The Gambia - CNN iReport

CNN producer note

miquelpp, of Amsterdam, took his wife to Gambia in August because he wanted her 'to experience a bit of real deep Africa' and also have an 'ecological' holiday. They stayed at a low-carbon-footprint lodge called Footsteps Eco-Lodge in Gunjur -- a small coastal town in south-western Gambia -- and took public buses to visit nearby cities and some local soccer games. Photo #9, with its colorful ribbons, was taken at a tailor's shop in the central market in Banjul (the capital). 'The ribbons are for the colorful African garments,' he said.

It was miquelpp's second trip to Gambia. He said it is a peaceful country with significant tourism from the United Kingdom and Spain, as there are direct flights to Banjul from London and Barcelona.
- dsashin, CNN iReport producer

iReport —

I've been twice to Gambia so far. What I can say about this country is that people is always smily and willing to talk and chat for a while. Is definitely a poor country of those which have the "developing country" label as an objective, rather than a reality. What we saw this time, in the south bank close to the city of Brikama was a community of people that make roughly 1$ per day or a few cents more, in substantial poverty, without tap water, sewage etc. not to talk about any kind of public service. But as I pointed out most of people look happy and healthy. I don't think hunger is a problem in the country (at least for what I saw).

 

That said nature is magnificent and the number of birds you can observe there are second to none. Also the vegetation is beautiful and close to rainforest.

 

There are several things you can do in Gambia, but definitely enjoying nature and the companionship of Mandinka people is one of them (I guess also the Diola and other ethnical groups are as friendly as the Mandinka).

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