HEALTH                                                          ( health  -  safety )

We strongly recommend that you visit your GP for advice on innoculations and precautionary measures prior to your trip to The Gambia.

Malaria is prevalent in The Gambia, but is avoidable as long as you take prcautions. The best way to avoid contracting the illness is to avoid being by mosquitos in the first instant.

• Use an effective isect repellant.
• Cover up at dusk by changing into long trousers and long sleeved shirts ( this does not apply to wives and girlfriends as I'm sure they will have brought sufficient dresses ). Lighter colours are better.
• Use an insect repellant spray, mosquito coils or the electric plug-in type, closing all windows and doors before leaving your room for the evening.
• Ensure that where mosquito screens are provided there are no obvious holes in them, and where necessary tape them over. Where screens are not provided, keep your windows closed between dusk and dawn.
• If mosquito nets are provided - use them as ( most of our bites have been received whilst sleeping at night

We have only been asked to produce our Yellow Fever vaccination certificates at Banjul International Airport when flying in on scheduled flights in the "off season " period. However, if you are planning on travelling in to Senegal during your stay here, then a Yellow Fever certificate is a prerequisite.

In all cases, we would recommend that you visit your GP where possible prior to your visit. He / She will be able to prescribe an appropriate anti-malaria medication for you and advise you on the latest recommended innoculations.

The sun index is very high in The Gambia and visitorsshould take the necessary precautions.

• Apply an appropriate sunscreen frequently throughout the day or
• Cover up
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Drink plenty of fluids ( and not just alcohol ), as you can get dehydrated very quickly without realising it

Although the tap water is drinkable in The Gambia, those who are not used to it may suffer some mild stomach upset and it is therefore advisable to stick to bottled water. We have only been ill once after eating a cold shrimp salad in a hotel about 8 years ago. However, eating out (and we love eating out - including street stalls!) is fine as long as the food is fresh and it has been washed and prepared thoroughly. Remember it is in the hotels and restauranteurs best interests to keep you happy and healthy and coming back for more!

Items that we recommend you always included in our holiday luggage:-

• Anti-malaria tablets
  Insect Repellant
  Plug-ins / mosquito coils
  Antihistamine cream / Bite stick
  Sun tan cream
  After sun cream
  Rehydration tablets / powders
  Immodium (or similar)
  Paracetemol (or similar) for headaches
  Optrex (or similar) for rinsing dust particles etc. out of eyes
  Throat pastilles (especially if you smoke too many Gambian cigarettes)
  Fabric plasters
  Small pair of scissors
  Tweezers

Although you can get all of the above in The Gambia they can be more expensive and you have less choice.

Sexually transmitted diseases (including Aids) are a serious threat to health in The Gambia, as anywhere, and caution should be exercised.

Should you become ill in The Gambia, medical facilities are available, as are pharmacies where you can get excellent advice and treatment - albeit at a cost - although, they may not meet your 'usual standards'!!!

SAFETY

The Gambia is a safe destination and the Gambians themselves are generally a very friendly people.

Although the crime rate in The Gambia is low, as when visiting anywhere else in the world, you need to be vigilant when visiting crowded places and walking around at night (not least because there are few street lights).

The Gambia is a poor country and overt displays of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery is not advisable. Most hotels offer safety deposit boxes (at minimal expense) to keep money and valuables safe during your stay.

You may have heard about Bumsters (individuals who hang around outside hotels or on the beaches in the main resort areas hassling visitors), but POLEASE do not let their presence prevent you from enjoying your holiday. The local authorities have recognised the detrimental impact that they are having on tourism, and are endeavouring to stamp out this practice. Indeed, over the last six years we have noticed a dramatic reduction in the number of bumsters hanging around. You may find the following tips helpful:-

• Anyone who asks "Do you remember me from the hotel/bar/band that was playing last night?" etc. is probably not who they claim to be (and in the event that they are, they will not be offended ...)
  
• Official guides are recognisable by their identity badges and/or uniform clearly marked with the GTA (Gambia Tourism Authority) logo
  
• Do not offer to sponsor anyone for a football match, school, cultural group etc. - if you do want to donate money, clothes, pens, paper etc. then your hotel (or we at Hooked On Gambia) can advise you further
  
• If you are approached, be polite, but firm in telling them that you are not interested in whatever it is that they are selling / offering and continue walking
  
• If you are walking along a beach when you are approached, a quick method of getting rid of a bumster is to walk in to the sea, as most of them do not want to get their trainers / shoes wet

For up to date information on The Gambia, please see http://www.fco.gov.uk

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