The Gambia Travel Forum

i would like information on women traveling alone in gambia..any or all advise will be very welcome

I travelled to The Gambia alone many times. Anyway, at that time I knew the country alrerady and knew what to do and what to leave.

You might consider the bumsters as a pain in the ass, but that goes for all tourists. They are not onlay after women, they are after earning money. The best thing for you would be, to find a reliable guide for tours, so you can see what you want to see without falling into any trap an experienced person can avoid.

Apart from that, just follow the normal instructions. Be friendly, but consequent. You can go to a beach bar and ask the stuff to keep away vendors, they will. Just give them a nice tip, and you will have your perfect peace. I don#t know which area you will be staying, otherwise my recommendations could be more precise. Whereby I'm not familiar with Bakau, but as for Kotu and Kololi, I know there quite well.

Hi
Just to add
Kololi is one of the busiest areas for bumsters and tourists.
as you are going to be a woman alone you will get lot of attention from local boys especially if you are 35 and under.
IF this is what you want you have come to the right place but if you are worried about it then just "employ" one bumster for no more than 100 delasi (£2.50) per day and bumsters then dont come to you as they see this person with you.

Generally speaking we were ok with them as a simple no thanks repeated 2 times is enough. At worst ask them if they are going straight so that you can change your direction.

Have fun

You may want to see my pics from Gambia dec 08

forgot to add if you do employ the bumster then agree before hand that you wish to dine and drink alone as they make expect to be treated with full board and drinks which will push your cost per day much higher.

If you can 'cope' with constant unwanted (at times) attention, you will be safe travelling on your own. Having said that, normal precautions are sensable, as anywhere in the world.

Overal though, it would be best to engage one of the local guides, as it will make your experience of Gambia better, and stop unwanted attention. Gambians never step on 'one anothers toes' Negotiate rate of pay for day before starting out. Feed them, but give money for local food (street food -they know where to find it!) rather than restaurants etc. Always buy drinks at local shops.

They will all tell you 'I love you, and want to marry you' - lol!!

so balramdas, I hope you enjoyed your stay ;-)

Hi

Yes we did
It was a great experience
lovely people---bumsters didn't bother me much as I'm quite chatty myself and when I didn't feel like talking I was ok to say I wish to be alone with my wife and it worked.
I did surprise them occasionaly by being the 1st to talk to them.

generally not much to do there but a good winter destination
will be going again but I also like to go to new places
please see my pics on my page

Bal

Oh yes, single lady to here all the time brings problem if you are all alone, and if you have any other Gambian beside you as a guider or so, makes it simple to keep the bumsters away, because as a single lady, Bumsters will start to follow saying all sorts of romantic words to get to your mind..
Cheers,
Dawda.

Dawda
would you be our "guide" next time we come?
You seem like a nice person

Bal

Sure yes Bal, its my pleasure to give guide to make sure you and your wife have good and safe times here always ofcourse.