Wrestling is the most popular sport in The Gambia, with football coming a close second. Don't expect to watch a Greek-Roman - or other Olympic wrestling game. Anything is allowed during these games. There is no referee and they have never heard of any rules of the game. Kicking, hitting, throwing sand into each other's eyes is what they call 'free style action'. The audience and the accompanying music make it an unforgettable event. The winner expects a reward, so see to it to carry some small change.

Watersport

Watersportlovers have to put up with all that is offered in and around hotels. Watersport in The Gambia is still in its infancy and there is hardly any supply. Ask the reception or the entertainment-team of your hotel.

Angling

Perhaps the most practised sport in the world. There are plenty of possibilities in The Gambia to catch a fish. At sea from usually small boats (don't go if you are sensitive to seasickness), from the beach, in the creeks round and in the river Gambia and of corse on the ocean. On your own or in organised excursions, anything is possible. If you are with some people you can rent a piroque and take to the river. An organised fishing trip is preferable to fishing on your own. A lot of exotic fish live in the Gambian waters, some of which are pretty nasty, one or two even lethal. It is therefore wise to have experienced personnel at your disposal, who recognize the fish and will take them off the hook for you.

Golf

An 18-holes golf course is situated in the immediate surroundings of Fajara hotel. It's a beautifully laid out course, but take into account that the grass is not always as green as it should be. After the rain season the colour slowly changes into brown. You can be a member of the Fajara Golf- and Countryclub for just one day. You can rent clubs for a small amount of money and there is a course with 9 Par 4, 7 Par 3 and 2 Par 5 holes at your disposal. You are welcome every day, but on Saturday afternoons they play competition matches. Then you can see the best golfplayers of the country in action or enjoy the facilities of the pavilion.

Cycling

There are people who can't keep from cycling. The Gambia is a beautiful country to cycle in and there are plenty of possibilities to rent bikes. I don't recommend making hiking tours, but it is possible. Always take plenty of water with you!

Tennis and squash

Nearly all hotels have tenniscourts that are available for guests, usually without charge. There have become more and more opportunities to play squash in or near hotels lately. Balls and rackets are to let for small amounts of money. The hotel reception will give you information and will make reservations for you. Interest in tenniscourts can be pretty high, particularly in the morning and late in the afternoon. Don't be tempted to play tennis a bit later or earlier then between 10.00 and 16.00. I advise you against physical exertion in general and sports in particular.

Horseriding

Renting a horse to make trips or ride along the beach has become more and more popular lately. Some riding-schools can be found in the vicinity of hotels. The hotel reception will help you further. Usually an instructor will go with you (he is even prepared to hold the bridle reins for you), but you can also take lessons. If the instructor thinks your knowledge is sufficient, you are allowed to pull out under your own steam.

Watching sports

Most sportslovers become less active in The Gambia than when they are at home. Temperatures don't invite you to go for your daily hour of jogging or arobic dancing (although some hotels offer this to their guests under supervision). Watching sports is another matter. While enjoying a cool drink you take part in sports. You can, organised or not, visit wrestling matches and attending a football match in Independence Stadium in Bakau is an experience. For rugbylovers there is the opportunity to attend a match near the medical centre just outside Fajara.

Creekfishing

Lazing away the day on board a therefore equipped fishing boat, a traditional piroque. From your hotel you will be taken to Denton Bridge where you go aboard. Bait and the use of fishing rods is included in the price, and your lunch as well. In the morning you angle in the creeks among the mangrove forests in the mouth of the river Gambia. After lunch you will go to the river itself for the real work. You will be surprised of the amount and variety of fish that will be brought to deck. There is plenty of personnel (men and women) on board to help you; you'd better leave getting a fish off the hook to them. Cooled refreshments are for sale on board. The piroque is equipped with a chemical toilet. You can also book this excursion privately; the 'Lady Parrie' sails off with ten to twelve guests on board at the most