Traveling to Gambia is not about clear routes, hourly trains and stable Wi-Fi. Here the rules are soft, the sun is harsh, and adventures begin where the usual ends. To feel confident and comfortable, you just need to prepare a little - and be ready for the fact that not everything will go according to plan. And that's okay.
First, the sun. It is bright, generous and merciless here. Even in the shade, you can easily get sunburned if you forget about sunscreen. SPF 50 is your faithful companion, especially if you plan to travel through open spaces, boat excursions or long walks through the markets. Panama, light long clothes and a bottle of water in a backpack are not a tourist fetish, but a real way to survive until dinner without overheating.
Second, transport and time. Everything works in Gambia, but not always as you expect. A taxi can arrive an hour late, a bus may not go at all. But instead of being annoyed, it’s better to accept it as part of the culture: no one is in a hurry here. And if you’re ready to let go of control, the other side of the journey will open up. People will help, give advice, give you a ride if needed — and most likely with a smile.
Power can go out. The Internet is slow, especially outside of major cities. This is not a bug, it’s a feature. Take an external battery with you and download the necessary maps in advance. Or better yet, look around more often, not at the screen.
The food is tasty, but not always familiar. The local cuisine is hearty and quite spicy. If you’re not sure, ask if it’s okay to have it “not spicy.” Drink only bottled water, wash or peel fruits. And don’t forget that antibacterial wipes are a universal thing.
Safety is one of the pleasant surprises of Gambia. The country is considered one of the calmest in the region. Of course, basic precautions are needed, as everywhere: do not leave things unattended, avoid dark streets at night, do not carry all your money at once. But in general, you are in a friendly and hospitable environment.
And, perhaps, the most important thing is the internal setting. Do not expect Europe in Africa. Do not compare. Gambia does not want to be "like somewhere else". It is its own. With noisy markets, sandy roads, crowing roosters, endless conversations and good chaos. And if you allow yourself to dissolve in this, it will truly open up.