Frequently asked questions

AND THEIR ANSWERS

Questions and answers

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We can arrange pickup taxi service for you so a driver will wait for you at the airport when you arrive. This costs €20 for 2 people. Usually, taxis are also available at the airport.

The Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa. The crime rate in the Gambia is the lowest in Africa. It is safe to travel in the Gambia as long as you take the same precautions as you would at home. Read more about the Gambia >>

The answer obviously depends on what you are planning to do during your Gambian holiday and when you will be travelling. The climate is sub-tropical so remember to pack clothes made of light fabrics and linen. And sun screen – plenty of sun screen! Although the Gambia is a Muslim country, it is fairly liberal when it comes to dress code. You will therefore also see local men and women walking around in shorts and t-shirts. For trekking and other wildlife excursions, you should bring appropriate, comfortable footwear and long trousers with a bit of thickness in order to protect you against thorny vegetation. Long sleeves protect you against mosquito bites on your arms, but you should also bring insect repellent and soothing lotions.

Yes, almost everybody in the Gambia speaks English. You will hear local tongues as well, as there are several tribal languages in the small country. Want to know more about the Gambia? See this page >>

In general, you do not have to round up people for the trips. Just talk to our reception staff, and we will find you a competent guide: Be it for birdwatching, city walks, reptiles or regular hikes in nature. Just ask us: We can help you out!

This depends on various factors such as your general health condition and what you plan to do in the Gambia as well as the length of your stay. Always consult your doctor well in advance of your travels. The recommended vaccinations/medication often include: Yellow fever Hepatitis A (+ B) Malaria pills Tetanus Meningococcal Meningitis Rabies Typhoid The list is not exhaustive. Always consult your own doctor for a current and personal preparation well in advance of your holiday.

Our friendly staff will help you get to a doctor, or perhaps get a doctor to come to the hotel. We use a local clinic with a dutch doctor on staff. Let us know what you need, and we will do our best to help you.

Yes, all rooms are fitted with air conditioning. However, the use of the air conditioning is not included in the price of your room. This is a separate charge of €5 per 12 hours (either 8 pm – 8 am or 8 am – 8 pm). Most people do not need the air condition on during the day. Why is the air conditioning not included, you might then ask. For some, the ceiling fan is enough to keep comfortable. Therefore, we do not think everyone should have to pay for air conditioning. Furthermore, we are striving to run a sustainable business with as little impact on the environment as possible.

We have adaptors for all types of plugs.

In most cases, cash is king. And in general, the Gambia is a cheap place to go shopping. At the larger stores and groceries, it is possible to use credit cards. But at the markets and smaller local shops, you should bring cash. The currency is called Gambian Dalasi. See exchange rates for Gambian Dalasi >> Extra cast is best brought in EUR or USD due to the stable exchange rates of these currencies.

You definitely should! The vendors expect you to bid below their suggested price. The 'right' price is usually half of their suggested price. But haggling is a national sport, so be prepared for tough challenge.

Guides and Tips for your next gambian

adventure

The crocodile pond

Before entering the area around the crocodile pond, be sure to visit the museum that tells so much of our history.
On your way from the museum to the pond, notice the beautiful baobab trees.

At the pond are around 100 Nile crocodiles. They are well fed, but you can't trust a crocodile, so pay attention to the local guides and what they say: Never touch the head of the crocodile. And only touch a crocodile if the local pond guide tells you it is okay. They know what they talk about, since they all have 10 fingers.

Ask at the hotel reception for guidance on how to find the crocodile pond.

Lamin Lodge

Try a bot trip on the river. A good place to do it, is from Lamin Lodge. Lamin Lodge is a small community where everybody helps everybody. And you help them by supporting there village. 
They know the area and quite a few stories about the treehouse (a hollow tree large enough to house your family). You can pick wild growing mango on the way..... yummy!
The hotel staff will be happy to give you directions on how to get there, or even drive you.

The Reptile farm

The nearby reptile farm is a fantastic place, where the guides really know what they are talking about. They care for the animals, which are mainly local Gambian reptiles. There is no inbreeding and they are caught and released at regular intervals. Though not released near the reptile farm, so no wirries, it's a safe place to be.
Remember: They are more scared of you than you are of them!  And you can touch and hold most of the different lizards, turtles and snakes, if the guides offer this to you. And it is completely OK to say NO!

Travel Photography Advice

The nearby reptile farm is a fantastic place, where the guides really know what they are talking about. They care for the animals, which are mainly local Gambian reptiles. There is no inbreeding and the reptiles are caught and released at regular intervals. Though not released near the reptile farm, so no worries, it's a safe place to be.
Remember: They are more scared of you than you are of them!  And you can touch and hold most of the different lizards, turtles and snakes.

In case you miss any information or just want to give us feedback, please feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Gambia is the smallest country on the mainland of Africa. And we have the lowest cime rate in Africa. It safe to go around in the Gambia, if you take the same precautions as you would at home.

And will the shop owners be angry with me if i try to lower the price? No, they expect you to lower their suggested price.  A general rule of thumb is: The correct price will be half of their suggested price, but they won't give up without a battle :-)

The staff at the can get you to a doctor, or even get the doctor to the hotel. Contact them and tell them what your illness is.

In most cases cash is king. And in general the Gambia is a cheap place to go shopping. At the larger stores and groceries it is possible to use creditcards, just like at home. But in the markets and smaller local shops: Expect to use cash (Gambian Dalasi).

In the Gambia, Mandingo is spoken as a first language by 38% of the population, Fula is spoken by 21.2%, Wolof / Serer by 18%, Jola by 4.5%. Several other languages are also spoken. Gambian Sign Language is used by the deaf.

But...English is the main language used for official purposes and in education. Everybody speaks English in the Gambia.

In general you don't have to round up people for the trisp. Just go to the reception and we will find you a competent guide: Be it for birdwathcing, city walks, reptiles or nature in general.

Just ask us: We have it!