Tips & Insights
Everything useful to know before you depart. From climate and the best time to visit to local customs, food, and the history of the countries you'll explore.
Gambia
Official name
The Gambia
Population
~2.7 million
Area
11,295 km²
Capital
Banjul
Official language
English
Currency
Gambian Dalasi
Independence
18 Feb 1965
Timezone
GMT+0
Why is it called "The" Gambia?
The official name of the country is not simply "Gambia" — it's The Republic of The Gambia, with a capital T. The article "The" is part of the official state name, making it one of the few countries in the world designated this way. The Bahamas is another well-known example.
The reason is practical: the country is named after the Gambia River, and to avoid confusion between the country and the river, "The" was added to the country name. So "The Gambia" is the country, and "the Gambia River" is the river — a subtle but deliberate distinction.
The name of the river itself likely derives from the Mandinka word Kambra or Kambaa, which simply means "river". The country, the river, the name — everything here is intertwined.
A country within a country
Gambia is one of Africa's smallest countries — smaller than the Dutch province of North Holland. What makes it remarkable: the country is surrounded on all sides by Senegal, except for a narrow Atlantic coastline of about 80 kilometres.
The Gambia River cuts through the country from east to west and forms the literal backbone of the nation. All major towns lie along or near this river. It's also the reason Gambia has such a long, narrow shape: British and French colonists divided the territory along the river in the 19th century.
A brief history
Gambia was for centuries an important trading hub. The Gambia River was an artery for gold trade from the African interior — and later, tragically, for the slave trade. James Island (now Kunta Kinteh Island, UNESCO World Heritage Site) was one of the departure points for enslaved people heading to the Americas.
In 1965 Gambia became independent from the United Kingdom — as one of the last African countries to do so. Hence English is the official language, while neighbouring Senegal speaks French. Besides English, Mandinka, Wolof and Fula are the most widely spoken languages in daily life.
Bijnaam
The Smiling Coast of Africa
Gambia has earned a nickname it fully deserves: The Smiling Coast of Africa. It refers to the shape of the country — that narrow, smiling strip along the Atlantic coast. But even more so to its people. Gambians are known for their warmth and genuine openness towards visitors. It is not a tourist slogan; it is a shared experience of everyone who has ever been there.
When you arrive at the airport and feel the warmth for the first time — not just the temperature, but the way people greet you — you immediately understand why that name exists. On a continent often associated in Western media with conflict or instability, Gambia is an exception. Calm, safe, small, and full of people who seem genuinely glad you came.
Practical: currency & food
Money
The currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Paying by card is barely possible outside major hotels — so bring plenty of cash. Euros are easy to exchange at currency offices in the cities. ATMs exist in Banjul and coastal towns, but are not always reliable.
Food
Benachin (rice with fish or meat, also known as jollof rice) is the national dish. Domoda (peanut stew with meat) is a must. Tapalapa is the local bread — baked in a clay oven, delicious at breakfast. Fresh Atlantic fish is unbeatable. Vegetarians do just fine with rice, vegetable and lentil dishes.
Senegal
Population
~17 million
Area
196,722 km²
Capital
Dakar
Official language
French
Currency
CFA Franc
Independence
4 Apr 1960
Most spoken
Wolof
Timezone
GMT+0
The westernmost point of Africa
Senegal, at over 196,000 km², is seventeen times larger than Gambia. Dakar, the capital, sits at the westernmost tip of the African continent — closer to the Americas than to many other African capitals. That strategic position made Dakar one of West Africa's most important port cities for centuries.
Senegal was a French colony and became independent in 1960. French influence remains strong to this day in language, cuisine and architecture. Wolof, however, is the language everyone speaks — from market vendor to city official.
The Dakar Rally
From 1979 to 2007, the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally ran from Paris straight through the Sahara to Dakar. The race was known as one of the world's toughest — through sand dunes, desert and unpaved tracks that showed no mercy. In 2009 the rally moved to South America for security reasons and later to Saudi Arabia, but the name Dakar remained.
That name is also the inspiration behind The Dakar Experience. Not the competition, not the extremity — but the vibe. The freedom of riding through West Africa, the unpaved, the adventurous.
For the real adventurer
Fleet Commander — the longest route
What we offer is not a race and not a survival challenge — it's the feeling. But for those who truly want to ride, ride far, and trek through the sand dunes of Senegal: that's what the Fleet Commander is for. The longest route, the most kilometres, the real Dakar vibe.
View the Fleet Commander →Practical: currency & food
Money
In Senegal you pay with the West African CFA Franc (XOF), a different currency from the Gambian Dalasi. Take note at the border crossing — you cannot pay with Dalasi in Senegal. The CFA franc is pegged to the euro (1 EUR ≈ 655 CFA), making exchange straightforward. Card payments are more common in Dakar than in Gambia, but outside the city expect to pay cash.
Food
Thiéboudienne (rice with fish and vegetables) is Senegal's national dish — and one of the best things you can eat in West Africa. Yassa (marinated chicken or fish with onions and lemon) is another classic. Senegalese cuisine has slightly more refinement through French influence, but the ingredients are similar: fish, rice, peanuts and fresh vegetables.
Climate & Best time to visit
Gambia and Senegal share largely the same climate: a clear dry and rainy season, both tropical and sunny. The best time to ride falls within the dry season.
The bars show the number of rainy days per month. Even in August — the wettest month — these are short tropical showers, not days of drizzle. The green dashed line shows the average rainy days in a typical North European month. Outside June–September, Gambia is bone dry.
Peak season
Nov – Feb
The best time to ride. Dry, sunny and pleasantly warm — around 29–31°C during the day, cooling down to 21–23°C in the evening. Little rain, good roads, plenty of wildlife visible around water sources. This is the period when most tours run.
Warm & quiet
Mar – May
Dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures around 28°C — cooler than you might expect, thanks to the constant sea breeze. Fewer tourists, quieter roads — ideal if you prefer to avoid the crowds. Think of a warm Mediterranean summer.
Green season
Jun – Sep
The green season brings short tropical showers — not the grey, all-day drizzle you know from Europe. The sun shines freely between the showers, and the landscape turns a spectacular green. Perfectly enjoyable with the right rain gear and a little flexibility in planning.
Green transition
Oct – Nov
The rain eases, the land is still in full bloom. Extra beautiful bird migration (Gambia has 600+ bird species). The river is full — boat trips are at their most beautiful. A hidden gem for the adventurous traveller.
Nature by season
Birds
Gambia is known as a birdwatcher's paradise — over 600 species have been recorded there. The best period is November to April, when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa overwinter. Think kingfishers, bee-eaters, African paradise flycatcher and dozens of species of birds of prey.
Wildlife
In the dry season animals move towards the river and water sources — crocodiles, monkeys and hippos are easier to spot. After the rainy season (October–November) nature is at its most lush: butterflies, green savannah and a river teeming with life.
Plants
Directly after the rainy season (October) Gambia is in full bloom. The savannah is a radiant green, trees are full of leaves and the mangrove forests along the river are impressive. In the dry season the landscape dries out — but the views become wide and dusty gold.
Festivals & Special periods
Gambia and Senegal are predominantly Muslim. Islamic holidays are big, colourful and absolutely worth experiencing. The dates shift every year with the Islamic lunar calendar.
Dates this year & next year
2026
Ramadan start
February 18
Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr)
March 20
Tobaski (Eid al-Adha)
May 27
2027
Ramadan start
February 8
Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr)
March 10
Tobaski (Eid al-Adha)
May 17
* Dates are approximate — exact date follows the lunar calendar and may vary by 1–2 days.
Varies
Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr)
The end of Ramadan is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Everyone wears new clothes, families come together, there is plentiful food and the streets are full of revellers. If you experience this during your trip, it is an unforgettable experience.
Varies
Tobaski (Eid al-Adha)
Even bigger than Koriteh. Families slaughter a sheep as a sacrificial animal — you see them everywhere in the days beforehand. Meat is shared with neighbours and the poor. The atmosphere is festive and generous. Markets are closed, but people are extra hospitable to visitors.
18 February
Gambian Independence Day
On 18 February 1965 Gambia became independent. In the capital Banjul there are parades, music and festivities. A fine day to be in the city and feel Gambian pride.
Year-round
Laamb — Senegalese wrestling
Traditional wrestling is a national sport in Senegal with the status of football. The wrestlers (also called boeuf) are national heroes. Matches are accompanied by drum groups and are spectacular to watch — even if you understand nothing of the rules.
Varies, 1 month
Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Restaurants are less active or closed during the day, but after sunset (iftar) the country comes to life. It is a spiritually and culturally rich period — respectful behaviour in line with local customs is a must.