The Republic of Gambia, commonly referred to as The Gambia or Gambia, is in West Africa and the smallest country on mainland Africa; surrounded by Senegal except for a short coastline on the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The country is situated around the Gambia River, the nation's namesake that flows through the country's center and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Its area is almost 10,500 km² with an estimated population of 1.7 million people. The official language is English, but many inhabitants speak indigenous languages such as Wolof or Mandinka. As one of the most beautiful, peaceful and smallest lands in Africa, it can be known intimately in no time-from the Albert Market in Gambia’s capital Banjul, to sight seeing in the Abuko Nature Reserve.

Banjul: The capital of Gambia is located on St. Mary’s Island, at the mouth of the Gambia River. A visit should take you to the Arch 22, The National Museum and Albert Market. The big white Arch 22, built to remember the military coup of army lieutenant Yahya Jammeh, dominates the road into Banjul. Visitors should also pause to see the King Fahad Mosque, which is probably the most attractive building in Banjul. Muslim visitors may see inside whilst non-Muslim visitors need to request permission. The Albert Market is the place for trinkets, including jewelry, local crafts, clothing and unusual pieces from neighboring countries such as Mali and Guinea Bissau. But if souvenir shopping’s not up your alley, go for some visual exploration instead. The MacCarthy Square is home to some great 19th-century colonial architecture; while the National Museum is home to historical documents and displays concerning the history of the Gambia. Although Banjul has little specifically aimed at tourists, it is an interesting place and a hive of activity with plenty of hustle and bustle. The Banjul Museum, situated in the center of Banjul, has many items of interest relating to ancestral traditions, music, agriculture and the British Colonial years, right up to the present day. ___

Abuko Nature Reserve and Makasutu Cultural Forest: The Abuko Nature Reserve is one of the finest sites in western Africa because it is the most visited tourist attraction in Gambia; you will have plenty of company when you make the trip. The animal orphanage is one of the most popular sites that is home to a large group of hyenas and birds. The Abuko Nature Reserve has a nice well laid out walks through its pleasant woodland. Its main charm though, is an opportunity to spend a quiet half-day away from the tourist hotspots. Abuko Nature Reserve is on the road between Serekunda and Brikama. Makasutu is an attraction designed to give the visitor a taste of the Gambia. You can go paddling through the mangrove swamps in a canoe with knowledgeable guides conducting the forest walks. For peace and tranquility, the striking riverside Mandina Lodges (featured in the book 1001 Escapes To Make Before You Die) at Makasutu Forest, offer an unforgettable experience with the chance to discover the people and wildlife of Gambia that have made the forest their home. During the day you can choose to relax by the large pool, blissfully soaking up the atmosphere; while in the evening, dinner is served in one of the wooden or tented dining areas; with the fire sometimes lit with the dancing flames that creates a magical mood. Alternatively you can dine privately in your lodge.

The Coastal Beaches and Sanyang Beach: There is a reason why the coast of Gambia is popular with tourists: it is located on some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Gambia has wonderful clean beaches that stretch for miles. With guaranteed sun and cloudless skies they are a great way to spend a few days; so you can spend the day on the beach and go swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening visit a local restaurant and have a good night’s sleep in one of the cozy hotels. Everything is within a few minutes walking distance so it’s easy to enjoy the beach and get back to your room without effort. Sanyang beach is known locally as 'Paradise Beach' and after spending a few hours here you'll probably agree with the alias. Getting to Sanyang can take a while as it is situated south of the main tourist location. However, the beauty of this place is feeling like you're away from all the other tourists who flock to the other regions. Sanyang might be just another sandy beach; and there are plenty of those close to the hotels, but at Sanyang there aren't any hotels, just a couple of small lodges, a few beach bars and vast open sands. Some of the beach bars have simple string hammocks on the beach where you can spend the afternoon with cool julbrews (or soft drinks if you prefer) with drummers and kora players performing on the beach - the atmosphere is definitely laid back. If you can tear yourself away from the hammock, there is also a fishing village in Sanyang with brightly painted fishing boats or canoes on the beach. You would find it fascinating watching the fishermen bring in the day's catch to the waiting people who sort it for market. ___