Gambia Holiday Guide: A Brief History of The Gambia

The area around the River Gambia, known to the Carthaginians in the fifth century BC, subsequently became part of several successive African empires.

During the colonial period, several European powers contested for ownership of the river and the rich trade which it carried. Britain eventually gained control of the lowest reaches, establishing an enclave in the surrounding French territories of Senegal and a useful base from which to launch attacks on French trading settlements.

The Gambia was Britain’s first and last colony, being officially colonised in 1765 and gaining independence 200 years later in February 1965.

Gambia Holiday Guide: Where Is The Gambia?

The Gambia is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on all other sides by Senegal. It is the smallest and most western mainland African nation.

The Gambia mainly consists of a low plateau, which decreases in height as it nears the Atlantic coast. The plain is bisected by the river and is broken in a few places by low flat-topped hills and by the river’s tributaries. In the west of the country, near the coast, the river banks are backed mainly by mangrove swamps, while in the inland area which extends from central Gambia to the eastern border the river has steep red ironstone banks covered with tropical forest.

Away from the river, the landscape consists of wooded, park-like savannah, with large areas covered by a variety of trees such as baobab, silk-cotton, mahogany and oil palm. On the coast, the river meets the Atlantic with impressive sand cliffs and 50km (30 miles) of beaches, the best of which are broad, palm-fringed and strewn with shells.

Gambia Holiday Guide: Life in The Gambia

Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language.

Visitors to the should remember that the right hand, not the left, must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects.

Casual wear is suitable, although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner.

Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages in up-country Gambia.

Travellers are advised not to photograph Banjul airport or military bases and to ask the permission of any locals if wishing to photograph them and their village.