For many years, Gambia has been known as a destination for Africa beach, but it is gradually changing as it began to attract attention as a conservation and cultural hotspot.
The Gambia Tourism Committee recently announced a comprehensive marketing strategy as part of the World Bank Support Tourism Diversification and Elasticity Project, and introduced the country as a full -fledged ecotourism destination.
Abubacarr Camara, director of the Tourism Committee, said, “The world’s travel patterns are developing and Gambia is adapting.” As we continue to celebrate our beach tourism, we are now unlocking ecotourism, heritage experience and adventure travel.
Tourism officials say that it is accessibility to make this small country attractive to African travelers. Linda Verasdal, a tourist entrepreneur born in Norway, has lived in Gambia for more than 15 years, and Linda Verasdal, a founder of ethical travel portal, said, “For the first time in English -speaking countries, Gambia is a very good start for Africa. Official language. This means that visitors can easily interact with locals. “
Lack of language barriers makes it easier to interact with locals in many environmental -oriented tourism projects in Gambia. The GUNJUR village, which is one hour south of the main tourism area, offers several grassroots initiatives, including the turtle project, protects the sea turtle eggs to hatch and shows innovative plastic recycling programs.
Verasdal said, “This small project has a real impact.” It’s really interesting to see these grassroots initiatives, and it’s worth a visitors who want to understand both challenges and solutions. “
One of the most innovative projects of Gambia is a trail that connects the coastal tendon to NJAU’s UPRIVER village through women -led initiatives. Visitors can follow the entire production chain, from cotton to rotation, weaving and cutting. Verasdal said, “Culture, people who meet people, and learn about history. It’s all built in a trip to see the country,” Verasdal added.
Travelers who want to explore this community project can stay in Gunjur’s Footsteps Ecolodge, one of the longest eco -logis in Gambia, and pass through a 25 -minute off -road terrain, about 25 minutes away from the beach.
From the Safaris River to Rare Monkeys
On the coast, travelers can organize small boat trips in the Gambia River, the most explored waterway in Africa. Near Gunjur, this trip explores Senegal’s tributaries and borders and visits Felican Island, where hundreds of water birds gather.
Visitors can head to the central area for more practical wildlife watching. Verasdal said, “If you want to see Hippos and Red Colobus monkeys, travel with Car Upriver for hours and spend the night.” “In the afternoon, watch the wild animals at sunset. The next morning, visit one of the monkey colonies.”
In the Upriver Stays, Kauren River Camp has been expanded to an upgraded room recently. It is an ideal foundation for exploring the historical root site of Albreda and Juffereh and the wildlife experience in the east near Kuntaur. Simple properties of Janjanbureh, such as Kairoh Garden or MUSA ‘S Garden Lodge, can directly access true hospitality and hiking trails, sunrise kayaks and community interactions.
The highlight here is to visit the Red Colobus project near Kuntaur/Janjanbureh. The community initiative uses a visiting fee for the forest preservation, while the guests join the guidework for rare primates among ancient trees.
Inland activities continue to expand through operations such as Fairplay Gambia, a social company headquartered in Janjanbureh. Kayak, hiking, fishing for famous African tigers and river Gambia National Park, and rescued chimpanzees live on a protected island.
According to Verasdal, the location of Gambia in the main birds of traffic is a paradise for bird observers with more than 500 species of paper. “Some guests came for bird observation, but they found much more like a promenade that could rarely see other tourists.”
Cruise increases
Interestingly, the cruise line has called the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruise, Holland America Line, Siebern Cruise, Ajama La Club Cruise and Silver City recently to emphasize natural wonders and cultural experiences.
But for those who want more than snapshots on the beach, Verasdal must combine a versatile travel with the coast and Upcountry. “Spend a week by using the same place as Footsteps Eco Lodge, add 3-4 nights that combine wildlife view, cultural experience, and adventure activities.
The short distance and everyone who speaks English can get a gambian experience within 10 days. In detail, we explain the history of slave trade in a powerful visit to the same site as Kunta KINTEH Island. King Fisher sees the fog of the fog and reduces the lazy sunrise paddle inland; And I sent it to learn how the thread is a beautiful craft.
