The tropical mid-haul destination with no jet lag, 32C highs in winter & £1 beers
KNOWN as the ‘smiling coast of Africa’, the Gambia is a hidden winter sun treasure waiting to be discovered.
The country is only six hours from the UK, and there is no time difference, meaning Brits can catch winter sun without jet lag.
Why The Gambia?
The smaller inland nation is hidden away on the coast of West Africa. It stands out from conventional winter sun hotspots thanks to its unique fusion of environment, culture, and leisure.
Senegal completely surrounds the Gambia, with the exception of its Atlantic Ocean coastline. Even though it’s one of Africa’s smallest nations, it has a wide variety of environments, from savannahs and swamps to colourful wetlands.
Compared to other winter sun long-haul locations, The Gambia is surprisingly accessible for Brits, with flights between six and seven hours from many airports across the UK.
The country has plenty of accommodation available, from posh all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and quaint self-catered options, which are all far more accessible than other popular holiday hotspots.
To make it even better, The Gambia also has a low cost of living, with hundreds of cheap activities, dining options and transportation links that won’t break the bank.
For instance, the average cost of beer at a restaurant is around £1.35 (114.99 Gambian Dalasi), but they’re even less expensive at supermarkets.
Other than the incredibly cheap holidays and cost of living, the tropical weather is one of the nation’s main draws.
The Gambia has year-round sunlight and average temperatures around 30C in winter.
What is it like in The Gambia?
The Gambia is often described as a unique holiday destination with plenty of things to do and see for every type of traveller.
Nature lovers will love the country, as it is known for its diverse ecosystems, and the Abuko Nature Reserve is a must-see, as it’s home to over 300 different kinds of birds.
For a chance to witness the wildlife first-hand, tourists should take a trip down the Gambia River.
Those wishing to relax might want to stay in the capital city of Banjul, as there are hundreds of lively marketplaces selling one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods.
The beaches are also a great way to spend your days in Gambia, with Kotu, Kololi and Bakau being the most popular.
Kotu Beach has more than 700 reviews on Tripadvisor, is the top activity to do in Gambia, and even won a Travellers’ Choice award in 2023.
The country is also rich in history, and Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly known as James Island) is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its big role during the beginning and the abolition of the slave trade.
Holidaymakers can also get to know the local culture with organised village tours, traditional drumming and dancing workshops.
When is the best time to visit The Gambia?
Since the country benefits from tropical weather, it has wet and dry seasons.
The dry season, which runs from November to April, is usually the most popular time to visit, as the average temperature of 28C makes it the perfect escape from the gloomy British weather.
For those looking for a more lively nature-filled trip, the rainy season, which lasts from June to October, adds another layer of beauty to the scenery – but the beach might not be as tempting.
What are the best deals to visit The Gambia?
Currently, TUI is the only holiday company offering packages with direct flights to The Gambia.
The direct flights depart from Manchester and London Gatwick, both with two flights per week.
- Check out the best holiday deals to The Gambia here
TUI has plenty of holiday packages available; however, you could even book your flight with TUI and then sort your accommodation separately.
These are a few holiday packages we’ve spotted in 2024:
- 7 nights b&b at Holiday Beach in Gambia – from £690pp
- 10 nights b&b at Palm Beach Resort in Gambia – from £798pp
What else do I need to know about The Gambia?
The official language of The Gambia is English. The local currency is the Gambian Dalasi, with £10 equally around 853 GMD.
Brits entering the country for less than a month won’t need a visa, but they must pay a mandatory airport security fee both when entering and leaving the nation.
The cost is twenty dollars, which is around £15 and will need to be paid at the designated kiosk in Banjul International Airport.
The UK government deems The Gambia as a safe holiday destination, but it advises Brits to avoid large events and protests in public spaces, and keep in mind there are several checkpoints in Banjul.
The government also points out that you must carry an ID with you at all times.
For more bargains, Brits can visit the Canary Islands in January for 21C temperatures, with cheap winter sun holidays on sale for under £200.
Or the short-haul island destination with 300 days of sunshine and holidays for under £150.
For somewhere closer to home, Premier Inn launches cheap Friday rooms for a weekend away from £10pp a night.