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The Gambia Safe and Responsible Travel

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The Intrepid Foundation provides travellers with an opportunity to give something back to the many wonderful communities we travel to. By donating to The Intrepid Foundation you can make a difference in local communities - in health care, education, human rights, child welfare and the protection of wildlife and the environment.


Responsible Travel Tips

 
The Gambia is the smallest nation on the African mainland
 

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Top responsible travel tips for The Gambia


  1. Be considerate of The Gambia’s customs, traditions, religions and culture.
  2. Only use your right hand when dealing with locals. The left is used for ‘unhygienic tasks’.
  3. It's considered very rude in Gambian culture to smell food in front of others before eating it.
  4. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered and shoes removed when entering places of worship.
  5. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water or use water purification tablets.
  6. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
  7. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.
  8. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive and supports the local community.
  9. When bargaining, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!
  10. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
  11. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
  12. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.

Health and Safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?
Go to: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
From New Zealand?
Go to: http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
From Canada?
Go to: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/
From the US?
Go to: http://travel.state.gov/
From the UK?
Go to: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/
The World Health Organisation
also provides useful health information:
Go to: http://www.who.int/en/

Shortlist

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The Gambia at a glance

  • 6
  • Banjul (population 360,000)
  • 1.8 million
  • English (official), Wolof, Mandinka, Fula
  • (GMT) Casablanca
  • Type G (Irish/British 3-pin), Type C (European 2-pin)
  • +220

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