Travel Guide to The Gambia https://travelwithkat.com Travel writer and photographer, Kathryn Burrington, shares her experiences of her travels around the world starting with her Travel Guide to The Gambia in West Africa. For episode transcripts, notes and photographs visit Kathryn's website: https://travelwithkat.com episodic Travel Guide to The Gambia hosted by Kathryn Burrington Kathryn Burrington Travel writer and photographer, Kathryn Burrington, shares her experiences of her travels around the world starting with her Travel Guide to The Gambia in West Africa. For episode transcripts, notes and photographs visit Kathryn's website: https://travelwithkat.com en-us Copyright 2018 Travel Guide to The Gambia travelwithkat@rocketmail.com (Kathryn Burrington) Kathryn Burrington travelwithkat@rocketmail.com https://travelwithkat.com https://assets.blubrry.com/coverart/orig/24572.jpg Travel Guide to The Gambia Travel guides, tips and stories from The Gambia Blubrry Podcasting: https://www.blubrry.com/ Mon, 22 Oct 2018 16:37:54 -0400 clean http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Thu, 16 Jan 2014 01:20:00 -0500 An upcountry adventure with the Jola Tribe http://travelwithkat.com/2014/01/16/jola-initiation-festival/ http://www.blubrry.com/travelwithkat/1972755/an-upcountry-adventure-with-the-jola-tribe/ Kathryn Burrington Podcast Thu, 16 Jan 2014 01:20:00 -0500 <p>A traditional Jola Festival is the subject of my 3rd podcast episode on iTunes with the transcript and plenty of photographs here on my blog. Unnerving but fascinating to watch, they used everything from cutlasses and razor blades to energetically strike their bodies without ever leaving a scratch! Throughout my Gambia podcasts, as well as [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travelwithkat.com/2014/01/16/jola-initiation-festival/">An upcountry adventure with the Jola Tribe</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travelwithkat.com">Travel with Kat</a>.</p> A traditional Jola Festival is the subject of my 3rd podcast episode on iTunes with the transcript and plenty of photographs here on my blog. Unnerving but fascinating to watch, they used everything from cutlasses and razor blades to energetically strike their bodies without ever leaving a scratch! Throughout my Gambia podcasts, as well as […]

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]]> clean Kathryn Burrington A traditional Jola initiation festival A traditional Jola initiation festival http://travelwithkat.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/TWK1iTunes_profile_copy.jpg Guide to The Gambia - Where to stay? http://travelwithkat.com/2014/01/04/best-hotel-gambia/ http://www.blubrry.com/travelwithkat/1960416/guide-to-the-gambia-where-to-stay/ Kathryn Burrington Podcast Sat, 04 Jan 2014 16:37:46 -0500 <p>Where to stay in The Gambia? In this, my second podcast episode, I talk about the different resort areas in The Gambia and the variety of accommodation available, to help you find the perfect place for you, whether you are looking for cheap and cheerful, upmarket chic, family friendly, environmentally friendly or maybe something completely [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travelwithkat.com/2014/01/04/best-hotel-gambia/">Guide to The Gambia &#8211; Where to stay?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travelwithkat.com">Travel with Kat</a>.</p> Where to stay in The Gambia? In this, my second podcast episode, I talk about the different resort areas in The Gambia and the variety of accommodation available, to help you find the perfect place for you, whether you are looking for cheap and cheerful, upmarket chic, family friendly, environmentally friendly or maybe something completely […]

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]]> clean Kathryn Burrington Where to stay in The Gambia? In this, my second podcast episode, I talk about the different resort areas in The Gambia and the variety of accommodation available, to help you find the perfect place for you, whether you are looking for cheap and cheerful, Where to stay in The Gambia? In this, my second podcast episode, I talk about the different resort areas in The Gambia and the variety of accommodation available, to help you find the perfect place for you, whether you are looking for cheap and cheerful, upmarket chic, family friendly, environmentally friendly or maybe something completely off the beaten track. Kololi First, lets head to the main tourist resorts along the coast, the most established of which is Kololi, also known as The Strip. There are a few large hotels here right by the sea. Both the Kairaba and the Senegambia are popular. They have extensive gardens with spacious lawns and plenty of shade-giving palm trees so you can easily find your own quiet spot, yet step outside of your hotel and you'll find the liveliest couple of streets in The Gambia, full of restaurants and bars. Bumsters abound and, as a woman, walking back to your hotel is like running the gauntlet, as you ward off one cheesy chat-up line after another, from the young men who hang around hoping to pick up a friendly tourist or two! Most of the time I just treat this as all part of the fun but it can get a little wearing at times. On the plus side Kololi has a great choice of restaurants, selling every kind of cuisine, right on your doorstep. You'll find shops selling anything you might need on holiday, including a pharmacy, a few exchange bureaux (which will give you a better rate of exchange than your hotel) and a bank with an occasionally working ATM. There are also a couple of nightclubs, a casino and a couple of internet cafes. Further shops, restaurants and a children's playground can be found in the Village complex, just a few minutes' walk up the road. Kololi is a great location for those who want to soak up the sun during the day and party at night as well as for those looking for a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance. It’s about a half hour drive from the airport. Kotu Nearby Kotu, is a smaller version of Kololi with some great restaurants but little nightlife and just a few shops and exchange bureaux but no bank or pharmacy. The long sandy beach in Kotu is really lovely with plenty of palm trees for those seeking a little shade. The sunsets are spectacular, perfect for a romantic stroll by the water's edge. If the local lads bother you take of your shoes and paddle in the water - they won't follow as they won't want to get their trainers wet! Despite the seemingly lack of night life I've had some great evenings in Kotu, dancing to the local drummers in the beach bar Dominos, which you'll find by walking through the craft market and of course, Kololi is only a short taxi ride away if you fancy a livelier scene. I've stayed at the Sunset Beach Hotel and Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu and would happily recommend either of them. Kombo is a great choice for families, groups or couples. It has a couple of restaurants and plenty going on. Most evenings there is some kind of entertainment and if you've not seen an African drumming troupe before be sure not to miss them here. Plus the Kombo Beach hotel has been awarded the Travelife Gold Award three years in a row for its commitment to sustainable tourism. The only thing I'm not so keen on at Kombo are the rooms overlooking the pool as the music in the evenings I found very intrusive. All the other rooms, in my experience however, are lovely and quiet. I've stayed here so many times it almost feels like my second home! Sunset Beach Hotel, next door, is another favourite ( I have a few!) in a lovely location with the breakfast terrace overlooking the mouth of Kotu Creek, a lovely spot from where to watch a local fisherman casting his net as you enjoy your breakfast in the morning sunshine. The staff here are particularly friendly and helpful and I really liked the other guests, who I found interesting and down to earth. http://travelwithkat.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/TWK1iTunes_profile_copy.jpg Guide to The Gambia https://travelwithkat.com/2013/12/29/guide-to-the-gambia-episode-1/ http://www.blubrry.com/travelwithkat/22704195/guide-to-the-gambia/ Kathryn Burrington Podcast Sun, 29 Dec 2013 10:56:08 -0500 If you have never visited Africa, The Gambia is the perfect introduction. Expect lovely beaches, great weather, a fascinating culture and friendly people! 0:08:35 clean Kathryn Burrington If you have never visited Africa, The Gambia is the perfect introduction. Expect lovely beaches, great weather, a fascinating culture and friendly people! If you have never visited Africa, The Gambia is the perfect introduction. Expect lovely beaches, great weather, a fascinating culture and friendly people! Introducing my Guide to The Gambia http://travelwithkat.com/2013/12/29/guide-to-the-gambia-episode-1/ http://www.blubrry.com/travelwithkat/1958555/introducing-my-guide-to-the-gambia/ Kathryn Burrington Podcast Sun, 29 Dec 2013 10:56:08 -0500 <p>Why Visit The Gambia? As well as the recent new look to welcome in 2014, a new feature of Travel with Kat, that I hope you will enjoy, will be my audio podcasts, starting with my Guide to The Gambia in West Africa, a fascinating country that I have been visiting regularly for over 8 [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travelwithkat.com/2013/12/29/guide-to-the-gambia-episode-1/">Introducing my Guide to The Gambia</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travelwithkat.com">Travel with Kat</a>.</p> Why Visit The Gambia? As well as the recent new look to welcome in 2014, a new feature of Travel with Kat, that I hope you will enjoy, will be my audio podcasts, starting with my Guide to The Gambia in West Africa, a fascinating country that I have been visiting regularly for over 8 […]

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]]> no Kathryn Burrington Why Visit The Gambia? As well as the recent new look to welcome in 2014, a new feature of Travel with Kat, that I hope you will enjoy, will be my audio podcasts, starting with my Guide to The Gambia in West Africa, Why Visit The Gambia? As well as the recent new look to welcome in 2014, a new feature of Travel with Kat, that I hope you will enjoy, will be my audio podcasts, starting with my Guide to The Gambia in West Africa, a fascinating country that I have been visiting regularly for over 8 years. In this the first episode, I introduce the country, explain why I think it is such a wonderful place to visit and a fabulous holiday destination, as well as giving you a quick summary of things to do there and how to get around. Download You can subscribe to my podcasts on iTunes. Follow this link, click on 'View on iTunes' and then 'subscribe'. I will be posting transcripts of all the podcasts within my posts for anyone who would rather read them than listen! Guide to The Gambia  Episode 1 - An introduction to The Gambia The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa - A thin slither of a country, surrounded on three sides by its much bigger neighbour,  Senegal. It is named after the River Gambia which virtually cuts the country in half. The local currency is Dalasi and I have known exchange rates to be as low as 45 Dalasi to the UK pound but more recently this has risen to over 60 Dalasi. Most people in The Gambia are Muslims although traditional beliefs are also followed and there is a small percentage of Christians. There are many different tribes including Mandinka, Wolof and Jola and intermarriage between tribes and religions is common and Muslims sometimes celebrate Christian festivals with their Christian friends and visa versa. The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in Africa but it is also one of the most politically stable countries and it is heavily reliant on the tourism industry. After 8 years of visiting this exciting country, I'd like to share with you some tips that I have picked up along the way but first let me explain why I think The Gambia is such a wonderful country to visit. Why choose The Gambia? The Gambia in West Africa is a fascinating place and with no rain between November to the middle of June virtually guaranteed and temperatures in the 30s it is a fantastic winter sun destination. You'll find it much cheaper  than many other popular winter sun  locations  such as the Caribbean. Plus it is less than 6 hours away and within the same time zone as the UK so there is no need to worry about jet lag. The Gambia is known as the smiling coast of Africa with good reason as the people here are among the friendliest you could hope to meet anywhere in the world. There's an excellent range of accommodation from great value budget guest houses to luxurious boutique hotels and unique eco-resorts. The coast has many lovely, long sandy beaches which are never over crowded even in the height of the season. In the tourist resorts you'll find agreat range of restaurants offering everything from burgers and chips to international fine dining or traditional west African dishes such as the peanut based domada or spicy benechin. Sadly, The Gambia has acquired a bit of a name for itself as a destination where middle-aged European women go in search of toy boys and with little work or prospects, many young men fall into this trap. In the tourist resorts you will find many bumsters, as they are known, hanging around, looking out for the latest arrivals and hoping to make some money whether by offering their services as a guide or escort or by trying to sell you something. This should not put you off though. I have visited the country many times, including as a solo traveller, and while the bumsters can be annoying at times, I have never felt unsafe. What is there to do in The Gambia? If like me, you can only spend a limited amount of time on the beach or by the pool before getting bored, and would rather be out an about there is plenty to see and do in The Gambia. I'll be sharing more ideas in future episodes but for now here's a quick summary. http://travelwithkat.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/TWK1iTunes_profile_copy.jpg