Gambia - any experiences?

[Malvolio]

Just a boring one if anyone is minded to help.
I’m over in Gambia for a week - USD, EUR, GBP or Gambian Dalasi?

The hotel have asked for EUR cash - what do I need for my Taxi from the Airport and what’s best for “incidental” expenses?

Thanks - it’s a work trip but will drop an update if anything noteworthy happens.

Something noteworthy will definitely happen if you want it to.  You can't fail to pick up if you go to one of the 'clubs' on the strip.

You probably know this already, but don't change too much cash at the airport as the rate will be shite.  You also need 20 US dollars as an entry fee, and there's a similar exit fee so keep some Dalasi back.

[Houngan]

Please be a bit careful out there just lately guys. Been told by a friend they have once again caught a few white paedos over there (all Nordic country's I've heard) but the atmosphere isn't great among the locals around white people and also there has been a lot of violence erupting around market areas due to Eid (tobaski). People are trying to undercut people who are paying rent and as such there's a lot of rather large rocks and stones ect flying around aimed at each other and it has hit a lot of innocent people and the police have let off tear gas a lot lately both at the trade fairs and at the markets....

I know this is a punting forum and as such aimed around the tourist areas but just saying incase whilst your there you decide to have a look around....

I would avoid going anywhere near serrekunda market for example and definitely don't go near any women who look younger than 18 especially anywhere near Mariama Kunda/Kololi ..... This is easier said than done as I've literally seen 21 year olds who look like kids but the locals mood regarding sex tourism isn't great right now with the videos which have circulated to Gambian media showing old guys with underage boys and girls....

As I said the 2 in circulation are Swedish and danish I believe but still this is a country which violence can happen very quickly and a small thing will turn into a mob as they tend to believe the first thing someone says even without evidence....

[Cambridgy]

Please be a bit careful out there just lately guys. Been told by a friend they have once again caught a few white paedos over there (all Nordic country's I've heard) but the atmosphere isn't great among the locals around white people and also there has been a lot of violence erupting around market areas due to Eid (tobaski). People are trying to undercut people who are paying rent and as such there's a lot of rather large rocks and stones ect flying around aimed at each other and it has hit a lot of innocent people and the police have let off tear gas a lot lately both at the trade fairs and at the markets....

I know this is a punting forum and as such aimed around the tourist areas but just saying incase whilst your there you decide to have a look around....

I would avoid going anywhere near serrekunda market for example and definitely don't go near any women who look younger than 18 especially anywhere near Mariama Kunda/Kololi ..... This is easier said than done as I've literally seen 21 year olds who look like kids but the locals mood regarding sex tourism isn't great right now with the videos which have circulated to Gambian media showing old guys with underage boys and girls....

As I said the 2 in circulation are Swedish and danish I believe but still this is a country which violence can happen very quickly and a small thing will turn into a mob as they tend to believe the first thing someone says even without evidence....

Thanks for the info - looks like my one spare “beach day” will be just that - I’ll let you all know how the atmosphere seems when I’m back next week

[Houngan]

I wouldn't let it put you totally off. Just be aware underage girls DO go to the clubs. And I mean underage by under 18 but I know 100 percent that some are as young as 15 going into some places. Regardless of who your with if your at a hotel they "should" ask for id anyway atleast in my experience but I wouldn't be wanting to draw attention to myself anyway.

The police would end up arriving and then they will try get a bribe off you.... Or worse you have an angry crowd around you saying things in a language you can't understand.... Best to just hook up with someone who looks clearly over the age..... This is actually pretty easy as there's plenty of women between 25 to 35 floating around... Or there's always tinder. You will almost always get a lot of bites on tinder.

[bhudda]

Just a boring one if anyone is minded to help.
I’m over in Gambia for a week - USD, EUR, GBP or Gambian Dalasi?

The hotel have asked for EUR cash - what do I need for my Taxi from the Airport and what’s best for “incidental” expenses?

Thanks - it’s a work trip but will drop an update if anything noteworthy happens.

the hotel will probably accept GBP if you show them an exchange rate online (mine did)

Change £50 at the airport after you get thru the formalities to cover your taxi fare and give you some pocket money until you get in to town and exchange money at a better rate - but as was said the biggest note they have is worth about £2 and they are all the same condition as used toilet paper so you don't want to be trying to count too many of them. 

[Houngan]

Oh forgot to reply.... Regarding the exchange of money. Bamboo village insisted on dalasi or card payment..... Which automatically converted to dalasi but I didn't get a good rate....

It's easy enough to change money and probably get the best rate in Senegambia. I'm with NatWest and my exchange rate sucked when paying with the card.

[tintin100]

Oh forgot to reply.... Regarding the exchange of money. Bamboo village insisted on dalasi or card payment..... Which automatically converted to dalasi but I didn't get a good rate....

It's easy enough to change money and probably get the best rate in Senegambia. I'm with NatWest and my exchange rate sucked when paying with the card.

Chase and Revolut are good but it's like a loaded debit card with good rates and can be an ATM card as well.

[stampjones]

Chase and Revolut are good but it's like a loaded debit card with good rates and can be an ATM card as well.

I have revolut and I struggled to get money out of the ATMs on my latest trip. Was ok before that but this time it was only allowing my to take 3k per day or something. Wasnt a problem for me as I had cash but best not rely on that being available

[tintin100]

I have revolut and I struggled to get money out of the ATMs on my latest trip. Was ok before that but this time it was only allowing my to take 3k per day or something. Wasnt a problem for me as I had cash but best not rely on that being available

I do believe there is a limit on ATM withdrawals on Revolut but not on Chase. Also some machines might have a limit on the amount you can withdraw.

[Houngan]

External Link/Members Only

To give you guys an idea of the market situation there right now with Eid.... This is a daily occurrence and there's huge rocks and stones being thrown everywhere..... Also because the markets are busier there's more thieves and pickpockets there too so if you are around at this time of year is best to avoid any market areas.

[notcalledchris]

External Link/Members Only

To give you guys an idea of the market situation there right now with Eid.... This is a daily occurrence and there's huge rocks and stones being thrown everywhere..... Also because the markets are busier there's more thieves and pickpockets there too so if you are around at this time of year is best to avoid any market areas.

[Cambridgy]

External Link/Members Only

To give you guys an idea of the market situation there right now with Eid.... This is a daily occurrence and there's huge rocks and stones being thrown everywhere..... Also because the markets are busier there's more thieves and pickpockets there too so if you are around at this time of year is best to avoid any market areas.

Fajara is pretty quiet!
Any recommendations for an outcall massage in the area?

[Houngan]

Fajara is actually always quiet... It's one of the more upmarket areas I would say. Even the beaches are always quiet. I can't comment on outcall massages as I have no experience with that but I'm pretty sure you could have a girl from tinder over there the same night you start talking. There's always lots of Nigerians hanging around on tinder.

Even on a free account you will get a lot of bites pretty quickly.

[bhudda]

Oh forgot to reply.... Regarding the exchange of money. Bamboo village insisted on dalasi or card payment..... Which automatically converted to dalasi but I didn't get a good rate....

It's easy enough to change money and probably get the best rate in Senegambia. I'm with NatWest and my exchange rate sucked when paying with the card.

paysend offer a pretty good rate if you want to send money to gambia (though it only seems to work on their website, not their app). You can send to a bank account (I know that works) or supposedly to an afrimoney account if you have an africell sim card which you can then supposedly withdraw from a bank. Rate on sendwave currently 87.25 ... on paysend 94.9265 so a significant difference. May be useful if you don't want to take loads of cash, or your cash gets nicked! 

Don't know what the rate is with money exchange places currently.

[Cambridgy]

Had a run down the tourist strip this afternoon and everything looked very quiet…

I was catching up today with a mate who is a Doctor over here - we were chatting about the punting tourism.

A blind eye is turned to this - and there are no problems from local enforcement - that said there is “official denial” in healthcare policy that this is happening. So there are no real programs to support working girls - no condoms available free, no testing (girls will show up once they have symptoms to treat) so no accurate data on prevalence of STDs.

No moral crusade here - but do remember the condoms!

The place is beautiful and the folk are very kind and welcoming..

[Houngan]

Yes your right. Prostitute literally operate outside the police station at senegambia....

And your right there's no standard testing. It's why I always take prep because you ask women there when there last test was and it's never..... I've literally seen girls full of herpes on lips and they don't even know what it is and one girl literally said she has sores on her pumpum and I had to tell her myself that it's probably herpes too.... And even what medicine she needs to go ask for....

Also from experience these women don't carry condoms... There sex education is basically zero and most don't even know for example about basic things like the ovulation cycle ect.... It's not taught to them.

My advice always would be to take prep and use a reliable condom like skyn.... Supposedly they break less and also have more sensation....  But just remember that on the last check they did it was 70 percent of foreign prostitute in Gambia had aids.... This was a fair few years ago and didn't take into account STDs.....

It's pretty much common sense. It's an African poor country and as such education about sex and STDs and testing is basically zero to a lot of people... There's literally beach massages that will bareback you without warning for the price of a pizza.....

[webpunter]

There's literally beach massages that will bareback you without warning for the price of a pizza.....

"Domin-oh-hoo-hoo" 

[LeedsGent]

And your right there's no standard testing. It's why I always take prep because you ask women there when there last test was and it's never..... I've literally seen girls full of herpes on lips and they don't even know what it is and one girl literally said she has sores on her pumpum and I had to tell her myself that it's probably herpes too.... And even what medicine she needs to go ask for....

Houngan, I have read your adventures in the Gambia.  I was hoping to go early next year.
I was aware of the issue with HIV.  Naturally I always condoms for sex but not always for oral.  If I caught Syphilis of Chlamydia, I would not be happy, but a least they can be cured.  Herpes that keeps on coming back sounds awful.  I forget that over here SPs are aware of the issues and want to reduce the risks to themselves.  You are right, they can’t protect themselves if they have no clue about the issues.  It has put me off a little bit.
The lack of updates on this thread early this year does suggest that few of us visited this year.  Is there a reason for this?

[Houngan]

Prices are currently very high compared to past year's I'm guessing doesn't help....

Also one thing to add to the whole std thing. Gambian hospitals doctors and pharmacy especially are useless. They will give you medicine that doesn't even relate to your symptoms..... I've seen thrush cream given for a rash on the arm which has nothing to do with a fungal infection at all but is simply allergy.... And they will just try to charge you for 3 to 5 medicines that you don't even need just to make profit. When a woman gets an std they firstly don't have a clue what it is. And secondly they won't get the right treatment anyway..... Most these girls don't even know what a yeast infection is and how to cure it..... They don't even know to avoid sugar (which feeds in the infection)... So will happily keep chugging there vimto or Fanta all day and wonder why they have it.... Sadly I've spoken. To a lot of girls of which 90 percent of them say something that just puts me off them and although Gambian girls generally are very clean and wash 2.to 3 times a day and brush there teeth the same amounts of time.... Sadly there education, especially regarding sex just sucks....  So if your like me and prefer things to be "as safe as possible" it's down to us to take the precautions required....

But as you asked the question I can tell you the honest truth.... Gambia doesn't just have declining punting numbers. It has declining tourist numbers full stop. And that's because the government simply doesn't invest in tourism and instead it's stuck 20 to 30 years in the past whilst being double the price of turkey or Egypt or Tunisia .... All of which have vastly improved holiday infrastructure and all inclusive options....

For example you can  go to turkey. All inclusive 5 star for less than a stay at bamboo village hotel (2 star by European standards) which doesn't include food or drink.... Once you add the food and drink and the fact you WILL have to pay double if you hook up with a girl there.... It makes less and less sense for most people....

Now..... Punting wise. It also makes not much sense. Because again for the same price (including accommodation and flights) you could fly and stay in Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, Philippines.... .. all of which your ending budget could be the same as Gambia.... Because a good apartment in Thailand and flight could be the exact same as a much worse apartment and flight to Gambia.....

I would also like to state the obvious here too. Gambia is black females. And as such you are not gonna find any white or Asian or anything else there. Which also probably limits the people visiting on this forum .... You have to like African girls..... And again if you fly to even Thailand you can hook up with white, African, Chinese, Thai, Philippino..... And also Thailand and Philippines had a much more open and easier "escort" system.... I suppose.

But I would personally say if you didn't specifically want just African girls.... You would have zero and i mean zero reasons to come to Gambia
...

Kinda sounds like I'm pulling the place down I guess. Which I aren't because as you can see I like the place for what it is.... But it's certainly not going to be for everyone and I can tell you now..... Violent crime, corruption, robberies and poverty are on the increase.... And the police are the most useless corrupt set of clowns I've ever seen and are only interested in ending up with.a bribe. If you got robbed don't expect them to do shit unless your paying them something for doing it....

So in my belief to sum it up. The people that like black African women will go to Gambia and return.... (As you can see I have and others on this thread).... But there's nothing else for any other punter there and the general tourism sector there is declining and poverty, crime and violence is increasing meaning even someone who loves the place sooner or later won't visit or will simply try other country's.....

Even me. I've already tried Zambia and im going to Zanzibar soonish.... The biggest benefit Gambia has is that the tourist area is small so everything is focused there...

Sorry for the long post but better to explain my views atleast.

Oh and to make this clear..... I will be returning to Gambia this year too.... I don't know the exact time but I will go back. But that's because I personally like the food and the vibe and I know exactly how things are there now....

There is just one thing I do wish was different. The FGM practice I hate with a passion.... It's not touched upon enough on this forum but i personally think it's such a shame when it's happened to a woman and I try to find girls who haven't had it done if possible.... But that is very hard

[stampjones]

Nice post Houngan. I agree with most of what you say. Certainly my friend there works in tourism related stuff and her earnings are down quite a lot this year. When I was over earlier in the year it was really empty compared to the previous year. I guess if that continues the foreign hookers will stop coming. Not sure if thats a good or bad thing,

The one thing I personally disagree with is that I’d go there even if there was no sex involved. Im sure Im not in the majority here, but I really like it as a place to go. Its got good weather, good food and a really relaxed vibe to it. There’s definitely not a lot to do and there is really only one gambia experience, but I love the place for all its issues

[Houngan]

Again I like the place even without sex too. The food and drink ect are the things I actually like to eat and the people are generally friendly to me atleast....

However I know I could go to Egypt or turkey or Tunisia or many other country's for less money all inclusive.... And for same price the whole globe is an option. That's where it gets tricky I suppose.... Gambia is getting more expensive now and is atleast already 20 percent more expensive than when I first went there....

That's where it gets tricky. I've not visited many African nations and who knows?.... Maybe they are amazing. Ghana for example is rated as one of the safest African nations..has a huge beach scene and also the escort and hookup scene is very established too. So I kind of do want to explore more places but as I said Gambia as soon as I land feels like I'm in the right place?..... That's the thing as I mentioned before.... If you love it in Gambia you will return. No doubt about it. But financially I could probably visit Ghana for 35 percent less and have the same level accomodation and food as Gambia....  That's where the temptation is.

[HS4000Kestral]

where do you normally stay when in Gambia Banjul?

[Houngan]

No Banjul is not a good place at all.... It's the capital but there's literally nothing worthwhile there.

All tourists will generally stay on the coastal areas ranging from bijilo all the way to bakau.... If you want to know the places us on this forum have stayed there's lots of information on this thread.

[Houngan]

And regarding stampjones post.... I haven't seen this touched upon much on this forum but a lot of the street girls and hookup type girls and even the girls on tinder are from other country's. Not Gambia.... They come to Gambia to work just like Romanians come to the UK..... Obviously if tourist numbers decline then these workers will come less and less to Gambia as he said...

And yes it's a double whammy for the declining tourists coming because firstly the prices are increasing thus lowering the chances of new people coming to the country.....  And also they are not investing into tourism at all. For example ignoring the fact this is a punting forum.... It's not somewhere I would take my children because they simply would have nothing to do or see after the first few days. So that rules out family holidays there.... My friend was out there last week also and he said the taxi prices have gone insane with Eid coming. Not just for himself but for locals too they have almost doubled (more traffic means taxi drivers use more fuel I guess is the logic) or demand.. but still as I said the country is definitely going backwards it seems. A girl I met over there's sister was attacked by 2 men going into her gate for her phone the other week and she foolishly held onto her phone instead of just giving it them and now she has a broken wrist and her face was all scraped up after being pulled along the floor....

Also there's videos online now of men and women literally walking through the markets with knives and scissors and they are cutting people's bags open to steal stuff whilst there walking.... All of this In broad daylight...

It's a shame to be honest as I said. When I go I try to tip and even buy the guards drinks when I go to the shop. I'll buy the kids something from king baker who sit outside..... And apart from the standard beggars and chancers I haven't had an issue with everyone and everyone has been friendly but i know obviously life is very different once you leave the tourist strip and poverty is definitely increasing there.

[stampjones]

When I was there a couple of months ago a few people mentioned the situation with tourism, like taxi drivers, bar staff. They were all quite angry with the government for not investing especially given the entry fee they skim from tourists. Its a shame because they should really be doing much better given what they have. The beaches are just amazing, everyone  Ive met with the exception of a few bumsters on the beach has been really friendly. I hope it doesnt all go to shit for them, and not just for selfish reasons. Having said that, like you I have always fancied a trip to Ghana 

[Houngan]

Did you see. They supposedly invested 40 million dollars into that airport recently supposedly?.... And have you seen it? It's a shambles. It doesn't even have working backup power and the food choices ect are diabolical....

And yes the exit and entrance fee. 1400d now each way with "supposedly" by government numbers 240,000 visitors last year also (this is a made up figure obviously everyone knows the number is much, much lower).

Also the president has literally borrowsd over 25 billion (yes billion) dalasi from world banks and supposedly invested it into the country including over 9 billion on tourism (where)... The whole country is literally corrupt and the presidents office is the most corrupt of all..... For example the presidents office budget is 20 times more than the whole education budget of Gambia and over 10 times the amount of agriculture and farming.... And this is a country which 74 percent of people are in poverty.

Like me and you said.... It is a massive shame and it's pretty obvious the cause for the recent spikes in violence and petty crimes are mostly fueled by poverty.....  saying that. I'm sat here in Tunisia right now..... In an all inclusive hotel on the beach and surrounded by some pretty beautiful (but untouchable) hotel staff and I'm anticipating the next time I set foot on Gambian soil..... The question is. Once I go to a country like Ghana and there isn't the issue of FGM and there is more choice (which seems evident from the research I've done).... Will I feel the need to return to Gambia?.... I don't know. But I can tell you right now I would love to be waking up tomorrow and strolling into gts for my breakfast.

[stampjones]

I hadnt heard about the airport investment but like you say it doesnt show. Corruption is pretty visible. As a white guy you’re relatively immune to it) but you just need to hang around with a black girl and you soon see it. I hope the violence doesnt escalate into one of the situations we see all the time in africa but there’s certainly enough anger and it would be all too predictable. But yeah, like you I’ll be back. But for now Im trying to figure out what do do with my next holiday. Probably not this time but Ive always had a hankering to check out Madagascar. Another one from the wild frontier it feels like

[Houngan]

I'm gonna go to Zanzibar then Gambia probably and then possibly Ghana but as I do like the touristy stuff too there's a few country's.... I don't think it would be hard to hook up with locals anywhere in Africa anyway to be honest.

Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar are on my wishlist... I would do others too if it wasn't for the risks and warnings.

But yeah the airport supposedly saw a 40 million dollars refurbishment recently and I cannot find a single thing different at all. Apart from the fixed the airport sign outside so it all lights up now 😂😂😂.

Currently enjoying Tunisia but returning home this evening. Girls here too are very very pretty too but dont seem interested much in tourists haha. Was good to top up the tan atleast though.

[finn5555]

I'm gonna go to Zanzibar then Gambia probably and then possibly Ghana but as I do like the touristy stuff too there's a few country's.... I don't think it would be hard to hook up with locals anywhere in Africa anyway to be honest.

Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar are on my wishlist... I would do others too if it wasn't for the risks and warnings.

But yeah the airport supposedly saw a 40 million dollars refurbishment recently and I cannot find a single thing different at all. Apart from the fixed the airport sign outside so it all lights up now 😂😂😂.

Currently enjoying Tunisia but returning home this evening. Girls here too are very very pretty too but dont seem interested much in tourists haha. Was good to top up the tan atleast though.

I was looking at going to Ghana around October or November time, flights are a decent price and direct.

[Houngan]

I've been looking for around November also. Been looking at the OSU/cantonments area... I've seen the main road where girls hang out is close to that area and there's a few very nice apartments. Of course when I try it I will make a new thread..... The reason I didn't make a thread for Zambia was I ended up traveling a fair bit there and I met a local girl and stayed with her and travelled around for 2 weeks and whilst there is definitely a hookup scene there and working girls but I just didn't get enough intelligence to post much as I was only in Lusaka for a few nights.

[Gogglebox69]

Great post Houngman. As someone who has frequented Gambia numerous times over the years as well as much of the world I concur will pretty much all your points.

The country has seen a decline in the safety of it and have heard of more and more robberies compared to 5 years ago. Furthermore the cost factor for the quality of girls IMO is not worth it. I've had a friend robbed twice by working girls too which ruined his whole holiday.
This year I also had an issue where the casino in Fujara wouldn't pay me my winnings (approx £1000) when i went to the police they wouldn't do a thing unless they were given a share of that money. Corruption is rife through every walk of life there and gets worse the more higher up you go.
This coupled with the prevalence of STIs personaly i don't punting in Gambia at all. Massage with blowjob and I've got 2 regular girls that I've known for a very long time and I'll always see them if I return. But the concensus from me and my friends who used to visit Gambia is we won't be returning for a punting trip anytime soon. Think the straw that broke the camels back was the further increase if the piss taking airport tax.

Looking at Morocco and the far east again. IMO the gar east cant be matched.

[Houngan]

Yea that's my whole point. The police literally won't do anything unless something is in it for themselves. And that's not just for tourists it's for the whole country..... Even if someone attacks someone with a machete in a dispute between 2 family's for example the police will try to get the family's to communicate and resolve the issue with financial compensation (of which they get a cut) rather than arrest someone who's clearly a danger.... Then same person ends up killing someone and you find out they have been arrested 3 times previously for attacking people with knives.... Same with the bouncers at clubs. They literally killed someone in Senegambia last year when I was there at one of the small joints near the corner of paradiso and the same bouncers had attacked lots of people before that and still allowed to work by the police...

Like I said it's a shame because I personally have met a lot of really nice people there....

And yes. The robberys from prostitutes are sadly common speaking to people in GTS.... And drink spiking is on the increase (a practice from Nigeria and other African country's)....

Like I've said though. I like the country, the food... The women. I even like the Gambian women's accents.... And I haven't really had any issues myself apart from the standard bumsters and women that don't take the hint and I'll definitely return again soonish. I'll be honest to me it feels very comfortable like I feel at ease there.... But i kind of know it would be very easy if I wasn't streetwise to get yourself in bother there.

[bhudda]

No Banjul is not a good place at all.... It's the capital but there's literally nothing worthwhile there.

All tourists will generally stay on the coastal areas ranging from bijilo all the way to bakau.... If you want to know the places us on this forum have stayed there's lots of information on this thread.

i visited Banjul for a few hours, it's interesting to see an African city (though not a big one) and the market is an experience, (and the boat which is their power station!)  but I wouldn't want to stay there.

[Houngan]

i visited Banjul for a few hours, it's interesting to see an African city (though not a big one) and the market is an experience, (and the boat which is their power station!)  but I wouldn't want to stay there.

Yeah I visited twice. Market and went up the arch and also saw the ports and stuff.... I'm pretty sure I wouldn't need or want to be there longer than 2 days max....

The market is ok but very small compared to serrekunda but also probably a lot safer than serrekunda too... Like you it definitely isn't somewhere I would want to stay. I would always recommend between bijilo and fajara really. You can have nice and fairly safe strolls along the beaches during daytime and at nighttime a quick taxi and your somewhere which again although you can get pestered a bit too much you feel safe....

I'm heading to Zanzibar later this month as long as my work schedule is good but I won't lie Gambia is always tempting me....

[JontyR]

I think I'll be going this autumntime.

Although I am grateful to the posts from those more expereinced in visiting detailing the lack of investement it is something I would regret if I didn't see it for myself. I havent visited Africa before and it seems as good a place as any to go for a first visit.
 
I may be back to ask some pretty specific accomodation questions as I keep getting pretty muddled in looking for what I want.

Houngan - can I ask how you procure your Prep?

[Houngan]

I get it from a place called locala sexual health....

As I am a swinger with a few female friends and also I visit African countries and have sex there they offer it.

You can however order it online but it will be free from many clinics

[Houngan]

I forgot to say. If you tell clinics you have sex with other men (even if you don't) they will give you it also....

[JontyR]

Thank you. Following an unfortunate incident a few years ago I had reason to get PEP from a clinic, they offered a HepB immunisation and asked me to consider PreP. I waived away the offer at the time.

I've looked online but the cost is more than I'd ideally like, especially as I'd be getting "irregular" benefit. There are cheaper suppliers but I am uncertain as to the quality.

[Houngan]

It's not something I would want as low quality..I would contact your local sexual health clinic and tell them you are at risk because you have sex with men..... It's the easiest way to get it for free to be fair.

Green cross pharmacy is the website I used to order it from when i paid.... It's like 130 dollars for 6 months supply I believe and it's legitimate.

[Cambridgy]

Yea that's my whole point. The police literally won't do anything unless something is in it for themselves. And that's not just for tourists it's for the whole country..... Even if someone attacks someone with a machete in a dispute between 2 family's for example the police will try to get the family's to communicate and resolve the issue with financial compensation (of which they get a cut) rather than arrest someone who's clearly a danger.... Then same person ends up killing someone and you find out they have been arrested 3 times previously for attacking people with knives.... Same with the bouncers at clubs. They literally killed someone in Senegambia last year when I was there at one of the small joints near the corner of paradiso and the same bouncers had attacked lots of people before that and still allowed to work by the police...

Like I said it's a shame because I personally have met a lot of really nice people there....

And yes. The robberys from prostitutes are sadly common speaking to people in GTS.... And drink spiking is on the increase (a practice from Nigeria and other African country's)....

Like I've said though. I like the country, the food... The women. I even like the Gambian women's accents.... And I haven't really had any issues myself apart from the standard bumsters and women that don't take the hint and I'll definitely return again soonish. I'll be honest to me it feels very comfortable like I feel at ease there.... But i kind of know it would be very easy if I wasn't streetwise to get yourself in bother there.

Another trip - it all seems to be settling down - folk realise they are losing the battle on tourism and it felt incredibly safe this time...I was staying up close to the UK Embassy at Ngala so arguably not the real deal - but out for a 5km out 5 back jog in the mornings you can really experience the vibes...

[Kuteguy]

So what are some good affordable apartments in The Strip? I am going to be there for a month. I had an amazing time when i was last in The Gambia 14 years ago.

[Houngan]

So what are some good affordable apartments in The Strip? I am going to be there for a month. I had an amazing time when i was last in The Gambia 14 years ago.

On the actual strip? Most are expensive.... There's a couple over the highway that are reasonable though a few minutes walk....

Best to check Airbnb/booking as the prices fluctuate.... And don't be scared to message the hosts direct on Airbnb some will give you good discounts especially for a month....

I would personally recommend kololi sands or forest view.... Both are good quality and good location. Prices can be a bit over the top though....

[Kuteguy]

Those two are out of my budget. I saw Oasis apartments mentioned a while back but then not in the last couple of years. Did something change. Any one with experience at Oasis apartments. Monthly rates.

Anyone else in town between now and February? Hmu

[Kuteguy]

Gambia is crap now. It was previously probably one of my favourite destinations in the world. I am here for last 3 days and absolutely scraps. I won't be coming back here.
 
I still have another month, will update if anything changes. Last trip I had a line of hot women chasing me. Couldn't get rid of them. Now it's the fat village girls that i would not in a million years look at them twice. Everyone is glued to their phones on nights out. I was in Time Inn and there were 98% guys. Locals. Probably 5 European men. Even walking around, you don't see foreign men with local women. If anything foreigner/Caucasian families and couples.

I think the only way is to approach 'normal' women during the day, but they look super young at early 20s max, which is much younger than i like to go but no choice because the p4p girls just arent there.

Re: accommodation, Oasis looks good but they were booked out for next 6 weeks. I found a new build across the road but it's been s terrible experience (their listed monthly price is €1200/month).

So yeah no easy pickings like back in the days, but i think that's a global change (i have been going to Thailand and lived there for many years but that's gone really downhill (and expensive) as well).

Madagascar is supposed to be good but only French spoken. I was in Dakar, Senegal for s few days as well just before Gambia and it didn't seem very good as well.

[Houngan]

I'm also hearing the same things.... It's the damn expense for me because I like to stay in nice places.... My own fault I guess but still....

Nice apartment in Gambia.... 1.8 to 2k for the month....

In Ghana it's more like 600 to 800 for same quality... I've only spent a week there but it was so easy to pick up girls and tinder I was absolutely flooded with messages. Didn't pay for anything apart from meals and 2 massages. ..

Flights was 450. Accommodation can be one third of the price. Full of women and rated as one of the safest parts of Africa. And food prices was very cheap if you like African food like me.... Way cheaper than many places in Gambia...

All in all I believe Ghana I could get same level accommodation and girls for half the price of staying in Gambia.... But that's luxury accommodation.... If you just want cheap and cheerful the difference won't be as much....

And I agree with the girls just staring at phones comment. This used to annoy the hell out of me and I met a few girls in Gambia that couldn't hold a conversation for 2 minutes without picking it up all the time.... It's off putting to.me....

Once I go back to Accra and spend some extra time there I will make a real post. A week wasn't long enough really but there's also a street scene there and lots of other things I didn't participate in.

[PunterKit]

Gambia is crap now. It was previously probably one of my favourite destinations in the world. I am here for last 3 days and absolutely scraps. I won't be coming back here.

Any improvement over the last few days? Are you seeing more tourists? I was thinking of going over in March but it sounds like the place is dead.

[Birdhunter]

Thinking of having a trip out there. Is visa and Google pay widely accepted in restaurants,  or is it best to take cash and change locally.

[toon972]

Thinking of having a trip out there. Is visa and Google pay widely accepted in restaurants,  or is it best to take cash and change locally.

Cash and change locally, it is a completely different world in Gambia.

[stampjones]

Just to expand a bit on toon, the only thing you can rely on is cash. There are virtually no card transactions. Even getting money out of the two or three cash machines is hit snd miss (mostly miss).

Just an fyi if you’re thinking of going, I believe ramadan is feb/march this year so if things arent already quiet that might just make them so, especially if the imported hookers have vanished
 

[Kuteguy]

This might help with the logistical questions (looks like i can't post links.. search TripAdvisor for gambia thread called info sharing money taxi internet)
It hasn't improved. It's basically full of European tourists and young guys. Girls are in their own groups trying to look cool like they are in Miami or something.

I might make a follow up post in February to conclude on the trip and give my final thoughts. Basically what's happened is that going out and dressing sexy is normalised here. So the normal kids are doing that with each other and it's no longer reserved for only the p4p girls . .. in fact, apart from the ugliest of girls, it would be considered taboo for a local girl to hook up with an [old] foreigner. Cause everyone knows everyone. It's a very small country/village/town

I have gotten some matches on Tinder, but 75% of them are matches from Senegal (not sure why, because i have my distance filter set to a hard 10kms). I have put my feelers out to building security and admin, and they have hooked me up with a few numbers but might be dangerous to play around where you sleep

I am trying to find these whore houses i read something about but so far no tuk tuk driver knows about

I will repeat again that the nightlife is sh1t for my tastes. As afro best has taken over Europe, it's DEFINITELY taken over here. That's ALL they play. And it's so boring. People don't dance anymore (Global phenomenon from new York to London to Bangkok to China).. they just stand around.

I am getting into the normal flow of day to day life with shopping, cooking, sports massage, gym, walks, beach while working remotely Uk hours (the internet, wifi is the worst i have experienced in the world and it's more likely that Zoom calls won't work than that they will work.

Still almost 3 weeks to go. There's some potential for a turn around if i really try hard, but that's not what i come to third world countries for. I come because i have a relatively fat wallet (compared to locals) and i want easy cheap pickings. Simple.

I usually spend 6 months of the year in Brazil and might do that again later in the year. (Copabana has the lifestyle, Sao Paulo has the hot women (for my tastes) and quantity