Description
Book SynopsisCo-authored by regional expert Sean Connolly and Philip Briggs, the world's foremost guidebook writer on Africa, this third edition of Bradt's The Gambia remains the most comprehensive guide available to mainland Africa's smallest country. This new edition integrates recent developments, from recently opened restaurants and hotels to the new roads and bridges that make circumnavigating the country easier than ever. The guide provides detailed coverage of ecolodges and camps, information on festivals, music workshops and opportunities to experience local culture, plus advice about birdwatching possibilities in a country popular with first-time birders to Africa. As well as encompassing popular coastal resorts, the guide provides information required to explore the relatively undeveloped interior and proposes excursions into neighbouring Senegal, making it ideal for visitors on organised holidays and independent travellers alike. Bradt's The Gambia reveals all the practical information needed to explore this welcoming and safe country (not for nothing is it nicknamed the 'Smiling Coast') with its plethora of beach resorts, catering to all tastes and budgets, that line the 80km stretch of tropical coastline running from the capital Banjul to the remote southern border. Small in size but rich in character, The Gambia offers perhaps the closest English-speaking 'winter sun' destination from Europe. Justifiably popular with birdwatchers, the lush mangrove- and jungle-fringed River Gambia is also home to crocodiles, hippos, rehabilitated chimpanzees and various monkeys. The Gambia offers rich heritage tourism for moderately adventurous travellers, from the mysterious megalithic stone circles at Wassu and Ker Batch to fortified Kunta Kinteh (James) Island and the former slave-trading village of Juffureh - the heart of novelist Alex Haley's Roots country and part of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And why not enhance your visit further by experiencing colourful local markets, witnessing kankurang spirit masquerades or joining a kayak cruise from the sleepy river port of Janjanbureh, or paying homage to The Gambia's inspiring journey towards democracy and reconciliation at Memory House? All in all, Bradt's The Gambia is the perfect companion for discovering this safe, welcoming and tourist-friendly English-speaking country which provides an ideal short-stay introduction to West Africa's unique atmosphere.
Table of ContentsCONTENTS Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate, History, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, Sports and games Chapter 2 Natural History Geology and geography, Habitats, Wildlife viewing, The wildlife Chapter 3 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Safety and hassles, Women travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, What to take, Money, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette PART TWO GREATER BANJUL AND KOLOLI Greater Banjul and Kololi: An Overview Highlights, Getting around, Other practicalities Chapter 4 Central Banjul History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Security, Getting around, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do Chapter 5 Bakau and Cape Point History, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do Chapter 6 Serekunda, Fajara and Kairaba Avenue History, Orientation, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do Chapter 7 Kotu and Palma Rima Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do Chapter 8 Kololi and Environs Northern Kololi, The 'Senegambia' Strip, Bijilo and Sukuta PART THREE THE COASTAL BELT The Coastal Belt: An Overview Highlights, Getting around, Other practicalities Chapter 9 Brufut, Tanji and Surrounds Brufut, Tanji Bird Reserve, Tanji and around Chapter 10 South to Kartong Sanyang, Gunjur and Madina Salaam, Kartong and surrounds Chapter 11 Inland to Brikama and Pirang Abuko Livestock Market, Abuko Nature Reserve, Lamin, Yundum, Brikama, Pirang and Faraba Banta Chapter 12 Niumi and the North Coast Barra and surrounds, Albreda, Juffureh and surrounds, Niumi National Park PART FOUR UPRIVER GAMBIA Upriver Gambia: An Overview Highlights, Getting around, Other practicalities Chapter 13 Inland to Soma and Farafenni The road east to Kalagi, Tendaba, Kiang West and Bao Bolong, Soma and surrounds, Farafenni Chapter 14 Janjanbureh and Central River Region The South Bank from Soma to Janjanbureh, The North Bank from Farafenni to Janjanbureh, River Gambia National Park, Janjanbureh and surrounds, Bansang Chapter 15 Basse and Upper River Region Getting there and away, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, Activities and excursions Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Glossary Appendix 3 Further Information Index
