2.02 to 5.02.07, 3 days, currency rate 1 € = 34 D (Dalasi)
highlights - beach resorts are very popular among European tourists. Here English-speaking locals are very open and relaxed, but I had a feeling that is not really without a business. However, the beaches are clean and tidy, restaurants and hostels try to meet the customers requirements, at least in Bakan. After resting on the Atlantic coast we decided to go deeper into the country.
How easier in communication - from French (Senegal) we were happy to switch into English. This smooth communication resulted in more interesting meetings. In minibus we have been invited by a guy to his the village, we had the opportunity to learn about Mandinke tribe lifestyle. At morning we were welcome by residents, we ate the meals with Bakery and his family, watching the surrounding area, having fun with children and resting under the tree and leading interesting conversations. After two nights we thank for the hospitality, and in revange we bought them some food products.
accommodation – in Atlantic Coast the selection is big, from exclusive hotels to Guest Houses, which for African conditions was over the norm. It wasn't too cheap - we started bargain from 800 D for the room (23 €).
| town | hotel and address | N | accommodation | price per night | €/ pp | note | comments |
| Bakan | Bakan Guest House | 1 | 3 persons room | 500*D/ room | €4.9 | 7 | wc, sheets, fan |
| hospitality | 2 | in village | - | - | |||
| 3 | €4.9 (1) |
transport – I heard a lot about the poor condition of national road No. 1. I convince myself that is a tragedy - full of holes paved road that the car had to reduct to the first gear. When was possible the driver used the unpaved shoulder, because that was better ride. I like saying that in Africa you can recognise drank driver when the car goes straight.
While the price per person can be relatively easy to negotiate, the baggage price is often not acceptable - usually more than half of person price. They even didn't accept if you take your backpack on your knees or pay a full person price and put the bagguage on the seat next to you.
| day | destination | transport | price in D | €/ pp | duration | km |
| 22 | border Senegal - Barra | minibus | 35*D/ per | €1.0 | 1 h | 37 |
| 22 | Barra - Banjul | ferry | 5 D/ per | €0.1 | 30' | 5 |
| 22 | Banjul - Bakan | minibus | 6 D/ per + 4*D bag/per | €0.3 | 15' | 14 |
| 23 | Bakan - Serekunda | minibus | 5 D/ per + 5 D bag/per | €0.3 | 15' | 10 |
23 + 25 |
Serekunda - Kununumukuda (close to Soma) + Soma |
2x minibus | 80 D/ per i 30*D/ bag per per + 15 D/ per i 10 D/ bag per per |
€4.0 | 6 h + 45' | 198 |
| 25 | Soma - Senegal border | taxi | 60 D/ 3 persons | €0.6 | 10' | 6 |
| €6.3 | 270 |
visa – European Union doesn't need a visa, Poland as usually de facto doesn't have full rights, so we need. My luck my new EU passport confused the officials and they gave up, so we saved 10 € each. Unfortunately, valid only for 7 days.
In addition The Gambia has embassies in Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Nigeria.