For years, The Gambia has been celebrated as a laid-back beach getaway in West Africa. However, this charming destination is shifting gears, showcasing its emerging identity as a conservation and cultural hub.
The Gambia Tourism Board recently launched an extensive marketing initiative under the World Bank-funded Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project. This strategic campaign highlights the country’s potential as a premier ecotourism destination.
“Travel trends are evolving, and The Gambia is evolving with them,” noted Abubacarr Camara, director of the tourism board. “While we cherish our beach tourism, we are now exploring the rich potential of ecotourism, heritage experiences, and adventure travel.”
The Appeal of The Gambia
For many first-time visitors to Africa, The Gambia presents an accessible introduction. “The English-speaking environment makes it easy for newcomers to connect with the locals,” said Linda Verasdal, a Norwegian tourism entrepreneur with over 15 years in The Gambia. She is also the founder of Ethical Travel Portal.
The absence of language barriers enhances interactions within Gambia’s eco-focused tourism initiatives. Just an hour south of the bustling tourism hotspots, the village of Gunjur boasts grassroots projects like the Turtle Project, dedicated to protecting sea turtle eggs, and an innovative plastic recycling initiative.
“These grassroots projects genuinely make a difference,” Verasdal explained. “They provide an engaging experience for visitors eager to learn about both the challenges and triumphs faced by local communities.”
Innovative Cultural Projects
One standout initiative is the Gambia Cotton Trail, linking the coastal Gunjur village to upriver Njau through a women-led collaborative with Women’s Initiative Gambia. This program offers visitors a unique opportunity to trace the journey of cotton from cultivation to tailoring. “It’s an enriching experience to learn about cultural practices while meeting local people,” Verasdal said, highlighting the goal of producing 100% Gambian goods.
For travelers keen on immersing themselves in these community projects, a stay at Footsteps Ecolodge in Gunjur—one of the country’s longest-standing ecolodges—provides an ideal base. Located about a mile inland from the beach, the lodge is a scenic 25-minute walk through off-road terrain.
Exploring River and Wildlife Adventures
From the coast, visitors can embark on small-boat excursions on the River Gambia, known as Africa’s most navigable waterway. These trips, close to Gunjur, explore winding tributaries and border waters with Senegal, including a visit to Pelican Island, home to hundreds of migratory birds.
For more extensive wildlife experiences, a journey upriver leads to encounters with hippos and red colobus monkeys. “Travel a few hours by car upriver and spend the night for the best wildlife viewing at sunset and early morning,” Verasdal noted.
Accommodations like Kauren River Camp offer a stunning riverside vista and updated rooms, perfectly positioned for accessing historical sites like Roots sites in Albreda and Juffereh and wildlife experiences near Kuntaur. Budget-friendly options such as Kairoh Garden and Musa’s Garden Lodge provide authentic hospitality with direct access to hiking trails, sunrise kayaking, and community engagement.
A major highlight includes the Red Colobus Project, situated near Kuntaur and Janjanbureh. This community-driven initiative channels visitor fees towards forest conservation, inviting guests to seek rare primates among ancient trees.
Inland adventures are consistently evolving, exemplified by enterprises like FairPlay Gambia. Offering everything from three-hour sunset cruises to multi-day expeditions along the River Gambia, activities include kayaking, fishing for the famed African tigerfish, and visiting the River Gambia National Park, which shelters rescued chimpanzees on protected islands.
A Birdwatching Paradise
Thanks to its location along major bird migration routes, The Gambia is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 500 recorded species. Verasdal remarked, “Some travelers come solely for birdwatching, discovering so much more, including walking trails where you can wander for hours without encountering other tourists.”
Cruise Tourism Resurgence
Interestingly, cruise lines are beginning to include Banjul as a stop on their itineraries. Recent additions to cruise plans from companies like Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Holland America Line feature excursions highlighting both natural wonders and cultural experiences.
For those seeking a comprehensive Gambian experience, Verasdal recommends a balanced trip combining coastal and inland explorations. “A week at Footsteps Eco Lodge, followed by a few nights upriver for wildlife and cultural activities, offers a rich understanding of Gambian life,” she suggested.
Given the country’s short distances and widespread English proficiency, visitors can immerse themselves fully in The Gambia within 10 to 14 days—exploring poignant historical sites like Kunta Kinteh Island, serene sunrise paddles while observing kingfishers, and evenings spent learning about the craft of cotton weaving.
