Gambia holidays - travel guide - lifestyle

Shopping

There are craft markets in all resorts where you can purchase woodcarvings, drums and other local handicrafts. The main market is in Banjul - but not for the faint hearted! Batik fabrics and tie-dyed material are a good buy here, but remember to barter.

Cuisine

International cuisine is widely available in the Gambia but here are a few local dishes that are worth a try. Benachin - Rice cooked with meat or fish and veg with a special tomato sauce; Domoda - Meat stewed in peanut puree and served with rice; Chicken Yassa - Chicken cooked with fresh lime, onions and ground black pepper. Traditionally there is no fast food, dishes are cooked slowly and are very flavoursome. All bars in Gambia serve well known brands and local spirits, wine and cocktails.The local beer is known as Julbrew and comes in 4 different strengths.

Night-life

The liveliest resort in the Gambia is Kololi which houses a variety of bars and a casino. The resorts of Banjul and Kotu are a little more low-key, with quiet bars perfect for a relaxing evening.