As small as the country is, both in size and number, The Gambia is popularly known for tourism, with visits from tourists of different races and religion. Worthy of note is also that the government has the policy to promote tourism and its contribution to economic growth, thereby raising the living standards of Gambians.
Travel throughout The Gambia is generally trouble-free, which encourages more tourists to visit whenever they want to and look around as much as they would love to. However, while it is guaranteed to be troublefree, travelers are advised to stay out of trouble and any potential threats.
Who are the Bumstars in The Gambia?
Originating from the English word, Bum, which refers to a begger or layabout, Bumsters in the Gambia are the people on the street who try to harass tourists for their own benefits. This is often an issue for some tourists, as they find it uncomfortable, strange and a sort of entitlement.
Health for Tourists in The Gambia
The Gambia is a third-world country and as such, one should expect deteriorating health, as the living conditions aren’t favorable. The CDC and WHO recommend taking the following vaccinations before traveling, just to be safe: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia , and influenza.
Living Condition and Language Barrier
The living condition in the Gambia often depends on a lot of factors but it is generally okay, depending on where you reside. Timbu offers options for hotels and guest houses around the world and could help you find one in The Gambia.
While the country claims to have English as its official language, you would be surprised how language could still be a barrier. Many of them speak their tribal languages but the most common is the Wolof language, spoken by both the young and the elderly. Perhaps, with time, depending on how long you stay, you might pick up simple words like Nagadef interpreted as “how are you doing”.
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