The Gambia is a tiny country in West Africa, with a 50 mile long west coast facing the Atlantic Ocean, with the rest of its land being completely surrounded by Senegal.

It is possible to visit The Gambia on a package tour and enjoy the services and facilities of some of the luxurious hotels of the Senegambia strip and with temperatures of just over 30 degrees celsius all year round, then this makes a great Winter destination for Europeans. However, if you are feeling adventurous then do make sure that you venture outside the confines of your hotel and experience some of the real aspects of the country. It may not always be a very comfortable experience as there is a stark contrast between those with money and the third of the population who live below the poverty line (even by African standards) but the country is vibrant and full of colour. Enjoy the activity of local people as the fishing boats come in and they unload the catch onto the beaches, watch as a herd of cows wander down to the shore or enjoy a laid back lunch of fried fish and rice in a shabby beach cafe. It may take you out of your comfort zone but it will give you a chance to experience a real slice of Africa.