the gambia

area
population
capital
head of state
official language
currency
exchange rate

(source: lonely planet)

10,690 sq km
1.3 million
banjul
yahya jammeh
englich
dalasi
check out oanda.com
for current exchange rates

this information comes from a visit to the country in october 2001. things might have changed since then. these are my personal impressions and it's well possible that other travellers will not share my views.

i got my visa right at the border (1 month / usd 20.--, if i remember right).

getting in and out

senegal to banjul: good piste to the border. no problems with the officers on both sides. you might want to get there early in the day in order to make the ferry across to banjul. (there can be many cars waiting in line). there are lots of nasty ·guides· at the pier trying to make a dollar here and there. if you get stuck for the night, you can ask the police to let you camp in their fenced in warehouse compound. they·ll expect a little gift, but it·s well worth the safety.

eastern gambia into senegal.

there is a tiny border post at the eastern end of the gambia. no hassles there. after the checkpoint, there are several little pists leading to a main road within senegal. there is no senegalese border post, so you·ll have to get your formalities done in the next town, probably tambacounda.

places to stay

serekunda: sukuta camping is a green, lush and friendly place. not too far from the beach

other