Spotlight: The Gambia

With the growing trend of fabulous weddings and amazing memories, honeymoon destinations are definitely high on the list. The craze with Europe is still very much alive but so many more couples are looking within for memorable honeymoon options. It’s amazing how many interesting places there are within our continent. The Gambia, a world class tourist destination for the last decade presents a very pleasant surprise with a bumper package for fun loving couples.

Location: In a country also known as the Smiling Coast, Gambians are famed to be warm, friendly people with an innate gift of making visitors feel at home. Though it is the smallest country in mainland Africa, it is home to over 1.5 million people and is surrounded by Senegal and as such both countries have very similar cultures. It’s also nice and sunny all year round!

Shopping: Local Gambian tourist guides will be happy to show you round those parts of town you might never see on the maps. Exquisite crafts from the talented Gambian crafts men are definite keepsakes and the many tourist shopping attractions are full of great bargains.

Hotels: Like many popular holiday destinations, accommodation options range from luxurious beach side hotels to budget inns. Serviced and/or self catering apartments can be rented for the duration of the holiday for your own private getaway. There are also options for airport-hotel drop offs and car hire services to give a perfect hassle free honeymoon.

Tours: This location is an explorers dream. There is no room for boredom with activities ranging from scuba diving and nature safaris to cultural tours and hang gliding. One of the major tourist attraction is the Roots Village; best known for the famous television adaptation of the best selling novel Roots by Alex Haley. Remember Kunta Kinte?! Take a trip to the Gambia and you’ll find out where the story started. There are also opportunities to have a tour tailor-made to your interests and budget so there’s something for everyone!

Flights: Bellview airlines offer flights to Banjul, the country’s capital twice a week from Lagos via Freetown.

Many more details can be found on the Gambian tourism authority website on www.visitthegambia.gm

By Akwugo Okoli

Written by Sugar Weddings