THE GAMBIA GAMBLE

Trip Start Sep 14, 2009
1
13
25
Trip End Ongoing


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Where I stayed
Jabu Guesthouse
(Bakau hotels)

Flag of Gambia  , Western,
Friday, October 30, 2009

When our wallets were seriously slim from the delights of Dakar we decided to move on but although Basse Cassemance in the south of Senegal sounds like such a special place it is plagued by separatist issues and so seemed unsafe as our next stop. Tempted by an overnight ferry trip to the region's capital city, Ziginchour that would see us wake up amid the stunning scenery and spotless beaches of the Basse, we debated whether to do this or rough it over land to The Gambia but get there safe and sound for some sun, sea and sand...

Going for the safe option as incidents involving travellers in Basse Casamance have occurred only this month so making a trip there would seem silly, we were on the first fumigated bus to the border of The Gambia...or so we thought...fun and games ensued as we overlanded all the way down through Koalack and Karang and eventually ended up in Barra, beside the ferry port to take us to Banjul.

Although Senegal hugs The Gambia and a lot of people regard the two countries as one and the same, seeing the scenes of rural life and the totally tropical terrain of this new country emphasised its unique nature to me as we made our way south. We spent the single most seedy and sickening night at The Barra Hotel/brothel/hell hole before hopping on a ferry for the capital of The Gambia.

Got an amazing Lebanese breakfast of falafel that made me feel human again and off we went to see Serrekunda, not far from the capital but apparently a hive of activity.

XXX

 
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