C5PL Team will be active from Gambia, 1 - 6 February 2025.
Team - LB0OG, SP1C, SP1FM, SQ1GU.
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C5PL Log search QTH Locator - IK13oj.
More information later.
The Gambia is one of the most mysterious and interesting countries in West Africa
The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa. It stretches across a river of the same name. It is located on the western side of the continent. In the past, this state was closely connected with Senegal. It was this country that surrounded Gambia from all sides. The only thing is only not on the territory to the Atlantic. This is what allowed to create a tourist destination of these places.
In these places there is a huge number of beaches. Millions of people come here every year to enjoy stunning ocean sunsets and feel the whole African atmosphere. A huge number of guides speaking English allows many travelers to feel comfortable in this place.
Gambia. Author - Graham.
Weather conditions
The climatic conditions in the area are of subtropical monsoon nature. There are two seasons, the dry season prevailing from November to May and the rainy season prevailing from June to October. The dry wind blows from the Sahara. This ensures a rather weak and mild winter during the winter season. More often it is sunny days that can be noticed. The temperature regime can vary from 21 to 27 degrees above zero. In summer, the temperature regime can reach the level of 32 degrees Celsius. High humidity allows you to withstand such heat with ease.
Natural Features
The state is located on both sides of a river called the Gambia. The borders run next to the ocean as well as this river. The area of the country is quite large. There is a great diversity of both animal and plant life. Flora and fauna amaze with their uniqueness.
In the forest area you can easily stumble upon an elephant or a giraffe. But every year they are becoming fewer and fewer. Hippos often live in local water bodies. Spotted hyenas or small warthogs can be found. The large number of primates makes this country the true home of many monkeys.
C5PL. Gambia DX Pedition Logo.
What places to visit
Since the location of this country is favorable, the natural conditions are quite good, there are many places to visit. From July to October, heavy rains fall, so there are few tourists during this period. There is little coolness in these areas during this period, so it is worth it to undergo high temperatures even from March to June. One day the weather may be clear and suddenly the next day it may start raining.
The availability of charter flights makes it possible to fly to these parts from April to November. Comfortable humidity and pleasant weather allow tourists to have a great vacation in these places. Especially many people come during the New Year holidays or Easter celebrations. Prices, of course, rise precisely because of the tourist demand. It is better to think about your future vacation in advance, so that you don't have to buy tickets at triple the price.
Gambia. Author - Josep Blanch.
Main cities
- Banjul. The capital, occupying a small area. Empty streets are offset by picturesque harbors. Small shacks are found in the neighborhood with colonial era buildings. Albert Market is the most popular market in the area. The presence of the Arc de Triomphe makes this place unique. You can climb to a height of thirty-seven meters and get a bird's eye view of the city.
- Serekunda. This is a city where a huge number of markets and stores are concentrated. Quite a dynamic and modern city. There are several tourist centers nearby, making this place insanely popular for those people who are crazy about beach vacations. In these places, you can sunbathe on the picturesque beaches during the day, and in the evening come to the dance floor and party there all night long.
- Tanji. If you are a lover of modest and quiet life, then this place is created especially for your vacation. Here you can find cozy courtyards with traditional furnishings. This village is inhabited by the local population, so it is difficult to meet tourists here. Many people come to see the straw dwellings and the unusual crafts of the ancient people that have survived to this day. You can learn more about the traditions of this place in this area.
Highlights
It is not worth coming for the sake of sightseeing. The country is famous not for this. Only in the capital you can find a lot of architectural buildings. For example, the presence of the War Memorial may interest some tourists. It is located on McCarthy. It is possible to climb to the highest point only from the place “Arch 22”. By climbing it you can see the whole city. Picturesque landscapes and stunning architecture can surprise even the avid traveler.
You can visit the Niumi and Kiang West National Parks, where you can meet a variety of tropical birds and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You can travel to Atlantic resorts, famous for their stunning beaches and views. For example, Bakau or Kololi are often visited by tourists from Europe. You can visit local restaurants. Every person who finds himself in these unique places should try traditional dishes. The country is also famous for its special folklore songs, the performance of which amazingly conveys the character of the whole people.
Where to have fun
If you are a fan of horseback riding, you can take a walk through the mangrove forests here at quite affordable prices. There are also water walks that can show the nature of the place from a completely different perspective. On the beaches you can often meet animators who can cheer up even the most boring crowd of tourists.
Restaurants and bars are practically not found here. Often you can meet snack bars, where you can taste delicious food at an affordable price. Each institution has a special attitude to visitors. Locals try to cheer up, dance or sing for the guests of their city.
You can come during the celebration of “Roots” - a festival held every two years. It is a real symbol of this country. During these days, you can feel the atmosphere of African spirituality, get a closer look at the culture and history of these places.
The best shopping
Even a large number of stores does not allow you to call walking through them a real shopping. The people here are quite poor, so they simply do not have extra money for various purchases. For a European person, the price of goods here is minimal, but there is not much choice.
In the choice of clothes or shoes, not all Europeans will be able to find something suitable for themselves. But the choice of fabrics here is huge.
Local dressmakers can make any dresses or blouses to order. You can find beautiful jewelry made of silver or gold. Beautiful leather goods, painted ivory goods or shells of the most unusual sizes and shapes. Banking establishments as well as stores here are open from eight in the morning until five in the evening. But you can also find such establishments open even on weekends, which is not usual for these places.
It's not a safe place
Crime is quite developed here. Many locals may attack to take away passports or cash. On the beaches there are often people intrusively offering their goods and services. That is also not always pleasant. It is better not to go to such countries alone.
