Gambia Holiday


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Africa » Gambia
November 4th 2006
Published: November 13th 2006
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Hotel from the beachHotel from the beachHotel from the beach

We stayed at Sunbeach hotel on the atlantic coast of Gambia in a town called Bakau.
The smiling coast. And it was. Hot, so the tourists were smiling (well most of them!) and the locals are known for their friendlyness. A small sliver of land between north and south senegal with a river running through the middle of it, and bordered on the other side by the atlantic ocean - made a perfect destination for a week in November to escape the clutches of the winter snap that were hitting the UK. We were well looked after by Max, a guard at the hotel, who took us to see the local sights, and to the market in Banjul, the capital. And of course he took us to see Charlie......... if you've ever been to Gambia, you'll know who I mean!
Well worth a visit for anyone who is considering going. We weren't warned quite how little use credit cards are - a few places do have the facilities for you to use them, but they have to get authorisation codes from Kenya for you to use them, which can take up to 24 hrs... and we knew that there were only a few ATMs, but no info saying that at the time you want to get money
HotelHotelHotel

We stayed at Sunbeach hotel on the atlantic coast of Gambia in a town called Bakau.
out, most of them wont be working! So my advice, definately take lots of currency, sterling/USD/etc as anywhere will change them, and most major places will change travellers cheques, else you'll end up payong £20 to search for a cash point that will swallow your card and not give you any money.......


Additional photos below
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Me, Max and CharlieMe, Max and Charlie
Me, Max and Charlie

Looking a little bit more scared of being that close to a crocodile, something didn't quite fit...!
The croc poolThe croc pool
The croc pool

Apparently they are only fed on fish which is why they don't bite....?!?
Fishing marketFishing market
Fishing market

Fishing boats coming into the market in Bakau
Fishing market 2Fishing market 2
Fishing market 2

Women coming to meet the boats to buy the fish
Safe water wellSafe water well
Safe water well

Common in the larger areas, but not so in the small villages outside of these
Drying peanutsDrying peanuts
Drying peanuts

One of the main sources of income in the gambia, these were drying on the roof of the family compound we visited
VulturesVultures
Vultures

Very common!
Secluded beachSecluded beach
Secluded beach

Where we had lunch and a swim
WatermelonsWatermelons
Watermelons

Can be found for sale on the side of the road on most corners


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