KSA infobrochure_EN - Kerr Sering Apartments

KSA infofolder2008
Dear Guests,
Traveling in Africa isn’t a usual thing, so please let this folder guide you.
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The country Gambia
Gambia (official: Republic of The Gambia) lies in the extreme West part of Africa to
the Atlantic ocean. Gambia is with a surface of 11,295 Km2 the smallest country in
Africa. Gambia measure from the East to the West approximately 320 km. From the
North to the South the wide varies from 20 km up to 50 km. Gambia is surrounded
on three sides by Senegal. The landscape is slightly sloping with some hills. The
highest point amounts to approximately 40 meters, as a result of which Gambia is
with that still flatter than Belgium. The good navigable Gambia River flows the
complete year straight through the country. Along the coast are a lot of sand beaches.
The delta of Gambia River is rather swampy with a lots of mangrove plants. The
North of Gambia has a savanna landscape with long grasses, large shrubs and a few
trees. At the South of the Gambia river lies bunch savanna, with lot of grass and
trees.
Climate
Gambia has a subtropical climate with dry and a whet season. The dry season lasts to
approximately the middle of October up to approximately the middle of June. It
frequently occurs that during this dry period no single drop of rain falls. During the
month March up to May the sun shines the most heavy, with an average of 10 hours
sunshine per day. The Northeast wind (Harmattan) blows during those months from
the Sahara and can bring instead of rain also a lot of dessert sand. At the end of dry
season the temperature can rise up to 40°C. By this temperature there are regularly
tornados or land spouts, which are called Tonkolong. The air humidity can decrease
in this period up to 25%. The wet period lasts to approximately the middle June up
to the middle of October. The wettest months are July, August and September. The
half of all rain falls in August. Mostly the rain showers falls at night and in the
morning. However, it never rains more then twelve days per month during this
period. In the capital Banjul, located to the coast, the annual rainfall is
approximately 1400 mm. In Georgetown, located in the inland, it rains
approximately 1050 mm rain per year. The highest air humidity, up to 95%, is
measured in August. The water temperature of the Atlantic Ocean varies between
20°C and 27°C.
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Useful tips...
The capital of Gambia is Banjul and the location of the airport. The official language is
English. A traditional drink is called Tenkuolo, a palm wine. Jollof-rice or Benachin are
mostly eaten and is made of rice with fresh vegetables and several type flesh and tomatoes.
Wooden made souvenirs are the most popular. The national currency in Gambia is the
Dalasi. Pay attention on the fact that many shops don’t accept credit cards. We advise the
use of cash money to avoid problems with payments. Except in restaurants and
hypermarkets, bargain is advised. Also consult the nearest tropical institute for up-to-date
information on vaccinations and other precaution measures for a healthy visit to this
marvelous country.
Timezone
In Gambia the time zone is exactly GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). They don’t use
summertime.
Visa
You must be in the possession of a travel passport that is minimum still valid 6 months after
re-entry. When you possess a European passport you need no visa if you stay no longer than
28 days. For further information you can take contact on the Gambian embassy.
Vaccinations
For a holiday visit to Gambia a vaccination is not required. However, vaccinations against
yellow fever and DTP are strongly advised. For a visit to Senegal it is obliges to have
different vaccinations. Also medication against malaria is strongly recommended. Ask
you’re nearest tropical institute for there recommendation.
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Nice restaurants
• In Kololi
Ali Baba: very sociable, much local fun
Tao: the buffet on Wednesday is recommended! Reservation is required!!
Scala: for those who loves a tasty rib eye.
La Valbone: lovely Italian pleasure
La Parisienne: delicious pizza's
All Italiana: see the advertisement above
Jojo's Steak House: Belgian Gambian food
Time Out Bar: Belgian managment.
• In Kotu
Luigiʼs: children have their own play corner, so time flies by while you’re waiting.
The Dutch Whale: folk and typical Netherlands included the free “Dutch croquet”.
Churchillʼs: for those who like a typical English pint and karaoke
Captainʼs Table: near the Hotel Bakotul
Amsterdam Dolphins: just simple and perfect.
• In Fajara
The Butchers Shop: a butcher and restaurant in one: recommended! Try the daily dish.
Weezos: nice restaurant. Mexican kitchen at night and international lunch during daytime.
Mamaʼs: every day a different buffet (rîsti, pasta or menu). Closed on Monday.
Ngala Lodge: the nicest place for a delicious meal at sunset.
• In Cape Point
Ocean Clipper: at the Ocean Bay Hotel, not only nice to sit down, but especially very
delicious.
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1. King Kombo, alcohol brewery and liquor factory
An excursion which is very nice and that you can make individually, and not need to be
depend on others. You can make a visit to the alcohol brewery and liquor factory, and will
find out the fame of the ‘jungle juice, the typical well-known palm wine. This excursion
puts you in contact with a real Dutch-speaking brewer. The fruit plantation, source of all
pleasure, lies in the heart of the province Kombo. A quiet area, where approximately six
years ago, in the middle of the bush, the Belgian pioneer Emile Arron established him
selves. On the tour you can ask any question and taste the final results of all efforts on one
of the bantaba's within the complex. If the drinks please you, you can buy them and have
immediately a nice present for the friends or family at home. Of course you can buy this
liquor for yourself and enjoy later of the supreme quality drink brewed on this location. The
plantation is open from Monday up to Saturday between 3 pm and 5 pm. If you like, just
give them a phone call to 9922428 and you will be picked up at your hotel and brought back
after the visit. Please visit their website for more information: King Kombo
2. De capital Banjul
Banjul is the official capital of Gambia. Serrekunda is the largest city of Gambia, and a lot
more active as Banjul. However you should consider a visit to the charming capital city, to
see the curiosities like Albert market and the crowdie harbor, departures place of the ferry.
The airport is also one of the emergency landing strips of the NASA, in case a shuttle flight
needs to bee diverted. If you drive into Banjul, you see immediately the impressive Arch 22.
The gate is 35 meters tall and the centre of an open square. It houses a textile museum.
Inside you have a beautiful view unto the city, the Gambia-River and the Atlantic Ocean. On
the square in front of the arc stands a statue of the Unknown Soldier, who carries a baby.
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3. Serekunda Market
Serekunda Market is really an adventure. Here you can buy almost everything.
Rolex Watches (real or fake), used jerry cans, slippers, goats, you name it. On this
market the local people buy their merchandises. The nicest part of the visit is to
observe the local people and see them negotiating with use of their hands making all
kinds of movements. Don’t be surprised when you see the Gambians talking to each
other in a busy way about something they want to sell or buy or if someone put his
goat in a cab a take of.
4. Lamin Lodge
Hide between the mangrove bunches lies the adventurous Lamin Lodge. It is made
completely of Mangrove wood. This gives Lamin Lodge the typical look of an
enormous tree house. In fact these lodge is an oyster farm, but because the beauty of
the building, they have established here a lodge where you can with eat and drink
deliciously. The hardened path to Lamin Lodge has been made of pulverized oyster
shells, which lie also in large mounts beside the path. Because the oysters fix
themselves to the roots of the Mangroves, the women will pull almost daily the
oysters of the roots. The oysters are eaten cooked and of the shells are used to made
ways. From the Lamin Lodge you can make fishing trips, bird observation trips or
simply nicely sail around in a small boat.
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5. Paradise Beach
On this beach relaxation rules and you will forget all your troubles. Lain in this wonderful
bay you can enjoy your sunbathe in the white sand, have lunch or diner in the beach bar or
simply walk along the sea and look a the waves or the palm trees. The exotic shells (*) you
find on the beach are used by the Gambian women to made beautiful bracelets and neck
collars. You wont find no ‘hustlers’ over here and have plenty of time to make a chat with
the local people. If the sea breeze isn’t enough to cool you down, you can seat yourself
under sheers parasols or take a shower under the many self-made recycled oil barrels. Of
course you can take also a dive in the ocean, but keep in mind that this waters have a strong
flow under need the surface you better don’t go to far into the sea. If you love to eat fish,
you can order your preferred kind in one of the many establishments, where they sell daily
fresh catches species. (*) Be sure you don’t take these shells at home as a souvenir, because
some species are protected and forbidden to carried out thru customs.
6.Tanji Fishing Village
The fisherman village Tanji is very nice to visit, especially in the afternoon. On that part of
the day all fishermen return with their captured fish (sharks, turtles, barracudas, etc.) and the
their women come to help them. The fish is immediately smoked on site, and as a result of
this a heavy fragrance of smoked fish hangs in the complete village. With the undergoing
sun, the smoke of the fish, the pirogues (canoes) on the beach and the splendid traditional
clothing of the women, you have been insured of making beautiful photographs. The
collection of thousands refrigerators on the beach, which are not electrically connected and
where the fish is stored temporarily, makes you really laughing.
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7. Camel Safari in Tanji
8. Kachikally Holy Crocodile Pool
The Holy Crocodiles Pool in Bakau is really a must. According to old-animistic use
this pool should have supernatural healing strength, particularly in case of fertility.
Still a lot of women come to this place to bade in the water and hope to be good
fertile. Many other old rituals are also carried out at this pool. The Kachikally Pool is
a wonderful place and many people say they are able to feel the spirituality on this
location. In the pool live around 80 crocodiles, which you can touch and caress.
Nobody knows the reason for this strange behavior of the reptiles. Some say it’s
because they are holy animals, others think it’s due their way of feeding. There are
several of these pools in Gambia (with or without crocodiles), but the pool in Bakau
is the most known tourist area.
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9. Makasutu Culture Forest
In this splendid ecological forest you can walk for hours and enjoy of the nature. Makasutu
Culture Forest is a good example that tourism and environmental protection can go hand in
hand. During the walking you will be surprised of the beautiful colors, the large butterflies
which land before your feet and the rich variation of species of tropical birds you can see in
this forest. You can learn to climb a palm tree in the way the local people does this for
centuries. Or you can taste the Zum-Zum (alcohol concerning palm wine), also known as a
jungle juice. Be careful no to drink too much of it, or it can bee you’re gone see pink
elephants! You also will find a lot of baboons in Makasutu forest. A canoe trip trough the
mangrove bush is recommended, and conducts you along long mangrove roots and
riverbanks with lots of crabs and other river occupants. At the end of your visit you can
drink something or eat a little snack in the splendid Lounge of Makasutu just outside the
forest, and in the mean time visit a traditional dancing and djembe drum show.
10. Bijilo Monkey Forrest
At five minutes walking distance from the Senegambia tourist area lays Bijilo Monkey
Forest. Here you can see several monkeys and wonderful birds, such as the rhinoceros bird.
You can make this trip very easy on your own and don’t need a guide. On you’re way
towards the forest, you probably will become addressed by `bumpsters’, which will you try
to sell peanuts. But at the entrance of the park are plates hanging that warns you it’s
absolutely forbidden to feed the monkeys. In the park you must engage a park ranger, who
will ask you if you have bought peanuts, because it is really not permitted. Once in the park
the same Ranger will explain you that the monkeys do not approach because you have
bought no peanuts and he will advise you to do this next time you come again?!? Strange,
isn’t? Beside monkeys you find also enormously large termite hills in the park and in these
hills also frequently live snakes, because it is nice cold within. So don’t climb on such hill
to make a nice photograph, because you can disturb a sleeping snake and been bitten before
you know it. If you pay a visit to Bijilo in the rainy season, you can also see enormous
spiders hanging in their web. There is in the park a splendid viewpoint on the ocean and a
little further a meadow where you see many monkeys with their baby's from nearby. This
place is near by the apartments, so therefore no taxi necessary.
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11. Bakau
Bakau is a relative small place with less than 30,000 inhabitants. The most important
place is the Independence Stadium, which officially offers place to more than 28,000
persons. Although sometimes at important games are more than 40,000 persons
inside. Bakau lies superb offers from his highest point a fantastic view on the
Atlantic Ocean. The ministry of agriculture has arranged a botanic garden for
scientific research on the Atlantic Road between Bakau and cape Point. This place is
called Kachikally Crocodile Pool. The tourist market in Bakau is extremely suitable
for souvenirs. In the Batik Factory in Bakau made the most beautiful and colorful
depressed clothing and curtains. This factory lies at the end of the New Town Road.
It is open from Mon./Fri. 9 am- 6 pm. (Sat. 9 am - 5 pm).
12. Brikama
Brikama have been extremely confessed because of the divergent types of wooden
cutting art. On the Market of Brikama this cutting art is exclusively sold. The
Gambians are really professionals in this art, as you can see for yourself when they
are at work on this market, frequently using no more than a little knife and some
barn paper. In Brikama many children offers you a ticket with their name and
address, in the hope you ever will send them a postcard or a letter of you. A visit to
the market will take some time, so you better as the taxi-driver to accompany you.
Normally it costs 20 Dalasi per stationary hour for cab, but you have to bargain up to
1/3 or 1/2 of the price. The tourist market in Brikama is extremely suitable for
souvenirs. Here you can buy cute djembe's, but ask the driver to take you to Manjai
to visit the djembé factory. A must!
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13. Abuko Park
The Abuko Nature Reserve is a nice nature park, where you believe to be in the reel jungle.
Here you will find only a few animals like some (old) lions, a couple of monkeys, some
turtles and few birds. It’s especially the walking pad what makes the park attractive. We
notice that the monkeys are feed a lot of beans, while the local Gambian people almost
never eat these vegetables for themselves.
The cattle market lies on the road between Abuko and Serrekunda. A visit to the cattle
market is quit an adventure. There is a trade of sheep, ewes, chickens but also cows. Beside
the market is a slaughterhouse, with directly behind it a place where the corpses were laid
down. Around the market you will see a lot of vultures, waiting for the right moment to grab
a delicious bit of flesh.
14. The Reptile Farm
On the road towards Paradise Beach lies The Reptile Farm. Even if you are a real hero or
afraid of snakes and other reptiles, you must have visit this place. This farm is made by a
Frenchman, together with his Senegal wife and they live here with their two daughters. This
farm houses several poison and stranglesnakes, but also chameleons, lizards, turtles,
monkeys and vultures. They can be observed from close range and even be hold in your
hands. If you are afraid, one of the little daughters will show you how to hold such animal.
She grabs a python like others girls play with their doll.
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15. Fort James on James Island
James Island is a very impressive island to visit. This place is very famous because og the
serail "ROOTS", about the slavery in the year 1860.
The island lies in the Gambia River, about 40 km of Banjul. At the time of slavery
the island was used as a collection place for the slaves who been caught on the
African mainland. The slaves were hold on the island for a number of weeks to
prepare them to the large travel overseas to several plantations in the United States,
the Antilles, Suriname, etc. This preparation happened by in a very inhuman manner
to make the slaves mentally and physical weak, to avoid insurrection on board of the
ships while sailing towards their destination. The ruin of the Fort James, built by the
English, stands still on the island and forms a silent witness of the terrible things that
has found place there. In the village Juffureh, on the mainland at the jetties for the
pirogues (canoes) towards James Island, a museum is build with objects, tales and
paintings from the slavery time. Certainly a visit worth it!
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16. Tendaba Camp
Tendaba Camp lies approximately at 6 hours drive from the Senegambia area. The jeep
conducts you along small villages with small huts and rise fields where the woman work
very hard. You will get a painful arm of swaying to the population, but this inconvenience
fades if you see the smiling faces of the people. This safari is well to do, even if you’re not
an experience traveler. The motto of the camp Tendaba is:
"One million mosquito's can not be wrong..…
Tendaba Camp is fabulous!"
And indeed, the camp is marvelous but also terribly forgiven from mosquito’s (therefore
don’t forget a product to protect you against these insects). The quarters in the camp are
simple round huts (provided of klamboes and shower) in the typical African style and
completely made of material from the bush. There are also a swimming pool and a ritchful
bar where you can deliciously cool down after the dusty ride. The camp has aggregate
electricity, but at night this is turned of, so takes along a pocket lamp on this safari. From
Tendaba you can undertake several excursions: paddle towards the river delta by a canoe,
make more intensive excursions by jeep in the bush. Bushpigs (a very hairy member of the
pig family that lives in forest thickets) are served at night in the covered restaurant that
looks out on the river. If you prefer something else to eat, there’s always the menu that
offers a wide range of delicious food. Inside Tendaba Camp is also a garden with a few lazy
crocodiles and large wooden sculptures. Spending the night in the camp gives you really the
feeling staying in the African bush. Going more further towards Georgetown is also a
complete adventure. If you travel for a day longer, you arrive in Bird Safari Park. Any
question and more information concerning this trip of a few days, you can at our watchman
Mussa.
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17. Barra
With use of the ferry from Banjul to Barra, you can visit Fort Bullen. From Barra
you can take a ride towards Senegal. A tip: make a trip towards Sakone (40 km) of
Mbour (just a little further behind Kaolack).
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10 most common questions about Gambia
1. Is the food good in Gambia?
Gambia is well nowed for the fresh fishmeals. Each night the local fishermen catch
deliciously fresh species of fish, and served as local specialties like the ‘Lady Fish’ and the
‘Snappers’. But also the gamba (large shrimp) and tasteful lobsters frequently placed on the
Gambian menu. The fish is usually served with fragrant rice and fresh vegetables, but
French fries are also available. In most of the bathing resorts practically all-international
kitchens are represented like the Chinese, Italian, or Lebanese, but also Sushi and Tapas can
be found here. We advise you to try a local recept like for example ‘Domodah’, a delicious
meal with rice and tasty sauce on the basis of the Gambian peanut.
2. Can I lie nice relaxed on the Gambian beaches and enjoying the sun?
Yes, absolute. Kololi, Kotu, Fajara and cape Point has beautiful, long and wide sand beaches
where you can sunbathe infinitely. The hotels near the beaches have comfortable chairs and
sheers parasols. The beaches are very quietly and have plenty of space for everyone. Most
of the hotels have a beach bar and serve on the beach.
3. Is Gambia a safe country?
Gambia is a safe holiday destination. The Gambians claims to be the most pleasant people
in the world. They relativate every possible problem and are happy every day. Only in the
areas tourist their friendly behavior has from time to time a commercial purpose, but once
they see that nothing can be sold, they behave spontaneous and kindly. 95% of the
populations belong to the Islam, but the way they behave their religion strongly differs from
the Islam people from the Middle East or the African North coast. Fanaticism and
fundamentalism are unknown in Gambia. Here are only old African traditions predominate
and religion is especially a way of live, music, colorful dressed dances and eating their
preferred self-made food.
4. Can I go with children to Gambia?
Children can amuse themselves very well in the warm climate of Gambia. They can play
deliciously on to the beaches, and most of the hotels also have separated swimming pools
for children. These hotels offer a large variation of children animation and have playgrounds
where they can amuse themselves.
5. Is Gambia not to far for just one week?
Naturally it depends from where you live, but from Great-Brittan, Holland, Belgium or
France it takes approximately 6 hours of flying to Gambia. A lot of respectable aviation
companies maintain a regular flight to Gambia. Compared to Canary Islands, it is only 1½
hour longer flying towards Gambia, but with the certainty of good sunny weather, mainly
during the winter months. Because of the GMT-time, there’s no time difference with our
region, and no trouble of the jetlag. Therefore Gambia is an ideal holiday destination, even
only 1 week.
6. Is Gambia an expensive holiday country?
Comparison with Europe, Gambia is very cheap. Mainly to food is much cheaper more
attractive than in our region. The local restaurants are extraordinarily advantageous, but also
in the Western oriented restaurants you only will pay half compare with owner prices. An
important issue for planning your stay in this country.
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7. Is beer, wine or other alcoholic drinks easy to obtain in Gambia?
Gambia has its own label of self-brewed beer, named “Julbrew”. Of course this beer is very
popular among the local people, but also the tourists are large consumers. After a long hot
summer day this deliciously refreshing beer is very welcome. Furthermore Gambia offers a
wide range of international wines. International spirits are mainly served in Western hotels,
which have a large choice on their menu cards. Gambia imports all types of spirits from all
over the world.
8. What about “Malaria”?
The female mosquito stab the people because the need of human blood for its eggs. Trough
this way a parasite can pass on to the mosquito and makes people sick. This parasite is
called malaria. By taking medicines the chance on become sickness decreases with 80%.
Modern medicines like Mefloquine can been taken the day before you travel to this region.
Through the use of a mosquito spray with the component “deet”, the chance to get stab are
reduced to a minimum. One of the symptoms of having malaria is high fever. This decease
can be treated very well in Gambia. The fact that many tourists from several countries return
homeward in good health, strength the faith in the efficiency of the contemporary medicines
preventing possible sicknesses. Although it’s always recommended you ask your doctor for
updated information before you leave home. You can always look for more information at
the website of the tropical institute from your country.
9. What can been done in Gambia besides enjoying the sun and the sea?
Gambia offers an infinitely amount of possibilities that can be done on your holiday. We
define this as an adventure with an African taste. You can ride with a tough truck trough the
African jungle or experience the daily chaotic African way of live on the Albert market of
Banjul. A fishing excursion on the Gambia River is also a recommendation, as well as a
walk by the rice plantations of the Abuko Reservation of Nature. Ask your hostess about the
several excursion that can be made or take a look at the many different links on our website.
10. How do I manage my money transactions in Gambia?
The Gambian currency is called the Dalasi. You can exchange your Euros, Dollars or other
currency for Dalasi in your hotel or at the bank. All the banks, exchange offices and most of
the hotels are accepting traveller cheques and credit cards. We advise you to do not take too
much cash money with you when going on an excursion or walk trough the surrounding
area. You can put the cash money into the safe of your bedroom of the Kerr Sering
Apartment, or into the safe at our reception when you’re gone on a trip. This is also useful
for other expensive or important things you don’t need while you’re away for a short period.
The surplus of Dalasi you have when going back home, can be exchanged without any
problem in the airport.
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