Gambia emerging as a prime West African ecotourism spot

Travel Weekly

2 days ago

For years, Gambia has been known as a laid-back West African beach destination, but that's gradually changing as the country starts to take the spotlight as a conservation and cultural hot spot.
The Gambia Tourism Board recently unveiled a comprehensive marketing strategy as part of the World Bank-funded Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project, showcasing the country as a fully-fledged ecotourism destination.
"The world's travel patterns are evolving, and The Gambia is adapting," said tourism board director Abubacarr Camara. "While we continue to celebrate our beach tourism, we are now unlocking the potential of ecotourism, heritage experiences and adventure travel."
Tourism officials say that what makes this small nation particularly appealing for first-time Africa travelers is its accessibility. "For anyone coming to Africa for the first time from an English-speaking country, The Gambia is a very good start," says Linda Verasdal, a Norway-born tourism entrepreneur who has lived in The Gambia for over 15 years and is the founder of Ethical Travel Portal. "English is the official language, which means visitors can easily interact with locals."
The lack of a language barrier makes interaction with locals in Gambia's many eco-focused tourism projects that much simpler. Just an hour south of the main tourist area, the village of Gunjur showcases several grassroots initiatives, including the Turtle Project, which protects sea turtle eggs until hatching, and an innovative plastic recycling program.
"These small projects make a real impact," Verasdal said. "Seeing these grassroots initiatives is really interesting and worth it for visitors who want to understand both challenges and solutions."
One of Gambia's most innovative projects is the Gambia Cotton Trail, which connects coastal Gunjur with the upriver village of Njau through a women-led initiative in partnership with Women's Initiative Gambia. Visitors can follow the entire production chain, from cotton growing through spinning, weaving and tailoring. "It's a really nice way of learning about culture, meeting people, and history - all built into a journey that lets you see the country," Verasdal said, adding, "Our main goal is to make products 100% Gambian, from seed to finished item."
Travelers wanting to explore these community projects can stay at Footsteps Ecolodge in Gunjur, one of the longest-standing ecolodges in Gambia, positioned roughly a mile inland from the beach, a 25-minute walk through scenic off-road terrain.
From river safaris to rare monkeys
From the coast, travelers can organize small-boat excursions on the River Gambia, Africa's most navigable waterway. Near Gunjur, these trips explore tributaries and border waters with Senegal, visiting Pelican Island where hundreds of water birds gather.
For more substantial wildlife viewing, visitors can head upriver to the central regions. "If you want to see hippos and then red colobus monkeys, travel a few hours by car upriver and spend the night," Verasdal said. "In the afternoon, watch wildlife come to drink at sunset; early next morning, visit one of several monkey colonies."
For upriver stays, Kauren River Camp overlooks the river and recently expanded with upgraded rooms. It serves as an ideal base for exploring both the historical Roots sites to the west in Albreda and Juffereh, and wildlife experiences to the east near Kuntaur. Simpler properties in Janjanbureh such as Kairoh Garden or Musa's Garden Lodge provide authentic hospitality and direct access to hiking trails, sunrise kayaking, and community interactions.
A highlight here is visiting the Red Colobus Project, near Kuntaur/Janjanbureh. The community initiative uses visitor fees directly for forest preservation while guests join guided walks looking for rare primates among ancient trees.
Inland activities continue expanding through operations like FairPlay Gambia, a social enterprise based in Janjanbureh offering everything from three-hour sunset cruises to multiday expeditions along the River Gambia. Activities include kayaking, hiking, fishing for the famous African tigerfish and visits to the River Gambia National Park, where rescued chimpanzees live on protected islands.
According to Verasdal, Gambia's location on major bird migration routes makes it a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species recorded. "Some guests come just for birdwatching but then discover so much more, like walking trails where you can go hours barely seeing another tourist," she said.
Cruise calls on the rise
Interestingly cruise lines are starting to put the capital city of Banjul on their itineraries: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Silversea have all added calls there recently, with day excursions highlighting both natural wonders and cultural experiences.
But for those wanting more than just snapshots ashore, Verasdal recommends a well-rounded trip should combine coast and upcountry. "Spend a week using somewhere like Footsteps Eco Lodge as your base, then add three or four nights upriver combining wildlife-viewing, cultural experiences, adventure activities. … That way you really get under Gambian skin," she said.
With distances short and everyone speaking English, it really is possible to get the full Gambian experience within 10 to 14 days -- from powerful visits out west at sites like Kunta Kinteh Island, detailing slave trade history; to lazy sunrise paddles inland watching kingfishers dart low across misty water; and evenings spent learning how cotton threads become beautiful crafts.