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A Feel of Paradise on ‘The Smiling Coast’ of West Africa
Friday, 26 August 2011 03:47
There is something about The Gambia that remains appealing to a first-time visitor. Its unassuming demeanor that
reflects in its triple attractions - sand, sea and sun - that attract foreigners, especially from Europe who throng in their thousands to explore them for holiday. But the warmth, hospitality of the people, African craft, exotic fruits and the very breathtaking landscape that surround the small country sandwiched in Senegal, all offer alluring charms that cannot be ignored by lovers of peace and fun.
These, of course, may be top among reasons the small country is nicknamed ‘The Smiling Coast of West Africa’ in the global tourism parlance. Truly, The Gambia smiles to visitors. There is freedom in the air, security and tranquility that aid a swelling holiday or outing on the coast.
The first thing to notice immediately you alight from the aircraft at Banjul International Airport is some kind of pretentious quietness that shrouds the country. As you move further into Banjul, the capital city, and other towns, the enthusiasm and effortlessness with which its 1.6 million populace live their lives is uniquely enchanting.
From Banjul, Brufut, Senegambia to other parts of the country, culture and history speak in a unifying and most importantly, entertaining tone. You will be more than convinced that the country is truly, ‘the smiling coast of West Africa.’ The country is a perfect example of ‘unity in diversity’ with her seven tribes living in harmony with no form of religious violence, despites its 80 percent Muslim population, while the high regard for tourists by both locals in the hinterland and civilised ones in cities is worth appreciating.
Besides, the scenic beauty of The Gambia offers an attractive package that is an alternative to the traditional wintry sand, sun and sea holidays in Southern Spain, Balearic Island, among other top European coastal destinations.
This among others, accounts for why the country attracts over 500,000 tourists annually to experience exclusive pamper of nature amid warmth and hospitality of the very tourism-conscious people who seem to be committed to tourists’ memorable stay.
Bet, you will have reasons to escape to a vivid tropical paradise on your holiday because there, you will truly enjoy exclusivity of sand, sea, and sun amidst serenity.
Sure, you will better experience than hear of the beautiful hotels that stretch the coastal lines overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from Banjul, Senagambia, Kaira, Brufut among others. The peaceful ocean shore is dotted with the likes of Sheraton, Coco Beach, among other world class brands.
While in these beach-based hotels, you will have enough glowing shells and sand to play with, the ocean to swim in, the pools to refresh in, delightable local and continental cuisines to relish on and rare wines to set you in the right mood. You can as well go for wild swimming.
But a day in Sheraton Gambia is worth a month stay because it is a secluded paradise with golden sands and beautiful surroundings that make relaxation among stunning palms and exotic Baobab trees a luxurious experience.
Besides these hotels and their overlooking ocean side, there are more than enough attractions that hold back tourists, especially Europeans to this small country from November to April when leisure is usually at its peak in the pleasure jungle.
You cannot afford to miss a visit to the Makasutu Culture Forest housing over 15,000 special trees, over 500 monkeys, rare birds and other wildlife. The freshness and commune with nature is more than a healing balm to one’s body and soul. A dare-devil ride on the Makasutu Mangrove River to discover the various parts of the forest and fishing communities is worth doing. The host aquatic population will not leave you unattended with their tumbling in and out of the water.
The conscious effort by the country to create forest reserves leaves the lush and tick wildlife populated forest as one of the richest in the West African region.
The sight of the awful 1000 metres high July 5 Arch that ushers tourists into the capital city and the Cape Point, where the River Gambia empties into the Atlantic Ocean will make a visit to Banjul worthwhile.
The history and sight trailing the River Gambia that divides the county into two equal parts are delightful to hear and see.
Why not keep a date with this smiling coast this summer.
Source: Businessdayonline.com
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Comments
In the service of the truth I remain
The Great God of the Wazungu is indeed very good at arythmatic...for did he not say?
"Verily I say unto you...
Go forth and mutiply"
To the great Chief of the six tribes.
The great God of the Wazungu is very good at doing sums.
Comment:
Well Toubaabu-Man, Better pray for them to get the Mercy of your Load Because they will one day be judge on all their atrocities.
And they are good in doing so because they are having double colours.
One: False smiles when in reality if they can take your soul on the very spot they will without hesitation.
Two: Self interest (Selfishness).
In the service of the truth I remain
The great God of the Wazungu is very good at doing sums.
"For what does it profit any man..who gains the whole world...
But in doing so...loses his soul"
Comment:
Well Toubaabu-Man, If it was or is for the sake of one's colour or culture of the country to defend.
Mother Africa requested that always !
But in doing so...loses his soul"
Its (Capitalism) grip,influence & control over the operating systems of the world,from the Financial,Educa tional and Scientific Institutions,is complete and any attempt to even question it,let alone challenge it,is viewed(even by its very victims) as backward and ANTI-PROGRESS.
That is why Human Life,especially of the Third World/Developing Countries is almost 'Valueless' when it stands in the way of Political & Economic Interest of the Strong (Fittest).
But as poverty increases across the world,with the ability of governments to borrow & finance their debts ever demising,as well as the decline in the purchasing power of the masses(the very ingredients of capitalism) means that the system is slowly grinding to a halt.
Humanity will eventually be forced to look for a more humane & fairer system of distribution.
but behind that dark curtain even older helpless women accused of witchcraft are not spared of repression and brutality.
Sadly only a Gambian will know that.
The people, have come to realise, that government, will find any and every means..to tax anything that moves the growth of any enterprise, or human inititive to earn a crust.
In good times...government will throw some crumbs back into the crowd..and entertain that brief glory.
But in these bad times...they will seek to admonish the weak, challenge the poor and hammer those with no strength to resist.
I am moved to consider that Democracy has become a propaganda of the rich, who climb its ladder to incredible personal wealth and power.
Once standing on its sereen mountain top...
There promises...are but empty echo's that injure the tennants of truth and human dignity.
"Democracy is a poor form of Government, but all the others are so much worse".
Politics and the current madness of the Jammeh style of government aside,The Gambia is indeed a beautiful place to live in.
As the columnist rightly pointed out,the way in which the people live their lives in these difficult and trying times,is indeed admirable,despi te a contributor twisting that phrase to mean what he called 'laziness'.
A lack of opportunities,m ore than anything else, is what is hindering many from fulfilling their potentials,rath er than 'laziness'.
Its quite easy to judge people for being 'this' or 'that' when you don't have to deal with what they deal with. Its certainly wrong to paint all with the same brush because of the greed of a few.
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