Thaw yourselves in Banjul. The tropical climate here will surely rejuvenate you. With 10 hours of sunshine per day forget winter back home as you bask in the sun and frolic in the beach. The sea with temperature at 260 C beckons for a swim. So, book yourself in one of the holiday resorts close to Banjul.
The Palma Rima Hotel in Kololi which is just about 20 minutes ride by taxi from the Banjul airport, is an affordable hotel with a big swimming hotel and is only a few minutes walk from the beach. But the prices here are so cheap: for one person only £15 for a standard room inclusive of all meals. It has it own restaurant and bar. You don't need to go out to have fun. If ever you do, watch out for the locals outside the hotel who try to sell you almost everything. They are very persistent and you will need to be very firm with them.
As it is Christmas, gift buying is a must and you can shop
for great finds at the Senegambia Craft Market or you can venture to the Royal Albert Market in
Banjul. Haggling
is allowed here. Still in the spirit of Christmas you might want to do
some gift giving right where you are. Schools in Gambia are
sorely lacking in the basic necessities for children such as books, pencils and
papers. Just coordinate with the hotel for the nearest local school where
you can drop off your donations.
For your Gambian dining experience check out La Pirogue Beach Bar in Bijilo Resort, Banjul area. It has its own pool and if you want to use it you'll have to pay for it on top of the food you order. If this restaurant is too pricey there are a lot of eateries outside Palma Rima. The downside is that you have to fend off all the time the sellers.
