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Public Holidays
January 1
New Years Day
February 12
Independence Day
February
23
Eid al Adha
March 31
Good Friday
April 1 Easter
Monday
May 1 Labour
Day
May 25 Milad
un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
August 15
Assumption
December 6
Eid Al Fitr
December 25
Christmas
Muslim
festivals are dependent on the sighting of the various phases of the
moon and the dates given above are approximations.
Health & Safety
A yellow
fever vaccination is required from all visitors over one year of age
arriving from endemic or infected areas. Travellers arriving from
non-endemic zones should note that vaccinations are very important for
travel outside urban areas.
The major
health risks in Gambia are malaria (exists all year through out the
country) and cholera. All water should be regarded as being potentially
contaminated. Boiling or purifying water is a necessary precaution. It
is best to avoid dairy products, as milk is not pasteurised. Boil milk
before consumption. Avoid eating salads, pork, sliced fruits and
mayonnaise when eating out.
Medicines are
in short supply in The Gambia. It is advisable to carry basic medicines
and prescription drugs. Health insurance is essential including
emergency repatriation coverage. Health services are sketchy and there
are two government-run hospitals, one in Banjul and the other at
Bansang located 320km up-river.
The Gambia is
free of political tension that is so widely prevalent in many countries
of Africa. The only thing you need to do is keep a look out for small
thieves and tricksters. Petty thefts and instances of mugging have been
reported from Banjul, Serekunda and on the beaches around Bakau and
Fajara. It is wise to keep your wealth out of sight and avoid walking
in these areas in the dark. Stay away from the “grass” and harder drugs
that are easily available; the police will be very hard on you if you
get busted. The beach boys are also particularly annoying with their
offer of every thing under the sun. It is advisable to avoid even a
casual conversation or a handshake with them, as they tend to stick
like leeches and irritate tourists who do not seek their services.
It is also
advisable to stop at road checkpoints and not drive around them.
Proceed only when directed by security personnel manning the gates. The
ferries from Barra to Banjul and many other towns do not have adequate
safety arrangements. It is advisable to carry your own life preserves.
Customs & Duties
The following goods may be
imported into The Gambia without incurring customs duty: 200 Cigarettes
or 50 cigars or 250gm of tobacco or mixed to the same total quantity, 1
litre of spirits, 1 litre of beer or wine and goods up to a value of
Dalasi 1000.
Electricity
220v/240v, 50hz are the
specifications available.
Post &
Communications
There are telephone services
in Banjul, Serekunda and major towns, where you can dial direct
overseas 24hours a day. The connections are reputed to be excellent.
The main post office is in Banjul with branches in each major city and
town. There are Internet facilities in Banjul where you can surf the
net and check your mail for a fixed sum.
Weights
and measures
The metric system is used in
the Gambia.
Tipping
The standard tipping amount
is 10% of the bill.
English Language Media
The Gambia
weekly, the nation, the Gambia daily, the Gambian times and the Gambia
onwards are the only known English language media guides.
Recommended Reading
The Gambia:
Andy Gravette
The Gambia: Robert Zimmerman
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