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The Gambia is a largely flat, low-lying country in western Africa. The Gambia River flows north–south through the country, dividing it into an eastern part, where most of the population lives, and a western part. The Gambia has a population of around 1.75 million people and an area of about 11,000 km² (4,000 sq mi). It is bordered by Senegal to the west and north, and Guinea-Bissau to the east. The Gambia's coastline measures about 120 km (75 mi), with the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

The Gambia's terrain varies from thick forest in the south and southwest to grassland in the north and northeast. Most of the population live on or near the flood plain of the Gambia River. The Gambia's highest point is Red Rock at 53 m. The Gambia experiences a tropical climate. Its coast is occasionally affected by the Harmattan, a wind bringing dry dust and poor weather.

Most of the country has a pronounced wet season between June and October and a dry season the remainder of the year. The rainfall varies throughout the country with the hinterland areas receiving significantly more than the coastal strip. The Gambian climate is very hot and humid throughout the year. The best time to book a hotel in Gambia is during the wet season because of the tropical climate. During this time, the temperatures are moderate, and the rain keeps away the sweltering heat.

People in The Gambia speak either Mandinka, or Wolof. Both are members of the Niger–Congo language family. The official language is English. The Gambia hotel's staff also speaks other languages to accommodate the tourists.

There are regional airports in Banjul, Brikama, Farafenni and Kerewan.

Banjul is the main gateway for international flights, connecting to London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Rome. International airline companies which operate flights to Banjul include British Airways, KLM, Swiss and EasyJet. Flights to all other parts of the country are irregular. During the rainy season, only small local airlines and two or three large charter companies operate services. Regional airports are at Brikama, Farafenni and Kerewan. There is also a ferry port at Barra on the Gambia River, which connects to Senegal.

Places to see in Gambia

If you are planning a hotel vacation in Gambia and you want to see some of the major tourist attractions, these are the places to see in Gambia in no particular order.

The Gambia River

Located on the border of The Gambia and Senegal is the second-longest river in West Africa after the Niger River. The Gambia River is 1120 km (700 mi) long and at some points, has width of over 2 km (1 mi). It is located within the forest-savannah border and has an area of 6,350 square kilometres (2,460 sq mi).

Bijilo Forest Park

Located on the outskirts of the city of Banjul is the Bijilo Forest Park, which is the only national park in The Gambia and covers an area of over 1,000 hectares. The forest consists of three sub-park areas with a total of eight trails which are used to offer educational programs to the general public.

Kotu Beach

Kotu beach is the main beach in the country and it is very popular with tourists and locals alike. It is located on the western coast of the country in the vicinity of the suburbs of Kotu, Bakau and Kanifing.

Bakau Fish Market

It is one of the largest freshwater fish markets in West Africa and serves as a major fish hub in The Gambia. It is located close to the sea and is bounded by the Bakau waterfront on the north and Kanifing Lagoon on the south. It receives fish from all parts of The Gambia and beyond.

Kunta Kinteh Island (Fort James Island)

It is located abour 30 km from the mouth of the Gambia River and is a historic island, consisting of mangrove swamp and rain forest. It is the seat of a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches over 200 acres (0.81 km²) and has been listed as one of the largest historical sites in Africa. The island was used as a British colonial penal settlement and dates back to 1661.