The best time to visit The Gambia depends on the experience you are looking for.
The dry season from November to May is ideal for beach holidays, cultural tours, and safaris. During these months, the weather is sunny, warm, and dry, with average temperatures around 30°C.

The rainy season from June to October offers greener landscapes, fewer tourists, and a more peaceful atmosphere. While there may be occasional heavy showers, this period is perfect for travelers who enjoy vibrant nature and quieter experiences.

Both seasons have their charm, and I will help you choose the best time based on your travel style and interests.

Some vaccinations are recommended before traveling to The Gambia.
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory only if you are arriving from an endemic country.

Other commonly recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, tetanus-diphtheria, meningitis, and typhoid. Health advice may vary depending on your medical history, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional well in advance of your trip.

Having travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly advised for peace of mind.

Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Banjul International Airport.
The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended in Banjul if needed. The approximate cost is 20 EUR, payable in cash.

An Airport Security Fee applies on both arrival and departure:
20 EUR / 20 USD / 20 GBP or GMD 1,400 per person, excluding infants.
Gambian passport holders pay GMD 1,000.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and carry enough cash to cover these fees.

To make your arrival smooth and stress-free, I personally pick you up from the airport with a private transfer and take you directly to your accommodation.

During your stay, you can rely on me for safe and comfortable transportation across the country. Traveling with a local guide means better routes, local insight, and authentic experiences without worrying about logistics.

The local currency is the Gambian Dalasi GMD.
As a reference, 1 euro equals around 65 to 70 dalasis, depending on the daily exchange rate.

There is no need to bring dalasis from home. It is safer and easier to exchange money after arrival, and I will take you to trusted exchange points with fair rates.

I recommend using travel-friendly cards such as Revolut, as some regular foreign bank cards may not work reliably in The Gambia. ATMs can occasionally malfunction or charge high fees.

The Gambia is generally a safe destination for travelers, especially when traveling with a local guide. As in many countries, it is wise to stay alert for minor thefts and persistent street vendors known locally as bumsters.

Bring mosquito repellent, take malaria precautions, and consider recommended vaccinations. The public health system is limited, so travel insurance including medical evacuation is highly advised.

Your safety and well-being are always a priority.

To stay connected, buying a local SIM card is the best option. Providers such as Africell and QCell offer affordable data plans with good coverage in tourist areas.

To help you save money, I personally accompany my clients to buy a SIM card outside the airport, where prices are more economical. Registration requires your passport, and your phone must be unlocked.

European roaming does not apply, and using your home SIM card may result in high charges.

The Gambia is home to several local languages, including Wolof, Mandinka, and Fula, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity.

English is the official language, and I speak it fluently, so communication will always be easy. When locals prefer to speak their native language, I am happy to translate and help you feel connected and included in every interaction.

Language should never be a barrier, but rather a way to deepen your cultural experience.

Gambian food is full of flavor, tradition, and fresh ingredients. Meals are often based on rice, vegetables, and locally caught fish, such as ladyfish and barracuda from the Atlantic coast.

Do not miss traditional dishes like domoda, a rich peanut stew, benachin, a flavorful one-pot rice dish, and yassa, marinated fish or chicken cooked with lemon and onions.
Meals are generous, delicious, and often shared, offering a true taste of Gambian culture and hospitality.