Discover The Gambia

Colourful fishing boats on the beach at Bakau in The Gambia, with the Atlantic Ocean, fishing pier and coastal buildings in the background.

Culture, food, music, people and places from Africa’s Smiling Coast

Explore The Gambia through first-hand stories, photography and guides covering culture, traditional music, food, places, education and everyday life.

Start Exploring

Start Exploring The Gambia

New to The Gambia? Begin with these popular guides.

Collage representing The Gambia, featuring the Gambian flag, children, historic sites, coastline and a map of the country.

30 Fascinating Facts About The Gambia

A broad introduction to the country’s people, culture, geography and everyday life.

Collage showing Gambian culture and attractions beyond the Senegambia Strip, including drummers, a traditional masquerade, wrestling and the Wassu Stone Circles.

15 Reasons to Venture Beyond the Senegambia Strip

Discover the culture, history, landscapes and everyday experiences that lie beyond The Gambia’s main tourist strip.

Collage of Gambian food and street life, including rice with sauce, grilled fish and chips, bread, local drinks and people in The Gambia.

3 Gambian Meals You Must Try

Discover three delicious Gambian favourites and get a taste of the flavours, ingredients and everyday food culture of The Gambia.

Gambian Culture and Music

Traditional music remains an important part of Gambian culture, from djembe rhythms and dance to instruments such as the kora, balafon and sabar.

Gambian musicians playing traditional instruments on a beach at sunset, including kora and hand drums.

Music in The Gambia: Traditional Instruments, Rhythms and Culture

Find out about traditional Gambian music and instruments.

Dimbaya musicians performing traditional djembe drumming at the Kartong Riverside Festival in The Gambia.

Many Djembes Talking – Dimbaya at Kartong Riverside Festival

Watch Malo Sonko’s West African Drumming Group perform at Kartong in The Gambia.

Dimbaya musicians performing live at the Diannah Festival in Senegal, with djembe drumming and dancers on stage.

Dimbaya at Diannah Festival, Senegal

Children from Abéné Village join Dimbaya in this amazing performance from January 2026.

Education and Children in The Gambia

Education can transform lives. These articles explore inclusion, gender equality and the importance of giving every child a strong start through education.

Smiling child writing at a desk in a Gambian nursery classroom while a teacher and young children learn together.

Places & Experiences

Beaches are only the beginning. Venture beyond the main tourist areas to discover villages, historic sites, local communities and a different side of The Gambia.

Explore Beyond the Senegambia Strip