Once known mainly for its serene beaches, The Gambia is emerging as a vibrant ecotourism and cultural destination in West Africa. Backed by the World Bank through the Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project, the Gambia Tourism Board is now promoting the country’s natural and cultural assets beyond the coastline.
Abubacarr Camara, Director of the Tourism Board, emphasized this shift, noting that The Gambia is evolving alongside global travel trends. “We’re still proud of our beaches, but now we’re highlighting our heritage, ecotourism, and adventure opportunities,” he said.
The country’s accessibility and English-speaking population make it especially attractive to first-time travelers to Africa. According to Linda Verasdal, a long-time tourism entrepreneur in Gambia, this ease of communication opens doors for meaningful interaction with local communities.
Just south of the main tourist hubs, the village of Gunjur stands out with its grassroots conservation efforts. Projects such as sea turtle protection and plastic recycling offer hands-on learning experiences for eco-conscious visitors.
Another standout initiative is the Gambia Cotton Trail, a women-led program connecting coastal Gunjur with inland Njau. Tourists can follow the full journey of cotton—from seed to finished textiles—while supporting sustainable, locally driven production.
Ecotourism lodges like Footsteps in Gunjur offer tranquil stays within walking distance of the beach, serving as launchpads for nature walks, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion. River safaris on the Gambia River explore nearby bird-rich islands, while trips upriver promise sightings of hippos, red colobus monkeys, and forest primates near Janjanbureh.
Lodges like Kauren River Camp and Musa’s Garden Lodge offer convenient access to historical landmarks like Kunta Kinteh Island and immersive forest tours such as the Red Colobus Project. These community-based projects reinvest tourism funds into conservation and local development.
FairPlay Gambia, based in Janjanbureh, is among the growing number of operators offering river adventures, kayaking, and visits to the chimpanzee-inhabited islands of River Gambia National Park.
Birdwatchers, too, are drawn to Gambia’s vibrant avian life—over 500 species have been documented along key migration routes.
Even cruise lines are taking note. Banjul, the capital, is now featured on itineraries from top cruise operators including Norwegian, Seabourn, and Holland America, offering day excursions rich in both nature and heritage.
Verasdal recommends blending coastal relaxation with inland exploration to truly understand Gambia. “Ten to fourteen days is enough to experience everything—from early morning paddles on misty rivers to watching cotton threads become traditional crafts,” she said.
With short travel distances and rich diversity in wildlife, culture, and community initiatives, The Gambia is firmly placing itself on the map as a top destination for sustainable tourism in Africa.
