Gambia travel advice and deals

Gambia: Travel advice. This is important – YOU MUST TAKE MALARIA MEDICATION for Gambia. See Malaria advice.

That being said, the cheap Gambia travel deals, make Gambia a superbly cheap location for that winter tan or just to lounge on the beach.

As a plus this West African country’s hotels and resorts have gained a well-earned reputation for delivering value.

With Gambia temperatures averaging just over 30C during our winter it’s significantly hotter than alternatives such as the Canaries or the Caribbean.

The benefits of a Gambia holiday become clear, when you consider it’s only a six-hour flight from the UK.. Plus English is the official language and it’s in the same time zone.

The main Gambia tour operators are , Thomas Cook and Cosmos Holidays. But the season is short lived, so take advantage while you can

Thomas Cook and Cosmos feature the Gambia in a number of programmes and will resume winter flight service at the beginning of November.

Seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the five-star Sheraton Gambia, near the fishing village of Brufut, costs from £629 with Thomas Cook, while seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star Laico Atlantic Banjul in Banjul Beach with Thomas Cook cost from £694.

Both include flights from Manchester departing November 2.

New for winter 2011-12 is the three-diamond-rated Footsteps Eco Lodge in the resort of Gunjur, a recent recipient of the Travelife gold award for its strong green credentials, and the four-star Hotel Laico Atlantic in Banjul, priced from £569 on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Also new is the all-inclusive package at the five-star Sheraton Gambia, priced from £959, while its lead-in price this winter is £575 for a seven-night break at the two-diamond-rated Badala Park in Kotu.

On the beach

Of the country’s resorts, Kololi is the biggest, with the nearby SeneGambia strip the main area for nightlife and eating out. Quieter options include Brufut and Cape Point, while Kotu is home to Fajara Golf Club and one of the best beaches. Bijilo is a great bet for wildlife fans as it’s on the edge of the Forest Park.

On the accommodation side, higher-end options include the Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, Sheraton Gambia and The Kairaba. A great bet for couples is the 18-suite, adult-only Ngala Lodge, where the clifftop setting offers cracking views. All four properties are featured by The Gambia Experience.

Away from the beach

Eco-tours, offered by the likes of Gambia Tours, take in local villages and projects such as the Gambia Is Good Farm in Yundum, along with attractions such as the crocodile pool in Bakau and lively Albert Market in the capital Banjul.