The Gambia is regarded as a thoroughly progressive, open-minded holiday destination and, despite its economic malaise, impresses with a low crime rate. Combined with the consistently warm friendliness of the people, the country gives every traveller to The Gambia a secure feeling of being welcome. The smallest country on the entire African continent is focussing entirely on tourism in 2021/22.
More tourists are expected in The Gambia 2022
The population of Africa’s smallest country is really warm and friendly. Time and again, a white person is asked ‘From where do you come from sir?’ and if you then answer that you come from Europe, you are sure to win the sympathy of the Africans. It was exciting for our team to find out what makes Gambians tick in 2021. What do people think about the coronavirus pandemic? What do people expect from the future?
Are we Europeans really welcome?
Yes. You can always feel that you are welcome, the population is happy to welcome holidaymakers and, due to a lack of alternatives, is dependent on this sole source of income. Children shout ‘HELLO TUBAB’ (‘Hello white man’) to every white person in a curious and friendly manner. I really got the impression that the Gambians appreciate it when we drop by and ask questions. Corona doesn’t play a role in the country, by the way. Every now and then a poster pops up saying ‘Corona is real’ or the media likes to show protagonists wearing masks, but in everyday life C is non-existent.
Are there any restrictions due to Covid-19?
While you are not allowed to do anything in Europe, there are no restrictions in The Gambia. Bars, restaurants and discos are open, people are dancing, eating and feasting, making you feel like you did before the Covid pandemic.
Nobody wears a mask or face shield. Women are happy to wear a mini skirt or skinny jeans, it’s very tolerant and there’s obviously no finger-wagging. For those used to German conditions, freedom in The Gambia is boundless. Nowhere will you be snapped at by your contemporaries if you sit in a taxi, bus or at the hairdresser’s without a face mask.
The Gambia is, in my opinion, the perfect autumn and winter destination for those who want to jump into the warm waters of the mid-Atlantic even in December when the daytime temperature is around 30°C, with a feeling of freedom that we are now unaccustomed to. The sea here has a pleasant 26 – 27° water temperature.
Conclusion: Let’s go to Gambia. It’s population is very friendly, everyone speaks English
The Republic of the Gambia is the smallest country on the entire African continent. In the author’s opinion, it has the friendliest population in the whole of Africa. In my opinion, the West African country can be described as a safe holiday destination. Gambia’s surface area is only around 11000 square kilometres, which corresponds to about a third of NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia). The coastline of just under 100 kilometres is partly deserted and beautiful. There is a considerable number of endemic animals and plants and even monkeys and crocodiles can be found here.
