On this page, you will find practical information about my tours in Gambia and Senegal. This way, you will know exactly what is included, what you need to arrange yourself, and what to keep in mind once you arrive.
General Information.
What is not included in the price?
Flights to and from Gambia.
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at the lodges.
Your travel insurance.
Tips for local guides and captains (these are very small amounts).
All your personal expenses, such as purchasing souvenirs or clothing.
Security tax of €20 or 1,000 Dalasis per person, payable in cash at the airport.
Water for brushing your teeth in the lodges.
Supplement for a single room.
What is included in the price?
Airport pick-up and drop-off.
All accommodations in lodges are on a full-board basis.
Bottled water during the daytime excursions.
All boat trips and entrance fees to nature parks and bird hides.
Full transportation during the trip.
No booking fees; you pay for the trip upon arrival.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The guide and driver are available 24/7 during the tour.
Double room based on two people.
The mains voltage of electricity in Gambia is 230 volts. I advise you to bring a world plug; the sockets differ from those in Belgium and the Netherlands. Keep in mind that electricity in Gambia regularly cuts out. You can charge your camera batteries almost everywhere in the lodges.
Electricity
Travel documents
For entry into Gambia or Senegal, a valid passport is required. Please note the following requirements:
Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in Gambia or Senegal.
Visa Page: The passport must have at least one blank page for customs stamps.
A passport, also known as an international passport, is an officially recognized travel document in booklet form. It is accepted worldwide as identification and is essential for international travel.
Flight information
Flights are not included in my tours and need to be booked separately. Fortunately, several tour operators and airlines offer flights to Gambia, such as TUI Belgium, TUI Netherlands, Brussels Airlines, and Corendon.
TUI:
TUI operates flights during the high season, from October to April.
On the return flight, TUI usually makes a short stopover in Cape Verde.
Brussels Airlines:
This airline flies to Gambia year-round.
There is often a brief stop in Dakar, Senegal, lasting only 30 minutes, as it is close to Gambia.
I recommend booking early to secure the best fares and flight schedules.
Vaccinations and Precautions
For a safe trip to Gambia and Senegal, it is important to contact your doctor a few weeks before departure. You may need vaccinations. The information below provides an overview of recommended and mandatory measures.
The Climate in Gambia
Gambia's climate is classified as a tropical savanna climate. The average maximum temperature remains above 30°C throughout the year. During the summer months, nighttime temperatures drop very slowly and rarely fall below 23°C. In winter, nighttime temperatures drop slightly further, to around 17°C.
The climatological year in Gambia can be divided into two halves based on rainfall. From late October to early June, there is no rain. The rainy season begins in the second half of June, bringing heavy rainfall in a short period. The most intense showers usually occur late in the afternoon or in the evening. Humidity is also high during this period.
Vaccinations
Malaria Tablets
Strongly recommended for both The Gambia and Senegal.
Consult your doctor for advice on the most suitable type of medication.
Mosquito Protection
Use insect sprays or roll-ons containing DEET, especially in the evenings when malaria mosquitoes are most active.
Most lodges provide mosquito nets; I check this in advance so you can sleep comfortably.
Important Warning
Malaria mosquitoes are mainly active in the evening, at night, and in the early morning.
It is therefore essential to protect yourself carefully during these periods.
If you develop a fever during or after your stay in a malaria area, always seek medical attention as soon as possible and inform the doctor that you have been in West Africa.
Mosquito Protection and Malaria
Hygiene and Drinking Water
Yellow Fever
Required when travelling from The Gambia to Senegal.
For travel to The Gambia only, this vaccination is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
A single vaccination provides lifelong protection.
Hepatitis A and B
For full and lifelong protection, three vaccinations are required.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio
A booster vaccination is recommended if your last vaccination was a long time ago.
Typhoid
Provides protection against infection for approximately three years.
Rabies
Not mandatory, but recommended in certain cases. Please consult your doctor for advice.
Hygiene
Hygiene standards in The Gambia and Senegal differ from those in Europe.
It is therefore advisable to bring a well-stocked travel medical kit, including medication for diarrhoea.
Drinking Water
Tap water is not safe to drink.
Drink only water from properly sealed bottles and avoid ice cubes.
Be cautious with raw vegetables, as they may have been rinsed with tap water.
Preferably brush your teeth using bottled water.
Well Prepared for Your Journey
With good preparation, you can fully enjoy everything The Gambia and Senegal have to offer.
I will be happy to guide you further and answer all your questions, so you can experience my tours with complete peace of mind.