About The Gambia

January

The Weather in Gambia during January

Temperature: 23°C
Sunshine Hours: 10
Rainfall: 2mm
Rainfall days: 1

What to expect in Gambia in January:

With 10 days of sunshine each day on average, January is perfect for a trip to Gambia. Humidity is pleasant, we recommend perhaps a light shawl for the evenings as it cools down, but the daytime temperatures are fantastic.

In January, we recommend the Banjul Demba Cultural Festival. The festival generally happens in the first week of January, and kicks off with a parade around the city of Banjul. You will see a great range of dance, music and art performances celebrating the best of Gambian culture.

February

The Weather in Gambia in February

Temperature: 25°C
Sunshine Hours: 10
Rainfall: 1mm
Rainfall days: 1

What to expect for your Gambian holiday in February:

During February (through to May) is when you see the longest hours of sun in Gambia.

During February you will be able to experience the Kartong Music festival, featuring art and dance performances not just from Gambian artists, but those from neighbouring countries as well. You can watch either the street performances during parades or head to the arena for the evening.

March

The Weather in Gambia in March

Temperature: 25°C
Sunshine Hours: 11
Rainfall: 0mm
Rainfall days: 1

Things To Do in Gambia in March:

The hottest month of the year, with an average of 25 degrees and over 10 hours of sunshine each day, this is the month for the sun worshippers!

March sees the beginning of the twice-annual Dresden – Dakar – Banjul Rally, which has run since 2006. Each year, the participants travel 7,800km across seven countries over 20 days in order to support African charities and aid projects. Every year Hibiscus House plays host to some of those participants looking for just a touch of luxury at the end of a tough challenge. At the end of each rally, the vehicles are auctioned at the national stadium for charity.

April

The Weather in Gambia in April

Temperature: 25°C
Sunshine Hours: 12
Rainfall: 0mm
Rainfall days: 0

Things to do in Gambia in April:

Temperatures are a little cooler in April, but there is still plenty of sunshine each day.

In April we recommend a trip to the Gambia Reptiles Farm, where you can encounter Monitor lizards, geckos, chameleons, snakes and more.

May

The Weather in Gambia in May

Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine Hours: 11
Rainfall: 0mm
Rainfall day: 1

What to expect for your holiday in May:

May is the perfect time to explore Gambia’s famous bird life, and there are a range of great places to do this within easy travelling distance of Hibiscus House. The Tanji Bird Reserve is one of our favourites, which can be done in an easy day trip, and where you can find over 250 species of birds including many European visitors, many different types of raptor and maybe even the Western Red Colobus monkey.

June

The Weather in Gambia in June

Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine Hours: 10
Rainfall: 71mm
Rainfall days: 4

What to expect for your Gambian holiday in June:

Perhaps the last dry month before the Green Season arrives; you can expect some showers from the north, amidst the sunshine.

July

The Weather in Gambia in July

Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine Hours: 8
Rainfall: 232mm
Rainfall days: 12

What to do in Gambia in July:

During the rainy season you can expect some rain, although it does often fall through the night, leaving plenty of sunshine through the day.

For those who brave the season, we recommend the variety of markets that can be seen throughout the Tourism Development Area, showcasing the array of crafts made here by local talent.

August

The Weather in Gambia in August

Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine Hours: 7
Rainfall: 380mm
Rainfall days: 16

What to expect for your holiday in Gambia in August:

Plenty of rain and high humidity, which is why at Hibiscus House we take this period to improve the hotel and make sure it is ready for the coming season.

September

The Weather in Gambia in September

Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine Hours: 8
Rainfall: 276mm
Rainfall days: 11

The Gambia in September - A bit rainy!:

Plenty of rain and high humidity, which is why at Hibiscus House we take this period to improve the hotel and make sure it is ready for the coming season.

October

The Weather in Gambia in October

Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine Hours: 9
Rainfall: 88mm
Rainfall days: 5

What to expect for your holiday in Gambia in October:

The end of the rainy season in Gambia, the humidity begins to drop, and conditions start to become very pleasant. October is a special month for us, as Hibiscus House opens again for the season, so you can book your holidays from October 28th 2016!

November

The Weather in Gambia in November

Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine Hours: 10
Rainfall: 5mm
Rainfall days: 3

The Gambia in November - What to do During Your Holiday:

November sees the start of the main tourist season in Gambia, the weather becomes perfect for visitors, and you start to have real guaranteed winter sunshine for your holiday with around 10 hours of sunshine each day.

November is a perfect time to experience one of the Gambian bird watching tours, perhaps to see the Egyptian Plover. We will be more than happy to help you arrange a tour as part of your stay. This photo was taken by one of our guests, a fine reward for a trip up to Soma during his stay with us.

There is also the second of the Dresden – Dakar – Banjul rallies, following the first which typically happens in March.

December

The Weather in Gambia in December

Temperature: 24°C
Sunshine Hours: 10
Rainfall: 1mm
Rainfall days: 3

What to expect for your holiday in Gambia in December:

In December the humidity becomes really comfortable, and will remain that way right through until spring, with still plenty of guaranteed sunshine. It might be worth a light shoulder wrap for the evenings.

At Hibiscus House we like to celebrate Christmas, so bring a summer dress to enjoy your festivities with a well-earned bit of winter sunshine. Although it is a predominantly Muslim country, many Gambians celebrate Christmas with great lanterns, called fanals, which are created in an array of shapes and paraded through the streets, accompanied by singing and chanting.

At this time of year you may also encounter street dancing, acrobatics and parades of masks, many of whom will move through the streets performing and collecting for charities right the way through to the New Year.

Abuko Nature Reserve

The Abuko Nature Reserve, was The Gambia’s first reserve, built 8km south of Serrekunda near the village of Lamin. It is a place for nature lovers and bird watchers with over 290 species of birds. The 105 hectares of tropical vegetation serve as a sanctuary for the country’s fauna and flora. You can enjoy a gentle walk along shaded pathways and through one of the last surviving examples of gallery forest.

You will see many varieties of bird life, chameleons, colourful lizards and crocodiles and of course monkeys! The trip is educational, quiet, relaxing and enjoyable. The best time to spot animals is early morning or at dusk. Interestingly Abuko Nature Reserve is the closest tropical forest to Europe!

Banjul and Arch 22

It is best to visit Banjul, The Gambia’s capital city, before the midday sun. Arch 22 has a fantastic view of Banjul and the River Gambia. The National Museum has a display of traditional tools, weapons and textiles.

Experience the hustle and bustle of the markets, which inside are a maze of stalls, including an area where you can find a wide collection of fabrics, woodcarvings, masks and jewellery. The morning is completed by a refreshment stop at a local beach bar where a welcome cold drink can be purchased before returning to Hibiscus House around lunchtime

Local Flavours of The Gambia

The day starts at Bijilo Forest Park. The ‘Monkey’ park covers approximately 50 hectares and consists of superb coastal forest and scrub overlooking the beach. After a 15-minute drive to Katchically crocodile pool. The history of this holy place will be explained to you, by your guide.

The next stop will be Bakau Craft Market to see craftsmen at work and an opportunity to buy the exquisite wooden carvings produced. A welcome stop for refreshments will be at one of the local bars where you can buy a Julbrew, soft drink or water.

From here we move on to Serrekunda, the most densely populated town in The Gambia. The market is a maze of small stalls and workshops. The stalls are separated by alleys and are organised in different sections, walk around to smell and admire the colours of the vivid West African food ingredients: orange palm oil, pungent dried fish, small pyramids of vegetables, mangoes and oranges, stalls of intriguing powders and dried herbs. Serrekunda also has a famous batik factory in Dippa Kunda. A visit to Serrekunda will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Makasutu Cultural Forest (‘Holy Forest’)

Learn more about Gambian culture & wildlife

Drive to the international award winning Makasutu Cultural Forest, a palm forest situated on a beautiful meandering tributary of the River Gambia (Mandina Bolong) encompassing five different ecosystems – gallery forest, savannah, mangroves, palm forest and wetland/salt flats. You will get the chance to see European and African birds such as Lilly Trotters, West African River Eagle, Black Heron and the Goliath Heron. The morning is spent exploring the mangroves in dugout canoes followed by a nature walk through the forest hoping to catch a glimpse of a few monkeys, mongoose, monitor lizards and baboons.

After an African lunch, members of the Jola tribe will come to demonstrate their dancing and you will have the chance to join in! On your way back to Hibiscus House we will stop at Brikama Craft Market where you will have a chance to see many local craftsmen at work, predominately wood carvers.

River Gambia Creeks

Fishing and relaxing in the creeks from a pirogue.

The boat departs from Denton Bridge, cruising along the oyster creeks and meandering through the tributaries of the River Gambia on a 50 foot Gambian style pirogue. This spacious open deck boat is an ideal fishing platform and has a 30-foot sunshade.

Tackle and bait is included in the price – using light 6-foot spinning rods and fixed spool reels you can expect to catch fish up to 30lbs. There is plenty of help for everyone and is therefore ideal for beginners as well as experienced anglers. Even spectators are welcome to enjoy the day. We do ask that any small fish be released so that waters are not depleted. The crew will assist with this.

You may see local fishermen casting their 'jallo' (huge circular nets) or the oyster ladies in their dugout canoes collecting oysters. But for most people, the real pleasure will be a chance to get a close up view of the aquatic bird life, from Osprey to Pelican. The boat is then anchored in a secluded spot for the chance to have a dip and cool off.

Food and drink is not included but Hibiscus House can provide a picnic or you could have lunch with the monkeys at Lamin Lodge…!

Early Bird River Trip

This trip is organised by African Adventure tours who will collect you from Hibiscus House where you will join a 60ft local Pirogue. Only for the early risers as departure time will be around 5.30 am

Roots

Experience an historic journey 200 years back in time to Alex Haley’s “Roots”.

The trip starts with a long, lazy, two-and-a-half-hour cruise from Banjul directly upriver, taking you to the ancient trading station of Albreda.

After a 15minute walk you reach the edge of the village of Juffure and the Museum of Slavery before continuing to the original home of Alex Haley's great great grandfather 'Kunta Kinte' which is still occupied by the family.

Back on board a picnic lunch is served, before continuing your journey to James Island. Steeped in slave trade history, the fortress ruins tell the tale of colonial rivalries and it is possible to imagine the hundreds of slaves shackled together awaiting transport to an unknown and uncertain future. Disembarking from the boat into small boats can be a little difficult but help is on hand from the crew. On the return journey to Banjul, dolphins often join the boat in the estuary of the river.

4X4 Beach Day

An off the beaten track adventure in either Land Rover or Range Rover which follows the coast of this exciting country and also uncovers the Gambian village way of life. This can be a dusty and bumpy day but is well worth it. During the day there will be the opportunity to visit some villages and experience the hospitality of the friendly locals. Before lunch we visit a local palm wine compound where you will learn how palm wine is tapped and offered a taste to sample.

Lunch is available from one of the many beach bars in the south of the country, followed by the chance to swim and sunbathe.

In the afternoon a further stop at the Tanji museum gives the chance to learn more about traditional Gambian culture. Finally, we drive past a typical fishing village before heading back to Hibiscus House.

4X4 Southern Gambia

Go beyond the routes of a normal tourist excursion with the opportunity to visit the remote area of Southern Gambia combined with a cruise on the river, which divides Gambia from neighbouring Senegal.

You will start with a visit to the Siffoe Farm and then proceed through the savannah of the lesser known area of Gambian countryside toward the border with Senegal.

We arrive at Berending where a traditional West African river craft is waiting to take you for a cruise around various inlets and islands of the Allahein River. The scenery varies from mangroves to open mud flats and fascinating banks of oyster shells. Here there is a good chance of spotting monkeys and some of the varied birdlife of this part of the country. Local fishermen and women are often seen digging for mussels in the mud or collecting oysters from the mangroves.

After about 45 minutes of cruising in and out of Senegal we disembark at Kartong, the most southerly part of The Gambia where lunch is available with peaceful views over the river.

On your return journey we visit the only reptile farm in The Gambia, this is a sanctuary of reptiles, snakes, lizards, geckos, chameleons and turtles – a highlight not to be missed.

Tanji Village Museum

This is a reconstruction of an African village, spread over a large area, with mud and thatched huts of various designs. The huts contain displays of traditional artefacts and furniture, with explanations about their use and significance. In the vegetarian section there are descriptions of local plants with their properties and uses explained.

A lovely display of African life in an out-door museum, local craftsmen at work including weaving and metalwork. Drinks and maybe food available

Batakunku Beach

Situated just beyond Tanji, Batakunku beach is located within a beautiful bay with a local beach bar offering cold drinks and very good cooking. Sun beds are provided along with shade for protection during the heat of the day. Good for swimming and walking.

Brufut Beach

Fifteen minutes walk (or a five minute drive) from Hibiscus House; Brufut beach is a large open bay. To the north you can walk to the Senegambia tourist area and southwards to the local fishing area. Not recommended for swimming in certain areas or times of day.

Lamin Lodge

Set on The River Gambia. This is an architectural marvel and an ideal place to watch the early morning bird life and monkeys. Food and drinks are available.

Golf

The Fajara Club in Fajara has an eighteen-hole golf course.

Kololi Beach Club in Senegambia offers an eighteen-hole pitch n’putt golf course.

Sun Downers

Sunsets in The Gambia differ to Europe due to being closer to the equator. Sunsets take about 45 minutes and what better way to see the sun go down with a drink in your hand and the view of the Atlantic Ocean in front of you. Some nibbles are also included.

Beach Fishing

Many fish can be caught including butterfish, barracuda, ladyfish and rays. You are welcome to bring your catch back to Hibiscus House where you can either cook your own fish on the BBQ or get our chefs to prepare a meal for you.

Deep Sea or Creek fishing

This trip is organised by external fishing specialists who supply all equipment and bait. Their boats are equipped for either 2 or 4 people

Visit to Brufut School

There are various local schools in Brufut which Hibiscus House can arrange visits to. For more information, please contact us and we will be able to tell you more.

AVI Nursery School

Just 5 minutes walk from Hibiscus House and well worth a visit. Seedy at reception is one of the school Governors and will always organize a visit for you. Please ask about the current small projects the school is working on 