Banjul, the capital is an obligatory passage for the mixture of the styles which make it the particularity. Indeed, it has managed to preserve some colonial-style buildings mixed with colourful balcony houses. The city is entered through L'Arche 22, erected in memory of the coup of 22 July 1994. Leaning on four massive columns, its façade reveals two small balconies. In the city centre, the National Museum is a veritable mine of information: numerous photos, maps and texts bear witness to the colonial period and the history of the various African peoples. Religious buildings also recall the mixing of cultures. Thus, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Banjul is shared with the Anglican Cathedral and several mosques including that of King Fahad. The Albert Market is a veritable place of colourful exchanges and is the scene of all discoveries: actually made up of three markets, it is an opportunity to buy citrus, a variety of plant typical of the country, traditional clothes or sculptures.

To the south, the village of Bakau, famous for its fine sandy beaches, has several seaside resorts where fishing and water sports coexist in harmony. The central market will not fail to gather gourmands in front of its fresh fruit and vegetable stalls. The Sacred Crocodile Pool is the occasion to spend an unusual moment of relaxation: this small lagoon populated with crocodiles allows to observe them closely while the adjacent museum is a documentary mine for the visitor. Not far away, the village of Serrekunda is known for its market with varied products.

At nightfall, the seaside resort of Kololi comes alive around its restaurants and nightclubs. To discover one of Gambia's most popular natural sites, visit the Abuko Nature Reserve, where many birds meet hippos, monkeys and crocodiles. Still not sure? Here's why your next trip will be to Gambia! Lazing on the most beautiful beaches of West Africa The Gambian beaches stretch over nearly 80 km and are among the most famous on the West African coast. They recall the landscapes of postcards, by their wild and virgin aspect, the white sand which cracks under the steps, the coconut trees which swing in the wind, the azure of the water and the beach huts. The difference however lies in the existence of a local village agriculture, and the very pronounced taste that cows have for... idleness! In Gambia, don't be surprised to see these peaceful herbivores pass by your deckchair, as cows come to lie in the sand and enjoy the view, like us! Ecotourism in a wild intact forest Gambia has a considerable asset: its natural, green and indomitable side. Because this small landlocked country in Senegal borders the Gambia River and from the middle Gambia, it is only dense and protected forest, populated by ecosystems rich in animal and plant life. Don't miss Makasutu and River Gambia parks. Luxury ecolodges and rustic camps run by village communities are the main types of housing in the country, favouring green tourism and solidarity. Enjoy an almost eternal sunshine Like its only neighbour Senegal, Gambia enjoys a mild climate all year round, except for a few frosty days in January, and an almost eternal sunshine except for wintering from mid-June to mid-September. Its beaches are thus all indicated for the idleness any month of the year, and this with a few hours of flight from Europe and without time difference. A godsend for European tourists in need of heat and sun. Nevertheless the country experiences very strong heat in March. Better go a little earlier. As for temperatures, they are mild, constant and pleasant except during the rainy season, when it is very hot. Discovering a country off the beaten track The Gambia, an English-speaking country landlocked in a French-speaking region, is really little known to tourists, apart from English who come to stay in resorts along its wild beaches. In addition, only this coastal region is frequented by visitors. If you take the time to go deep into the country, to sail up the river to discover the centre of the peanut trade and slavery at the time of colonization, you will discover another Gambia, authentic, where the tourist is a visitor, a real privilege. It will be more difficult to move, but the authentic African adventure will be there!

Meet the villagers
Travelling to the Gambia often means sleeping in villager-run camps, with locals or in small family pensions. You are in privileged contact with the inhabitants, who are very open and welcoming. If the image of the country is a little tarnished by the unbearable Bumsters who dock the tourists on the beach, they do not represent the Gambians, a very open, smiling and welcoming people who always has a little time to talk with a passing foreigner. If you move away from the most tourist spots, you will discover it by yourself!