone been? Bit worried about the reputation!

Its OK as long as you stay in the hotels and holiday complexes. I was bothered on the beach and in Banjul when out by people wanting to sell stuff or chat.
I didn't really feel comfortable out, the hotel had guides which they recommended if you wanted to go out of the hotel, they were very nice but sometimes you just want to be alone.
Trips were hit and miss, there's no big cats, giraffes, zebras, elephants as in Kenya. The best trip was a bird watching trip in a canoe first thing in the morning. I would not go back.

Thanks.
I think I will just stay in a hotel as don't want any hassle. Just a quiet week in the sun and it's the nearest, hottest place over Xmas. I've found canaries, Egypt, Dubai too cold!

@Caselgarcia btw how did you find the food?

The hotel I stayed in was a international chain, they had food flown in twice a week
So all the usual hot food available eg Pizza

@Caselgarcia ok thanks for your help

We spent Christmas at Mandina Lodges about 15 years ago. It was fabulous (guides took us out and about to look at monkeys and birds a few times).