Has anyone been to Gambia recently?

[JaneIves]

Looking for some winter sun next February. We’ll only have 7 days max due to it being half term.
Any thoughts on Gambia?

It’s been ten years since we went but we loved it! Check the guidance but you might need anti malarials? Also if you have DC I don’t think there’s big hotels with slides and kids clubs if you’re looking for that kind of thing?

Thanks.
Not too fussed about big hotels with water parks, daughter will be almost 13.
Just want to know if it’s a good and safe place to go. Would prefer to eat locally too.

We went 8 years ago. We stayed at Coco Ocean. Lovely hotel, but we didn't feel particularly safe outside of the hotel and were hassled a bit.

Depends what you mean by safe? MIL went last year and said it was similar to Turkey in being hassled into their restaurant/shop but not actually unsafe in terms of mugging or anything worse.

Expect some hassling but it’s lovely and people are so friendly. It would be a good time of year to go.

I don’t mind ‘lookie lookie’ sellers, a polite no thanks with a smile usually works. Safe as in ok to walk around as a family of three, I hate being confined to a hotel only.

It's a while since I went there (winter sun) so maybe it's changed but I didn't think there was much to do or see there. There was a bit of hassle and there was a 'holiday romance' scene going on but don't suppose that would affect you. Food wasn't great. What sort of activities would you be looking for? I think there's better places to go, even for a week, if you want a taste of Africa.

We had some hassle outside the hotel e.g. when buying water, someone would push in to 'help us' unnecessarily, then expect payment. We took a taxi back to the hotel which broke down, then we had to supply money for petrol, then they tried to charge us double. I guess the locals are poor and see us as rich, which I understand, but it made us feel nervous.

I have been going to Gambia every February for over 10 years. The weather is perfect, hot during the day with a nice breeze at night. If your daughter likes wildlife there is a monkey park / falcons etc to keep her entertained. Would thoroughly recommend it. Eating out is also cheap, we were around £40 for 2 people for 3 courses (inc steak) and 2/3 drinks each.

I went in 1991. Tourism was very new and there had just been some kind of coup

Lots of sex tourism, mainly Scandinavian women.
I hope that's really helpful

Agree there are other places in Africa that have more to do. Now going to proceed to shamelessly plug Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side) 😀

My god you’re weird.

I can't give you an up to date recommendation but when I went twice (before DC), the families there with DC had an brilliant time. It was really safe for children and although the hotels didn't have fancy facilities, they had lovely swimming pools and there were people around organising sports and fun competitions, or just taking the kids off to do things. A few Gambian children around too to play with who lived on or near the hotel grounds.

There isn't an enormous amount to do: trips to see nature parks or go on canoes, or the monkey park, or you can go up river to see slave trade fort. Amazing beaches.

Expect lots of friendly hassle outside the hotel but it was never threatening. Never say it's your first time in the Gambia. (There were people hired by the hotel as guides who would go out with you.)

Food was very good where we were. I guess that varies (given what PP said).

Just don’t get fooled into thinking you’ve met the love of your life there 😂 I think it has quite the reputation for love rats, but if you’ve got your head on your shoulders and eyes open then it’s fine

@Overtheatlanticshrug

Weird but oddly completely true.

I went last January (2025)

It was fine.
Wandered around on the beach, wandered through the local craft market, wandered around big food markets during breaks in driving.

Women walking alone will get hassled by young men
but walking as a family you will be absolutely fine

Have been to Gambia many times. It's a very marmite country as in people tend to take to it and keep coming back or don't like it much. It has pros and cons...
Pros - really fantastic uncrowded beaches with great beach bars ranging from fancy to very simple and rustic; wall to wall sunshine in tourist season; people are lovely and very helpful; it can be inexpensive (although tourist area is less so) to eat and drink out; the cultural aspects are fascinating and it's well worth getting out of the tourist area to explore; there are lots of accommodation options from smart hotels, apartments, guest houses and eco lodges; it's easy to get a good guide/driver to take you around; it's Africa but only 6 hours from the UK. It's generally safe and fine to walk around on your own
Cons - the bumsters can be persistent but they are not dangerous. A firm no thanks is usually enough. There are plenty of men and women who want a European partner and will offer fake love and it's easy to get sucked into that. It can look very scruffy and dirty in some urban places and there is a big problem with plastic refuse. Animal welfare can be poor. While it is safe you have to be aware of petty crime eg wrong change given, risk of phone theft etc so wear a cross body bag and leave expensive jewellery at home in the UK. Travel insurance and antimalarials are essential.
All of that said, it is a wonderful country in my opinion. Having had a couple of holidays in the big hotels in the tourist areas I now stay in small lodges in the more scenic peaceful areas such as Nemasu eco lodge and Abcas Creek lodge, both truly wonderful places to stay.