--- title: "Bicycle touring in Gambia | Cycle Planet" description: "Surrounded almost entirely by Senegal, The Gambia more or less is the same, except that they speak English. As it is divided by a river into North and…" canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia" meta: "og:description": "Surrounded almost entirely by Senegal, The Gambia more or less is the same, except that they speak English. As it is divided by a river into North and…" "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BGambia%2Cdescription_~U3Vycm91bmRlZCBhbG1vc3QgZW50aXJlbHkgYnkgU2VuZWdhbCwgVGhlIEdhbWJpYSBtb3JlIG9yIGxlc3MgaXMgdGhlIHNhbWUsIGV4Y2VwdCB0aGF0IHRoZXkgc3BlYWsgRW5nbGlzaC4gQXMgaXQgaXMgZGl2aWRlZCBieSBhIHJpdmVyIGludG8gTm9ydGggYW7igKY%2Cheadline_Western%2BAfrica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvZ2FtYmlhIg%2Cs_ji36b1rsTw208QAv.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in Gambia" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BGambia%2Cdescription_~U3Vycm91bmRlZCBhbG1vc3QgZW50aXJlbHkgYnkgU2VuZWdhbCwgVGhlIEdhbWJpYSBtb3JlIG9yIGxlc3MgaXMgdGhlIHNhbWUsIGV4Y2VwdCB0aGF0IHRoZXkgc3BlYWsgRW5nbGlzaC4gQXMgaXQgaXMgZGl2aWRlZCBieSBhIHJpdmVyIGludG8gTm9ydGggYW7igKY%2Cheadline_Western%2BAfrica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvZ2FtYmlhIg%2Cs_ji36b1rsTw208QAv.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Western Africa # Gambia [**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=13.443182,-15.310139,8) [** Download GPX (3) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/GM) ## **About ** Surrounded almost entirely by Senegal, The Gambia more or less is the same, except that they speak English. As it is divided by a river into North and South, you can either cycle through it in one day, or follow the river to explore the inner depths of the country. Last updated 3 Sept 2020 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/about) ## **People ** The people are friendly and peaceful, but know that a white person is "rich", so people want to become your friend. They are very hospitable, like to make contact and tell a lot about their culture. Shaking hands is a must. Cyclists are an attraction and command respect. Ninety percent of the population is Muslim and the vast majority of the rest is Christian. Appropriate clothing is not necessary, but women should not be defiantly dressed. Last updated 22 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/people) ## **Routes ** - [North to South](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/cycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com/o/uploads_gpx%2Fcycleplanet-Gambia-1599144175120.kml?alt=media&token=e3733d6b-78de-429f-a82c-d8085a094669) ## **Visa ** Citizens of the following countries (dark green) can visit The Gambia wihtout a visa for 28 days. You'll receive an entry stamp at the border. Source: [**Wikipedia**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_Gambia). Last updated 13 Mar 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/visa) ## **Border crossings **(2) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**1. Jiboro (Gambia) – Seleti (Senegal)**To SenegalEasy and relaxed border crossing. On the Senegalese side, they checked my bags. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/56d52038-ce7b-422b-8a77-7d71afbd8fbc) 2. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**2. Karang (Senegal) – Amdalai (Gambia)**To SenegalEasy and relaxedd border crossing. They might ask for some fees, but always ask for a receipt, which they probably won't give, and they will let you continue… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/72f457e9-8208-42ce-91ea-69b8eaa19dee) ## **See and do **(1) Sorted by most likes 1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Serekunda**See & doSerekunda is quite a popular destination for tourists, so you will find many Western style bars and restaurants. There are plenty of things to do around… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/-MGJOmxUkmjVZB96g8yO) ## **Sleeping ** ### **Staying with locals** You can often stay with natives, volunteers or development workers. The villages are close to each other. To stay overnight you go to the oldest of a compound (village) and ask for a place to stay overnight. You will then be given a place to sleep, food, washing facilities. Costs nothing, but of course you will not leave without giving 100 to 150 Dalasi. Bicycle is next to your bed. ### **(Formal) camping** A great way of meeting locals and sleeping in your own comfortable bed. Ask anyone in a village and they will search a spot for you. ### **Ho(s)tels** There are hotels in many large towns. The quality varies greatly. Luxury in the tourist areas on the coast to very simple inland, sometimes noisy. Think about 10.000 CFA for the cheapest price. ### **Wild camping** Wild camping is possible but you do get a lot of attention. Wild camping can be dangerous because of presence of hyenas. Last updated 22 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/sleeping) ## **Safety ** Generally safe to cycle, be cautious in big cities.The Gambia is a relatively safe but poor country. Like everywhere else you have to look after your belongings in the cities. ### **Traffic** The traffic is typical African style, wild and unorganized. However, cars seem to take cyclers into account quite well. ### **Criminality** Bas (2019): "I haven't experienced any criminality. To cross the river, I even had to leave my bike in the crowd with a single lady from the police, and while I was gone for 5 minutes to get the ticket for the ferry, the bike and all attachments were still there." ### **Corruption** The Gambia has large billboards to prevent corruption, in which they tell you to call a number if you experience something like corruption. ### **Nature and animals** Wild camping can be dangerous because of presence of hyenas. Last updated 22 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/safety) ## **Transport ** ### **Boat** From Barra there is a ferry across the wide mouth of the Gambia River to Banjul. A slow and packed boat will bring you to the other side. There is another ferry service across the Gambia between Soma and Farafenni, important for the (freight) traffic between North and South Senegal. All the way in the southeast under Kartung you have to take a boat over the river that serves as the border with Senegal. No more than a small paddle boat or authentic hollowed-out tree trunk. The border on the Gambian side will be closed at 7 pm in the evening. There is no border office on the Senegal side. Furthermore, in places with, for example, a lodge camp on the water, such as at Tendaba, you can have a fisherman put you across the river. Last updated 22 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/transport) ## **Food and drink ** The Gambian cuisine can be very delicious. They like to eat rice, casave and domoda, with a local juice from baobab trees. They eat together from a big plate and if you're at the right place, the meals are very tasty. Most villages have shops with a limited supply of fresh bread and some standard canned products. Lodge camps and hotels usually also serve meals. **Restaurants** Hugo: "You eat with the locals. Rice with fish or meat, together from one pan. Costs 25 dal. Vegetarian food is better available than with meat. Fine cuisine." George: There are plenty of places to eat. Make sure you have enough food supplies yourself. \*\*Drinkable water \*\* Tap water is usually unreliable. There are many pumps with good water along the way. Avoid pits as much as possible because of the risk of contamination. Water is also available in bottles, but not everywhere. Depending on the season and destination, make sure you have sufficient supplies, for example in water bags. Bringing a filter with you can help in some situations. Last updated 22 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/foodDrink) ## **Vaccinations & health ** - Malaria is the number one enemy of the nation, it occurs all year round. LCR advice: before a trip to The Gambia, always visit a travel advice and vaccination office or a specialized travel medicine doctor, especially for a short last-minute trip. - Malaria drugs and vaccinations are urgently advised for The Gambia. - Yellow fever, DTP and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. - In the dry period there are few mosquitoes and directly along the coast and the river up to Tendaba, because of the salty water, there are fewer mosquitoes by default. - In many lodges and small hotels, mosquito nets are already fitted as standard, sometimes you have to hang one yourself. Also bring your own cord and some screw hooks. - There are not many dogs and you hardly notice the timid nature. Last updated 22 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/health) ## **Blogs ** - [The smiling Gambia](https://www.basidsinga.com/11-the-smiling-gambia/) ## **Other ** **Best time to cycle** In January and February it is the dry season and there is a high risk of sand storms (harmatan). March and April are also dry but warm with an arid landscape. It is rainy season in May, June and July when it is very hot with high humidity. Nature then flourishes. The best time to cycle is from October to February. Nature is very beautiful, especially in October and November. **Spare parts** Tire size 26 inch is standard. The people are very helpful, also with regard to a lift, but the possibilities for repair are limited. So take enough spare material with you. In an emergency, you might think of going to western (bicycle) rental companies on the coast (Serekuna), you might be able to pick out western parts here. Otherwise, in case of extreme emergency in Dakar (Senegal), you can go to Bomtey Sport, Rue Petavin (in the center of Dakar). This may be the only bicycle dealer with Western parts in all of West Africa. Last updated 22 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia/edit/other) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Cycle Planet is the bicycle touring platform: visas, border crossings, places to sleep and points of interest per country, and a community of cyclists who host each other.","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","publisher":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/gambia#webpage","@type":"WebPage","description":"Surrounded almost entirely by Senegal, The Gambia more or less is the same, except that they speak English. 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