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If I were to return to the African continent for the first time, I would not hesitate: I would opt for The Gambia. A country that is close, lively, firmly rooted in its customs and large enough to explore for several days.
The river, after which the country is named, symbolises everything: a source of food for the fishermen, the community meeting place for household chores, sunset games for the little ones and stunning natural sites that are home to a great diversity of wildlife.
There are no valleys or mountains in The Gambia; it's all plains, where only the tops of the baobabs, considered sacred trees, defy the vastness of the horizon.
Fishermen boating in the Gambia River National Park.
Sunset at Bintang bay, small fishing village.Bintang bay. Fishing canoes moored. Gambia river
Fisherman casting his net. His catch will be tiny fish.
Washing clothes is one of the daily chores of Gambian women.
Gambians, except for fishermen, do not usually sail long distances in canoes. They do use canoes to cross the river.
Children are everywhere. Their smiles are captivating.
Old man arranging fish just brought to the port.
Located approximately 3 hours from Banjul, Bitang Bolon Lodge is a true haven of tranquillity. It offers the opportunity to stay at an affordable cost.
Sunset at Bitang Bolon Lodge.
A family of free-roaming hippos in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee in the Gambia River National Park. Chimpanzee Recovery Project established in 1979. There are about 100 free-ranging individuals in four groups.
Flight of a white heron at dawn.
Sunset on the Gambia River.