Gambia

It is several years since I holidayed in Gambia, and I assume there have been improvements since. The malaria tablets made me sick, so I wouldn't go back. If you choose to go there I am sure you will have the break you need, so don't let me put you off. We stayed near Banjul at the Atlantic Hotel, which I think has now changed name.
Pro:
Only 6 hour flight.
Little time difference.
Perfect temperature.
Lovely staff.
Villagers poor but happy.
Interesting wildlife, though small stuff and birds only.
Con:
Dangerous to walk beyond hotel on beach or streets without a guard.
Daily power cuts.
Poverty made me feel awkward.
All day trips centred around the same place (Lammin Lodge).

The choices you have depend on how much money you want to spend and what you like to do. The Senegambia is a big hotel and very popular and you could spend your entire holiday there. There are expensive lodges too as well as more basic places.

We like birdwatching and Gambia is excellent for that but the hassle was extremely irritating and could lead you to not wanting to leave your hotel unaccompanied.we have done a lot of travelling and found the hassle unacceptably high in Gambia. When we went out with a birding guide we had no hassle, you could say we had been bought and paid for and the others left us alone.However this was a few years ago and perhaps more recent visitors can give an up date on this.

Our daughter stayed at an exclusive venue beside the river with own cook and a boat to meander over the water - no hassle there. Google" Gambia hotels" and you will see the choice.

I have been to the Gambia (about 12 years ago)and had a good time, but if all you want is the sunshine, I would suggest the Canaries which are nice all year round. If you choose the Gambia, you will have to have a number of vacinations plus a Yellow Fever one which costs around £45 but it does last 10years. The Gambia is good if you are interested in the culture of the country but there will be 'hassle' so if you don't want that, don't go there.

Went last year stayed at Kombo Beach Hotel.Koto.
FANTASTIC!!!
Had very little trouble with being hassled a polite no worked for us.
Will be going back this year.

I'm quite interested in The Gambia (some Gambians want to drop the 'The' because it's too English). I've read a few guide books which are interesting but I'd like to know if there is any fiction written about the country?

I've found one! 'Our Grandmother's Drums' by Mark Hudson - about living in a Gambian village about 40 years ago. Not a bad read but is there anything more up to date?
Not sure how this works but it's supposed to be a follow-up to my request for modern fiction about The Gambia.

We have stayed several years running at the Kairaba Hotel - super hotel, good food, clean rooms, lovely pool etc etc. BUT - last time we were out we went to the village for drinks and DH was mickey finned. He collapsed before we managed to get to the hotel and was unconscious when we got to our room. A doctor spent 3 hours with him giving him several drips etc (only charged £35). Next morning he was completelty recovered and spent the day in the pool! This episode has put us off completely. If you do go, stay together, never order just one drink - they think it is for a man on his own - and do go on the trip to Senegal, it is completely unspoilt and you will see amazing sights on the ship.