Gambia Holidays

Luigi's Serviced Apartments

2010-09-12T05:36:00.000-09:00

Luigi's Serviced Apartments are just 50 metres to Kotu beach and a two minute
drive to the tourist centre.Facilities and Services:Consist of 17 One and two bedroom self catering apartments and 12 B and B rooms of various sizes, suites, deluxe standard, economy, or single room.

All accommodation has with En-suite shower rooms Air-conditioned with ceiling fans, satellite TV and Wi-fi Internet connection. S/C apartment all have fully fitted kitchens.

Private veranda or balcony

Daily cleaning service

Fresh towels

Sheets changed twice weekly or on request

British standard plugs

Free safety deposit box fitted in all rooms

Laundry service for a small fee
Airport transfer available.

Price range £25 to £75 per night depending on accommodation.General Facilities and Services:

Luigi's Pizza and Pasta House offers an extensive menu with a great family atmosphere; this very spacious restaurant offers seating over two floors with a fantastic view of the sea from the second floor balcony.

Open all day for Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Meals, offering kiddies corner with special kids meals and play area. Luigi's pizza has become famous with the local people.

Other Facilities
Swimming pool
Jacuzzi set in the garden area
Water fountain
By design tailor shop:

Have your clothes made to measure to fit you perfectly.
Anna's Holistic therapy team of a wonderful relaxing massages.
Wi-fi access.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

Gambia set to have un-interupted electricity supply

2010-08-17T05:28:00.004-09:00

Gambia seals energy deal with Malaysian Company
The Gambian government has signed an energy agreement with a Malaysian Company (Clearlink) under which it would be provided with adequate power generation, transmission and distribution, PANA reported Saturday.
Mohammed Noordin Zaini, a top official of the Malaysian Company who is part of a Malaysian delegation on a working visit to the country, signed for his company while Gambia's National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) Managing Director, Momodou Jallow, signed on behalf of the Gambian government.

Shortly after signing the agreement, Mr. Zaini reportedly expressed his company's commitment towards the project. He described the deal as one which would be 'a win-win situation' for both parties.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

A Major Tourism Boom Awaits Gambia

2010-07-12T05:17:00.001-09:00

The tiny nation of The Gambia—a popular holiday resort for Western tourists, would soon witnessed a dramatic transformation on its tourism industry policies, with the view of restoring tourists and investors confidence, President Yahya Jammeh has declared.

Mr. Jammeh believes that tourism is an important sector in the nation’s economy, which accounts for the greater percentage of Gambia’s Gross Domestic Product—known as (GDP). Mr. Jammeh opined that such an important sector needs to be given the attention it deserved in the interest fulfilling the nation’s economic agenda—which is to transform the mini West African state into an economic power in the region.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Great Tourism Potential for The Gambia

2010-06-03T09:13:00.001-09:00

Delegates who attended the 35th Annual Congress of the African Travel Association (ATA) say they appreciate The Gambia as a great potential for harnessing the 'untapped' tourism market in the continent, PANA reported from here Thursday.

They said that they had learnt great lessons from The Gambian experience and believed that the country could be a model for the Africa's tourism industry with specific regards to the development pace of the industry.

"The Gambia is situated in a strategic position and has a great potential for the sustainability of the tourism market," they said, nothing that the traditional and cultural heritage in the West African country painted a mental picture of "the norms and values of our great ancestors".

The delegates were taken on a conducted tour, organized by The Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA), to historical sites like the James Island and Juffureh (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was the base for the transportation of slaves from The Gambia, across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World of the Americas.

They also visited the Eco Tourism Centres at the GIG Farm, Mama Africa Museum Centre in Brufut and the President's Village of Kanilai , which has been transformed into a cultural stronghold by The Gambian leader.

Kanilai is known for hosting the country's biggest annual cultural jamboree, the Kanilai Cultural Festival.

Having seen just a few tourist centres, Mr. Ogo Sow, the first African Immigrant and Expatriate to start a Radio Programme in the United States and Canada, aimed at promoting African tradition and positive image, said the delegates had a lot to learn from The Gambia.

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

ATA World Conference The Gambia

2010-05-25T10:03:00.002-09:00

GAMBIA, May 20, 2010 – The Africa Travel Association’s 35th Annual Congress ended today with a commitment among Africa’s tourism stakeholders to boost efforts to develop new public-private partnerships devoted to advocating for and developing the tourism industry in Africa. Honorable Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, The Gambia Minister of Tourism and Culture and incoming ATA President, closed the event that was attended by more than 300 participants as well as press from Africa, Europe and North America.

In her closing remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of tourism as an engine for economic growth and prosperity. She also said, “This may mark the end of a successful event, but it also marks the beginning of our joint efforts to work in partnership with the public and private sector to promote the travel and tourism industry to and within Africa. The Gambia was a proud host of this event and hopes that our infectious spirit will inspire other countries and tourism stakeholders to take action.”

At the meeting, ATA announced a number of milestones for making a strong case for increased
investment in Africa’s tourism industry. “ATA members and friends and supporters have shown that we are truly committed to promoting tourism to Africa as a means to promoting socioeconomic development,” said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director. “I know that when we return to our home countries, we will continue to work in partnership with tourism stakeholders in the public and private sectors to promote the industry and inspire others to follow our example.”

Congress milestones include the following:

The announcement of the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Africa Union and ATA. The MOU, which was signed by Honorable Shamsa Mwangunga, outgoing ATA President, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim, Africa Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, declares that the two organizations undertake a commitment to develop collaboration in the area of travel and tourism promotion.

The launch of a joint effort by New York University’s Africa House, the World Bank and ATA to make a case for developing Africa’s tourism industry with the preparation of the joint publication The State of Tourism in Africa. Using facts, figures and stories, the report paints a picture of the current and potential impact of tourism on both a country’s and a region’s development strategy. The report also advocates for increased attention and resource allocation from national governments to the tourism industry.

During the industry workshops and networking events, ATA and UNWTO engaged in discussions on how the two global organizations would pursue collaboration and cooperation in the areas of travel and tourism development in Africa in the future.

The Gambia Organizing Committee announced its commitment to hosting the first “Carbon Off-Set Free” ATA congress. In addition to planting seedlings to grow an “ATA Forest” at the GIG Forest, the Committee limited the “carbon footprint” of the congress by ordering produce from the award-winning project Gambia is Good. GIG sources all its produce from local producers.

As a sign of his commitment to developing The Gambia’s tourism industry, President of The Republic of the Gambia, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh, hosted the delegates at a number of special events, including a visit to his home village, Kanilai, and a gala dinner and evening of entertainment at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort.

In what has become an ATA congress tradition over the last few years, Shamsa Mwangunga
(MP), ATA President and Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of
Tanzania hosted a special evening of dinner and dancing held at the five-star Ocean Bay Hotel.

On the first of two Host Country days, delegates visited James lsland and Juffureh. James
Island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was a base of transportation of slaves from The Gambia to other parts of the world. At James Island, delegates participated in a special memorial, in which they floated flower wreathes down the River Gambia and stood in a moment of silence. Delegates were also asked to consider making a donation for the restoration of the jetty to James Island. The project was organized in cooperation with U.S. Ambassador Barry Wells.

Following the day-long visit to James Island and Juffreh, the delegates enjoyed a special cocktail reception at the luxury hotel, Coco Ocean Resort and Spa. The evening event was cohosted by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, Honorable Barry Wells.

Under the banner “Discover Africa’s Genuine Warmth,” the ATA-Gambia event brought together tourism ministers and more than 300 travel industry professionals from across Africa, Europe and North America for four days to explore the latest issues facing the travel trade industry, learn about “Destination Gambia,” and advocate for increased resources to the tourism industry.

During the congress, delegates explored the following industry topics: Sustainable Tourism in
The Gambia, Innovative and Interactive Marketing, Niche Markets and Emerging Trends,
Standards in the Hotel Market in Africa, Connecting the Africa Diaspora to Destination Africa,
and Hospitality and Tourism Education in Africa. Special sessions were held on tourism and
development, advocating for tourism resources, and partnerships with airlines serving Africa.

Kanali Featival 2010 Picture Gallery

2010-05-25T09:56:00.000-09:00

Kanilai, the home village of the Gambian leader, will be involved in a long weekened celebration of culture as the much-hyped Kanilai International Cultural Festival kick-starts this month in Kanilai Foni Kansala District. The event, which will run from 21st May to 7th June 2010 under the distinguished chief patronage of His Excellency President Sheikh professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, is designed to revive, promote and develop our rich cultural heritage and showcase the diverse performance traditions of different ethnic groups of the sub-region.
In a brief chat with Entertainment recently at the National Centre for Arts and Culture, Mr. Cornelius Gomez, director of Literature, Performing and Fine Arts, said this festival has been created by the president since 2001 and is the fifth. He added that this has been established and has created more awareness for African people and also play a higher role in national development. Director Gomez explained that coming up with this kind of festival is the biggest not only involving Gambians but as well as the Diaspora to come together and renew our African culture. It is going to be a very big festival because is going to include both Latin America, Europe as well as other countries. African musitical power will all demonstrate during the festival and there will be prices giving for the best performance in all different areas.

Gambia Art and Crafts

2010-04-22T05:19:00.037-09:00

African art comes in the most wonderful abstract forms, from paintings to murals to sculptures and wood carvings. Hand woven cloth, batiks, and mudcloth can be made into soft furnishings or designed into unique high fashion clothing.
The textures and designs are underused in the western world, but in Africa the rich vibrant colours are best used in the exotic clothes which are also embroidered
with wonderful original designs. The country of origin of traditional clothes can be identified by the style and use of material

Melted beeswax is mixed with paraffin and applied to the fabric before being dipped in dye. The beeswax will bind to the fabric and the paraffin wax will allow cracking, which is a characteristic of batik. Several colours are used with a series of dyeing. Thin wax lines can be applied with a canting, a wooden handled tool with a tiny metal cup and spout, out of which the wax can seep.

Other techniques to apply the wax onto the fabric include pouring the liquid wax, painting the wax on with a brush, and applying the hot wax to pre-carved wooden or metal wire block and stamping the fabric. After the final dyeing the fabric is hung up to dry and then dipped in a solvent to dissolve the wax, or simply ironed between paper towels or newspapers to absorb the wax and reveal the deep rich colors and the fine crinkle lines that give batik its character.

Gambian tie dye and batiks are extravagant, rich in different shades of colour and are often seen at tourist markets and are tailored into men’s Kaftans (haftans), women’s yara Wollof, or warambas (grandmubas), skirts, shirts, ladies blouses, as well as bed sheets, curtains and tablecloths.

Mudcloth or bògòlanfini is a traditional Malian fabric dyed with fermented mud, particularly associated with the Bambara. Bògòlanfini is a Bambara word meaning “earthcloth.” To create it, simple cotton cloth is woven, shrunk, and then soaked in a preparation of leaves
from certain trees. An artist then outlines an intricate design, often taking several weeks to cover the entire cloth, with a mud dye.

The areas of yellowish mud are then treated with caustic soda, bleaching them white and creating a stark black and white design. Traditionally, a man will do the weaving while a woman will do the dyeing. In recent years, fashion designers such as Chris Seydou have
employed bògòlanfini in international clothing lines, while Malian painter Ishmael Diabate
has developed it as a fine art form.

Wooden masks, either human, animal or some mythical creature, are one of the most common forms of art in western Africa. In their original context, masks were worn by a chosen or initiated dancer and used for celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, and war preparation.

During a mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and while in this state,“communicates” with his ancestors. Masks can be worn in three ways: vertically covering the face: as a helmet, encasing the entire head, and as a crest, resting upon the head, usually covered by material as part of the disguise. African masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer

Within the vicinity of most of the major tourist hotels you will find small craft markets called bengdulas made up of a number of stalls offering a selection of items such as tribal masks, wooden carvings, batiks, tie dye fabric prints, beads, gold and silver jewellery and locally made hand woven baskets. There are larger markets at Serrekunda, Bakau and, the most famous of all, Banjul’s Albert Market.

Despite the influence of tourism in creating mass production of such art, there are some really beautiful original good quality handmade items, such as leather hand bags and shoes, hand woven cloths or solid silver jewellery but you will have to search for them. Special
items will be made to order for you in two or three days but they are worth the wait. Watch out for dipped silver bangles! Mostly these can be found being peddled on the beach or by street vendors.

You have to be prepared for the haggle in the markets and also be prepared to do a lot of hard bargaining, the price is always negotiable! So it depend on “your luck” as to the price you pay for any item … Our advice is to start with about 1/3 of the asking price
then, depending on your bargaining skills and your common sense, it is up to you how much you pay!

DON‘T TAKE OFFENCE AT AN EXTORTIONATE PRICE …the starting price is not meant to offend or to “rip you off”!

Bargaining is part of the way of life, and is meant to be part of the fun! It‘s part of the culture and should be treated light-heartedly. In the same vein the Vendor will not really take offence at your low offer even if he/she make out they are, if you cannot agree and you walk away “9 times out of 10” they will call you back …if they are not interested in your offer … then your offer was TOO LOW!

If you can‘t cope with the bargaining most hotels and gift shops will have fixed price
items for sale. You will expect to pay a little more for the convenience but sometimes
you may find a better selection and quality items than the local market.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Restaurants

2010-04-02T04:16:00.002-09:00

No holiday is complete without good food! One of The Gambia’s best kept secret is the vast variety of restaurants. The Gambia is a mixing pot of culinary delights, you will find food from all parts of the world such as Chinese, Indian, Thai. African, Afro-American,
Jamaican. British, Italian, French, Lebanese and even Moroccan. Quality speaks for its self so to find the best restaurant ask your Rep for the most well established places to eat:

Kotu and Kololi offer a quieter atmosphere for a more relaxed holiday, fewer bars
and restaurants more modest entertainment with a couple of bars with live music
playing tracks from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and Karaoke Nights.

Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta House: is located on Palma Rima Rd, Kotu Beach.
Renowned for it‘s “Good Food” the menu has a wide selection of Italian and
British food. Set on 2 floors, the second floor balcony offers a relaxed atmosphere
overlooking the sea. It‘s a great place to watch the sun go down! and on the ground
floor is an ideal place for families offering kids menu and play area. Open all day from
8am serving full English breakfast, lunch and evening meals till 11.30pm. Kids meals
D125

The Senegambia is the busiest area offering many bars, restaurants and night
clubs. It is one of the best places for people looking for an exciting night life. “The
Senegambia Strip” really comes to life after dark with an array of bars playing live
music, karaoke, big screen sports TV and many fast food outlets.

Cheerz offers a great friendly atmosphere with all that you would expect from a family run business, situated at the top of Senegambia Strip on the High Rd. There are a number of
night clubs in the area which play ear-splitting modern music as well as reggae
sounds. They normally get going after midnight; the entrance fees are reasonable at
all the nightclubs, charging D100/D250 entrance fee. The cheaper night clubs are
frequented by (Bumpsters) locals youths looking to make “a friend” and tag along,
so do go along with someone you know. For the “night owl” Quality Catering
are open 24 hours on the corner of the Senegambia Junction for a quick snack after
dancing the night away. Always clean and freshly made while you wait!

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Local Food

2010-03-25T04:37:00.000-09:00

Local foods are worth trying. A word of warning, be prepared to eat a bit more than
“just a little spice” – Gambians like their food hot! The food is a melting pot for all the
nations and tribes from the sub-regions who live in harmony and enjoy sharing food
from all cultures. If you interact with local people don‘t be surprised to be invited to a
compound to share a meal as the Gambian culture is very friendly and hospitable.

Food is always shared, normally a group will eat from one bowl. As a guest you will be offered a spoon and sometimes your own plate! It is said you will not argue with someone
you share a bowl of food with! Fish plays a major part in Gambian cuisine due to the
variety of fish available in both river and sea. Oysters fresh from the creeks make a quick
and easy stew, Ebeh is made from an amazing array of ingredients including smoked fish,
crabs, oysters and fish eggs amongst other things. Benachin meaning “one pot” is the
equivalent of an Italian risotto or a Spanish paella. The beach bars are the best place to
find many of the local tasty dishes. Some are better than others so choose wisely. Some
bars don’t have electricity or running water, so keep this in mind when ordering food!
Nefertiti Beach Bar, Banjul offers a great location with a fresh menu local food and
snacks daily and Kotu Point Beach Bar, Kotu offers a B-B-Q every Saturday lunch time,
join in the fun, come Jamming with Lamin and try your hand at drumming!

Local Drinks
The most popular are Wonjo and Baobab. Wonjo juice is made from the dried red flowers of the Sorrel, which are boiled with sugar to make a refreshing, sweet drink full of Vitamin C. Baobab juice is made from the fruit of the Baobab tree. The fruit is soaked in water, sieved and the seeds extracted. The pulp is then mixed with a little sugar to make the base juice. Other ingredients can be added according to taste; the most popular are milk and coconut, but it is also tasty with mango, papaya or banana – making a thick natural smoothie. Both Wonjo and Baobab are very nutritious, healthy and with a unique flavour. They also make a wonderful cocktail when mixed together.

Great African Secret
Locally people use these drinks as regular source of nutrition, in Europe it had been forgotten. During World War 2 it was given to soldiers in bread to prevent scurvy. Recently rediscovered it is being branded as a superfood of the future. It has been clinically proven that it is a pro-biotic with 5 times more vitamin C than an orange and twice as much more calcium than a glass off milk as well as containing antioxidants and Omega 3-6-9.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Music

2010-03-22T05:46:00.008-09:00

Music plays an important part of Gambian culture: “The drum” made of carved
wood and goatskin seems a simple instrument, but use of the drum is not limited to
musical entertainment, such as in music from the Americas or Europe. It has a serious
application in many societies across the continent.

Many West African tribes are well known for their use of drumming in daily activities and special events and a native speaker of a language can often perceive an actual message in the music. This effect also forms the basis of drum languages (talking drums). In days gone by drumming was used as a way of communicating news from village to village, for example to inform members of their respective tribes about major news, such as a death, funeral, meeting, or celebration within the tribe. In the past it was used as a warning of imminent attack.

The drum is the sign of life – its beat is the heartbeat of the community. Such is the
power of the drum to evoke emotions, to touch the souls of those who hear its rhythms.
The beating of the drum is an opportunity to give one another a sense of belonging and of
solidarity. It is a time to connect with each other, to be part of that collective rhythm of the life in which young and old, rich and poor, men and women are all invited to contribute to the society.

Traditional music is mostly functional in nature, there are for example, many different
kinds of work songs, some of the drumming that goes on in the middle of the day even
helps women and men of the tribe get daily chores done more quickly as the drums allow
them to follow a rhythm while they work, Ceremonial or religious music accompanies
childbirth, marriage, hunting, and even political activities.

Ceremonial music will often be accompanied by the Balafone and the Kora, which
produces a harp-like sound. The player uses the thumb and index finger of both hands to
pluck the strings in polyrhythmic patterns. The combination of instruments used depends
on the tribe. Male griots, or praise singers, are born into the profession. They most often
act as a solo or duo instrumentalists and are traditionally heard at weddings and infant
naming ceremonies. They attend the ceremonies to bring good luck with their songs and
historical recitations. In some areas they may form part of a larger group that may include
Kora, Calabash, Flute and Tamo Drums. The griot or “Jali” society acted as historians,
advisors, arbitrators, praise singers and storytellers and essentially these musicians were
walking history books, preserving ancient stories and traditions through song. Their
inherited tradition was passed down through generations. They were said to have deep
connections to spiritual, social, or political powers through their music and speech. The
talking drums (Tamo) are some of the oldest instruments used by West African griots
and their history can be traced back to the ancient Ghanaian empire. Many griots have
developed a highly sophisticated genre of music centred on the talking drum

Bijilo Forest

2010-03-10T05:38:00.006-09:00

Bijilo Forest is host to over 130 species of birds such as the Red-necked Falcon, Grey Hornbill,Senegal Coucal and various Bee-eaters There are also 4 primate species, the Patas monkey, Green Vervet monkeys, Red Colobus and the Galago or Bushbaby, that inhabit the park.

Please take notice of the signs asking visitors not to feed the monkeys – as this

will interfere with their natural behaviour and reduce their fear of humans, putting them in danger of being harmed or stolen.

Among the flora are lilies, wild orchids, salt-tolerant vines, magnificent silk cotton trees,

palms and the odd-looking baobab tree (sometimes called the upside-down tree).

Abuko Nature Reserve

2010-03-02T05:32:00.004-09:00

Abuko Nature Reserve is one of the oldest established reserves in the Gambia.
An evergreen forest gallery follows the course of the Lamin Stream and covers
approximately 1/3 of the reserve area. Efforts are being concentrated on maintaining the
winding bush trails, bird photo hides and animal orphanage as well as the boundary, to
prevent encroachment by people and cattle.

There are three small pools in the reserve, the biggest being the Bamboo Pool. This freshwater pond and its vicinity are a great location to spot crocodiles and birds. Abuko is within easy reach by taxi from any of the main coastal holiday resorts. It is an ideal first stop for birdwatchers, animal enthusiasts and tourists in general. There are designated guides on site to help you find animals and birds while on the forest trail – a tip is always appreciated though not mandatory!

Abuko’s area was extended from 188 to 259 acres in 1978 and, with the help of the
WWF, the reserve was enclosed in a 2.5 metre fence. It is one of six protected wildlife
management parks in Gambia and covers an area of 105 hectares (roughly 2 sq. km).
Bijilo Forest Park, is a small rainforest nature reserve located on a cliff edge on
the beach and within easy walking distance of the Senegambia strip. It is an ideal place
for eco-tourists and birdwatchers staying in the nearby Kairaba and Senegambia hotels.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Birds

2010-02-22T05:28:00.004-09:00

Seasoned ornithologists and Africa birding novices alike will find tours of The Gambia to be extremely rewarding. Since 1985 British ornithologist Clive Barlow has lived in West Africa, studying and caring for the birdlife – and so tours are available using the best current scouting information and 20+ years of West African birding experience.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Animal Welfare

2010-02-02T05:18:00.002-09:00

The welfare of Animals in and around the tourist areas are a big concern, not only for the prevention of the spread of disease but also to prevent unnecessary suffering. As part of responsible tourism, members of our association actively support Gambicats
and Dogs, by way of providing accommodation and funds for overseas vets to conduct regular neutering programs and sponsor feeding during the low season when food is scarce.

GambiCats and Dogs are a UK based charity which was formed in 1998 to help improve
the lives of stray cats and dogs in The Gambia. Their objective was to humanely control
the cat and dog population around the hotel areas. Periodically they will arrange vets
from Europe to visit The Gambia at their own cost and voluntarily conduct neutering
programmes along with the local vets. All neutered cats have their left ear tipped and
dogs ears are notched, which is an internationally agreed method for further recognition.

The dogs are micro-chipped and given anti-rabies injections. The Department of Livestock
Services have endorsed these method as a responsible and humane measures to control
stray animals. Since support for the charity has grown there have been a number of
Cat Cafe’s and Dog’s Diner’s opened in some of the hotels where the cats and dogs are
regularly fed and the guest can visit. If you are interested in the welfare of the animals
ask at the reception if the Hotel supports Gambicats and Dogs. They will have their
brochures which will give you more information of their work. There is a permanent team
of Gambian staff on the ground, lead by Dodou Bojang, who do their best to feed and
ensure the welfare of the cats and beach dogs all year round, especially during the low
season when the tourists go home and food is scarce.

If you would like to help with a donation please contact them on:
Mobile: 9900756 Tel: 4463251 or go to their web site: www.gambicats.org.uk
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE FOOD FROM THE BREAKFAST ROOMS TO FEED ANIMALS.
Member Hotels will give them food from the waste of the Restaurant.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Tourism and Travel Association

2010-01-28T05:04:00.002-09:00

What is the Tourism and Travel Association?
The Tourism and Travel Association was originally formed as the Association of
Ground Tour Operators to ensure the safe passage of visitors in The Gambia.
The TTAG has since opened its doors to other sectors of the Tourist Industry such as
restaurants, bars, equipment hirers and shops.

Our aim is to work together to offer a better service and to improve standards and safety to the highest levels which are required for the modern day traveller. Working closely with the Gambian Tourist Authorities and other associations such as the Gambia Hotel Association, Association of Small Scale Enterprise in Tourism and Responsible Tourism Partnership, we are able to improve our services and quality of product.

Our objectives are:
• To promote co-operation, encourage high standards, discipline and professional
conduct, also to provide a central organisation of tourism enterprises in The Gambia.
• To co-operate with any organisation both national and international whose aims and
objectives are identical to those of The Association.
• To promote and develop the welfare and interest of The Association.
• To increase the volume of tourism to The Gambia and the sub-region.
• To improve services offered to tourists within the field of operation of the members in
particular and other fields in general.
• Communicate with people not connected with tourism to give them a better
understanding
of the industry.
• To encourage fund raising projects in the association with tourists to improve facilities
for the Gambian public and generally to engage in charitable projects self help projects
for the improvement of Gambians.
• Improve co-operation among the members bearing in mind that the members are
independent
bodies free to carry on their business as they deem fit according to the
Code of Conduct of The Association.
• To strongly lobby the relevant authorities to ensure that The Association is not affected
by individuals or companies operating similar activities in an unlawful manner without
proper permits or licences.
• To establish a good relation with the Department of State for Tourism and other
authorities.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

The Gambia- Smileing Faces

2010-01-16T04:55:00.002-09:00

The Gambia is a peaceful country with many smiling faces. The population is 90%
Muslim and 10% Christian and other religions. The different ethnic and religious
groups live alongside each other in harmony and celebrate each other’s holidays and
festivals and even inter-marry freely.

The Gambia is a developing country with a good track record of economic growth in
recent years. The main sources of revenue for Gambia is groundnuts (peanuts), and
fishing and agriculture still provide a living for most Gambians. For the past ten years
tourism has been the fastest growing sector in the economy, providing more than
30% of the GDP.

You as our guest are highly valued and it is our business to make
your stay a pleasurable one. We are always interested in your opinions to help us build and improve our service. We hope you will find this guide helpful and we most sincerely wish

you a very pleasant stay in the Gambia!
Country code +220
Useful Contacts
If you have any problems or complaints, you can contact one of the following:
• Gambia Tourist Authority Head Office, Kotu Tel: 4462491
• GTA Quality Control Office Senegambia Tel: 4463678
• Tourism Security Unit Head Office Senegambia Tel:4463676
• Tourism and Travel Association Head Office Tel: 4462601/2
www.ttag.gm—info@ttaggambia.com

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info@luigiscomplex.com
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Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Culture

2010-01-01T04:45:00.007-09:00

We have compiled this weblog to create a better understanding of your holiday
destination, to give an insight into its rich history and culture and to let you know
what is acceptable in Gambian society and what is not.

Please spare a few minutes to read on – especially if this is your first visit. You will find important information along with some interesting stories based on facts and history, and some which stem from legend and personal beliefs … peoples opinions may differ.

Most importantly please remember although the official language in The Gambia
is English this does not mean everyone speaks it fluently. As you read on you will
learn there are several different tribes, each with their own language. Many children
have very little schooling and even less interaction with visitors please be patient
with the local people as they won’t all have a good understanding. Speak slowly if
someone is having difficulty understanding you. Many people
have a habit of saying “YES” when they don’t understand – this is a way of
avoiding embarrassment in their culture.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Health Benefits of Baobab

2009-12-29T07:02:00.007-09:00

British chefs should start thinking about recipes that make use of the African baobab fruit, after the European Commission gave the green light on the use of its pulp in the UK.

The powdery pulp of the fruit, which is famously used to make the liqueur Amarula, is nutritionally high in vitamin C, calcium, iron and antioxidants, which makes it perfect for use in smoothies, cereal bars, jams and as a fruit filling. Gambians have long used the fruit pulp as a traditional food for pregnant women and children, due to its nutritious content, and is mixed with water to make refreshing drinks and as a baking ingredient.

Baobab as a Super Food contains Sterols saponins and triterpenes. Studies were carried out in the laboratory showed that doses between 400 and 800 mg/kg determine a marked anti-inflammatory effect.

Baobab as a Super Food contains Thiamine and Riboflavin which optimizes development of the organs for maintaining cellular integrity of the nervous, skin and ocular systems. In addition the presence of epithelia and niacin (vitamin PP or B3) is very important to regulate many metabolic functions.

Furthermore, the fruit contributes to the injection of some essential minerals and essential fatty acids. In fact, 100 g of pulp contains an average of 293 mg of calcium, 2.31 mg of potassium, 96-118 mg of phosphor and alpha-linoleic acid (27 mg of acid per gram of dry product).

Baobab as a Super Food contains Omega 9 which provides protection against cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood related disorders and strokes. Baobab contains a blend of all 3 of the important fatty acids EPA, GLA and OA making it an excellent choice as an omega 3 6 9 supplement.

Baobab as a Super Food contains tannins (astringent), mucilage (wetting), cellulose and citric acid. The particularity of Baobab fruit pulp is that it is effective against diarrhea.

Probiotic products are living microbial food supplements, which beneficially affect the host animal by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial micro flora improving its intestinal microbial balance. Tests carried out by Adesanya et al. (1988) showed that the pulp could be used to treat sickle cell anemia, as it showed considerable antisickling activity. Tannins, mucilage, cellulose, citric acid and other typical constituents of the fruit pulp may be responsible for its effect against diarrhea.

The soluble fibers of baobab are Symbiotic which combine the prebiotic and probiotic aspects in a single product.

In traditional pharmacopoeia, it is used as an intestinal regulator, prevention and treatment of gastric and IBS disorders, osteoporosis, varicose veins, dysentery, haemoptysis, small pox, measles, hemorrhoids, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, excellent source of dietary fibers, analgesic, hepatoprotective febrifuge anti-diabetic and antipyretic activities.

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Tel +220 4460280

Luigis Annual Christmas Dinner Celebrations

2009-12-25T12:57:00.000-09:00

Christmas traditions were being replayed at Luigis Complex as they invited friends, customers and staff to celebrate the sprit of Christmas at their annual traditional Christmas dinner.

A grand fest was laid on with no expenses spared and gifts were offered to everybody.

The celebrations kicked off at 1pm and continued into the night. The menu included roast beef, lamb, turkey, Swedes, brussel sprouts, baked potatoes, carrots, string beans, stuffing, shrimps, Christmas pudding, mince pies and more.

This year Kim Kombo contributed solar ovens which enabled the cooking to be done in an ecologically positive mode, and the food was cooked to perfection.

"I'm glad we decided to host this event," said owner Julie Maio, who opened the 12-year-old eatery with her husband Luigi

Julie explained "We see our customers as family and friends, and food and company should be shared among friends"

A merry Christmas dinner in The Gambia time was had by all. Roll on next years celebrations.

Baobab Superfood

2009-12-21T06:42:00.001-09:00

A British woman who has lived with chronic kidney failure for 15 years claims her condition has been dramatically eased by eating a bizarre African "wonder" fruit.

Janine Franssen, 36, was diagnosed with renal failure last year and told she urgently needed a kidney transplant as her's was functioning at only seven per cent of normal capacity.

A scramble to find a suitable donor started and Janine was surgically fitted with equipment to allow for dialysis once her kidneys failed - which she has been told is inevitable.
But after the discovery of the Baobab fruit, Janine's kidney function has improved and she has even been taken off the transplant list.

She insists it is all down to drinking ground-up Baobab in water, and said: "It feels like I have won the lottery."
After nine months of worrying about her failing kidneys she says she has a new outlook, although she is well aware she has not been cured.

The discovery of the fruit was made by her partner Mark who read an article about the Baobab's high concentration of vitamins and nutrients.
They decided to import some to see if it could help Janine stay strong during the wait for a kidney donor.

The large, dry fruit has only been available in Europe since July last year.
It is said to have around six times the vitamin C content of an orange, more iron than red meat, more magnesium than spinach as well as high levels of calcium and antioxidants.

It is said that this makes it a valuable aid in the prevention and treatment of gastric and irritable bowel syndrome conditions, and effective for osteoporosis, varicose veins and even haemorrhoids.
Janine grinds it down and takes it with water in the morning and afternoon.

The Clydebank woman said she was "astonished" at the difference baobab made, and she credits it with her kidney function now climbing to 20 per cent. Janine, who lives on Dumbarton Road, told the Post: "Mark said I should try it for a couple of months to see if it could increase my kidney function - buying me some time to get donor tests completed.
"Within that first month I started to notice some changes like my hair and nails getting stronger.

"The following week I had a hospital appointment to see where my kidney function was at and miraculously it had gone from seven per cent to twelve per cent. "I was amazed as was my consultant and, not only that, but my blood pressure and cholesterol had come down."

Janine knows at some point she will need a kidney transplant - when her's succumbs to the illness she has had since 1994 - and her sisters Lesley and Annsophia, boyfriend Mark and close friend Christina have all now been tested for kidney donation.

But with her improvement she has been able to return to her work as an administration assistant - something unthinkable just 12 months ago.
Janine said: "I am under no illusions but I now have hope my kidneys will last a bit longer. My doctors reckon they will."

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Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

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www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

West African Proverbs

2009-11-19T08:04:00.001-09:00

A talkative bird will not build a nest.

By crawling, a child learns to stand.

Earth is but a marketplace; heaven is home.

Everybody loves a fool, but nobody wants him for a son.

The teeth that laugh are also those that bite.

When the music changes, so does the dance.

Silence is also speech.

A lobster loves water, but not when he's being cooked in it.

A rotten fish pollutes the whole kitchen.

If the dog is not at home, he barks not.

A proud heart can survive a general failure because such a failure does not prick its pride.

Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something

It takes a whole village to raise a child

By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed.

Hunger is felt by a slave and hunger is felt by a king.

One cannot both feast and become rich

One falsehood spoils a thousand truths

The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.

What is bad luck for one man is good luck for another.

When you are rich, you are hated; when you are poor, you are despised.

Wood already touched by fire is not hard to set alight.

A child who is to be successful is not reared exclusively on a bed of down.
A knife does not know who is its master.
A woman is like a blanket: If you cover yourself with it, it bothers you; if you throw it aside you will feel the cold.
He who is guilty has much to say.
If there were no elephant in the jungle, the buffalo would be a great animal.
If things are getting easier, maybe you're headed downhill.
It is the wife who knows her husband
Marriage is like a groundnut: you have to crack them to see what is inside.
at ...
No one boasts of what belongs to another.

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Tourism school upgrade to raise industry bar

2009-11-08T02:17:00.001-09:00

Gambia’s minister for Tourism and Culture, Madam Nancy Njie has said that ongoing plans to transform the Gambia Hotel School are expected to transform the school into a regional centre of excellence.

Madam Njie said this yesterday at the graduation ceremony of 115 graduates of the hospitality school who have completed training in various aspects of the hospitality industry including Reception, Housekeeping, Restaurant and Bar and Cookery and Pastry, held at the school on MDI Road, Kanifing.

According to the minister, the Tourism and Culture ministry is committed to improving the the standard of service delivery in the hospitality industry. To do this, she said that government has a dream of transforming the Gambia Hotel School into a tourism and hospitality industry which will in the future become a regional centre of excellence for tourism and hospitality education.

She said that a World Bank-The Gambia growth and competitiveness project is currently conducting a survey on the transformation of the Hotel School, noting that upon completion, “this project would realize the full transformation of the Hotel school in to a regional centre of excellence for tourism and hospitality education.”

While calling on all stakeholders to support the achievement of these goals, Madam Njie also called on the graduating students to remain steadfast and be good role models in their professional pursuits. She then wished them success in their endeavours.

Delivering his annual report, Mr. David H. Joof, the principal of the School said that 115 students were graduating from the school, out of which 9 are from The Gambia Armed Forces. According to him, all of them had successfully completed their professional training and had fulfilled all the requirements for the award of certificates in their areas of specialization. He said among the 115 graduates, 21 are graduating as Receptionist, 27 students from the Housekeeping, 38 from the Restaurant and Bar and 29 from the Cookery and Pastry programmes.

He said these graduates had received both practical and theoretical training that had professionally prepared them for the delivery of standard quality services in the services industry.

He described the year 2009 as a turning point for the Hotel school, as it has culminated to the starting of the much needed management training programme, which started in July. He said in this initiative, 15 management staffs had been trained to the award of a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management (OTHM), noting that with this undertaking, he had no doubts that it would bridge the gap for the management training needs of the industry.

He then commended the Spanish government for the support in the construction of a training hotel, as it would go a long way in providing training for young people who are interested in making a career in the hospitality industry. He also commended the government of The Gambia and the Tourism ministry for providing them the necessary support.

In his farewell address, Abdoulie Jallow, the president of the Hotel School students, said they are equipped professionally to be able to provide standard service to any hotel in The Gambia and elsewhere in the Diaspora. He said this graduation also gave them the opportunity to be able to render service to the hotels in order to be able to play their quarters in nation building.

He commended the teachers who left no stone unturned in impacting a sense of knowledge and good morals as well as providing them with a homeostatic atmosphere in the school as they bid farewell to each other.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the principal and the entire staffs for their tireless support. They are wonderful and very experienced; they had our welfare at heart and assisted us immensely at work.” Jallow noted.

Advising his colleagues, Abdoulie Jallow said they owed moral responsibilities in preserving the good name of the school.

“As we are the ambassadors of the noble institution, we should be mindful of our conducts not to tarnish the image of the school.” He said.

He finally appealed to the hotel managers in the country to consider these graduates the moment they knock at their offices for employment.

“I am appealing to the hotel managers to take great care of the hotel school students during their attachment and consider them in terms of employment and promotions,” as he said the hotel industry is a service industry which depends on well trained staff who are not reluctant to serve with diligence and high honor.

Speaking at the occasion, the guest speaker, Dr. Saja Taal a renowned sociologist and lecturer at the University of The Gambia said quality education should be valued, because with the right productions in education, people would be able to make right choices for themselves. He opined that education has to be relevant to all walks of life.

Dr. Taal who noted that there is need for women to be active partakers of development processes challenged the various colleges operating in the country to give education which is relevant to present day challenges. He said that there should no longer be gender bias in the type of courses that ladies could enter for in colleges.

While stressing the need to provide females with technological knowledge, he also hinted that girls who shy away from courses like Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics form part of the major constraints militating against technological advancement of the female folk in our society. He finally implored the authorities that are in charge of providing education to ladies to train them in the arts of science as the country is in a hunger for female engineers, doctors and scientists and that the Vision 2020 depends on the country’s grasp of science and technology.

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Gambia attends Miss ECOWAS Peace Pageant

2009-11-02T06:12:00.004-09:00

The Gambia otherwise called the smiling coast of Africa has never been left out in the world of fashion, beauty and creativity.

The country over the years participated and continue to participate in series of fashion and beauty related competitions at both local and International level.The country is blessed with beautiful, intelligent, smart and creative young girls, who from the inception of fashion and beauty competitions continues to grab awards and other crowns which earned them titles of beauty queens thus the glory added to the good name of The Gambia as a nation.

Fatoumata Koroma, a graduate of Ndow's Coprehensive School and Mary A.A.Camphell,a fourth year Medical student at the University of The Gambia (UTG),who doubled as the 2009 crowned Miss UTG beauty queen were selected to represent The Gambia at the forth coming Miss ECOWAS peace pageant scheduled to take place on the 14th of November 2009 in the Nigerian City of Port Harcourt.

The November 4th beauty pageant is more than a mere beauty competition but to serve as an avenue for intelligence and creative exhibition for the selected participants who will be competing to become the peace ambasssadors of ECOWAS and other paece loving stakeholders both within and out side of Africa. This year's event is the second edition oragnised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the said River state of Nigeria.

The coveted Miss ECOWAS beauty pageant as it has always been the case with other beauty pageants aimed among other things towards promoting and strengthening the ideals of peace and the pace of development within the subregion of west Africa and beyond. The theme of this year's event is "Peace and Development in Diversity". As the theme suggested, participants will be require to present peaceful messages that befitted the objectives of the programme.The venue has been choosen due to the relative and steady peace enjoyed in that state of Nigeria thus set it as an example for states to emulate.

A total of thirty (30) contestants two (2) drawn from each of the fifteen (15) member states of ECOWAS are expected to participate in the beauty and creative competition. Contestants are expected to participate in series of activities marking the programme such as exhibition of fashion and styles tenable at their country level. They will also participate in swimsuit competition, exhibition of elegance in their evening gowns among others.The eagle eye panel of judges for this event will look for nothing else in the participants beyond beauty, intelligence, personal charm and approachability.
The team panel of judges would also consider confidence, self assured and the ability to have a sense of self control in a wide variety of settings. The lucky winner of this historic subregional beauty competition will be decorated ECOWAS peace Ambassador and would stand to sign series of contracts with the Subregional body as well as other stakeholders interested in promoting peace and development in ECOWAS member states and beyond.

The Gambia's participation to the ECOWAS peace pageant is coordinated by the famous Gomez Promotions in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Employment,the ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as a strong support from the Office of the president. The invitation for The Gambia's participation came through the Ministry of Trade,Industry and Employment to the Gomez promotions. The two Gambian contestants described by many as intelligent, beautiful and little creative queens are expected to leave the Gambia on the 28th of October to Ghana for a short and precise stay.

From there they would be travelling to the Nigerian River state of Port Harcourt on the 30th of October for two weeks prior to the day of the contest schedule for the 14th of November 2009. George Gomez, Coordinator of the Gomez promotions, in a chat with the Arts and Culture anchorman in his GNOC office along the Bertiling High way, spoke extensively about the prospect of the Gambian delegates to win the competition. "I have no doubt that our delegation to the ECOWAS beauty competition will emerge winners.They got all what a beauty contestants need. They have the comportment, intelligence and creativity as well as the command of the language.Our delegation is second to none",George Gomez explained in an excited spirit filled with love for beauty and creativity.

The famous Gomez promotion boss,as part of efforts meant to put his points across with clear cut precision made extensive reference to success stories registered by Gambians in the world of beauty and fashion industry. He recalled the first ECOWAS beauty competition held in The Gambia in 1999 and won by a Gambian lady in the name of Amie faye as a success story and the first Peace Message beauty competition organised by ECOWAS last year in the Nigerian River State of Port Harcourt, where the Gambia representative in the name of Amie Ceesay won the best peace message.

Mr Gomez further recalled numerous beauty competitions held in The Gambia and organised by different organisations and institutions such as the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC),the Gomez promotion among other things is geared towards promoting and sustaining the spirit of beauty and fashion industry in the country. He revealed plans to organise what he called the Miss Hotleg UK scheduled to take place in December 2009 to be followed by the first ever Miss world Hotleg,where competent Gambians can participate.

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Gambia braces up for fine arts festival

2009-10-29T05:59:00.001-09:00

The Gambia is set to host the first ever Banjul Fine Arts festival, scheduled to take place from the 4th to 17th of January 2010 at the Alliance Franco Gambienne, along the Kairaba Avenue.

As part of activities geared towards the successful hosting of the sub-regional festival, the organising committee of the festival recently paid a courtesy call on Momodou Joof, director general of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), in his Banjul office. Joof received the committee comprising artists and journalists, on behalf of Madam Nancy Njie, minister of Tourism and Culture and the NCAC.

Yuspalkala, a renowned artist and coordinator of the Banjul Fine Arts festival, gave a detailed overview of the festival, its aims and objectives as well as its perceived impact on The Gambian arts and culture. Yuspalkala told DG Joof that the meeting was meant to brief officials of the ministry and the centre about the festival and to inform them of their desire to work with them. He added that the program will bring together participants from The Gambia, Senegal, Mali, and other countries in the sub-region and beyond.

"The festival aims to promote the development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in The Gambia, and to explore the potentials of both young and experienced artists. The programme is also meant to serve both as a meeting point for the participating artists and a breeding ground for prospective ones," he explained to the NCAC director general. As a mark of appreciation, Yuspalkala, on behalf of the organising committee, presented the symbol of the festival to Madam Nancy Njie through Momodou Joof.

Ebrima Jobarteh, manager of the Kanbeng Traditional Dance Group of Brikama, Western Region (WR), spoke at length on the role of artists in any given community. Jobarteh expressed the hope that the Banjul Fine Arts festival will be a success. "The Gambia, as a developing country needs such programmes to boost the morales of artists and arts lovers. Artists contribute significantly towards human, political and economic development of communities," he said. For his part, Momodou Joof thanked the committee for the visit. He described the idea as a step in the right direction and assured the organising committee of the support of both his Centre and the Culture ministry.

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2010 Tourist Season Opens

2009-10-23T10:20:00.004-09:00

The Gambia 2009-2010 tourists’ season opened Thursday at the Banjul International Airport with the arrival of the first batch of more than 200 tourists from Sweden and Denmark.

Most holiday makers coming to the Gambia come mainly from the United Kingdom and the Scandinavian countries.

Speaking to journalist shortly after the arrival of the tourists, Morten Evensen, the area manager for Thomas Cook (a tour operator) said even though the world economic crisis will impact negatively on tourism, he was convinced that this year’s tourist season will be slightly better for the Gambia than predictions made by sceptics. He said the Gambia was a cheap destination and that will attract several tourists from Scandinavia.

He revealed that his company plans to bring more than 600 tourists to the Gambia every week. He said the bookings they have for this year’s season were promising.
Lamin Saho, the marketing director at the Gambia Tourism Authority, said they were facing several challenges as a result of the global economic crisis, but he was quick to add that they are now exploring new markets like Russia and Nigeria.

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Gambia Gets New Flight Connections

2009-10-15T06:51:00.003-09:00

Arik Air, a new airline from Nigeria, will start operating in Banjul from Wednesday, the airline’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Suraj Sundaram, said on Tuesday.

According to him, the airline will fly from Nigeria to Banjul, Dakar and Freetown ending years of limited air access between the four cities.

He added that the new service would operate four times a week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

“A state-of-the-art Boeing 737-700 aircraft, configured to carry 124 passengers with 12 business class seats and 112 economy seats will be used for the new services. It is one of the two latest Boeing 737-700 aircraft delivered to Arik Air in March 2009,” he said.

Sundaram added that the services of the airline would improve accessibility and help the country to develop stronger economic ties and trade relations in West Africa.

He said Arik Air’s arrival was expected to stimulate further travel, ease the movement of goods and personnel and provide affordable air travel to communities in the Mano River region of Guinea Conakry, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Michael Mc Tighe, Arik Air’s Managing Director, said the airline serves19 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra, Cotonou, Niamey and Heathrow in London.

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Gambia's Magic Stone Circles

2009-09-30T06:39:00.002-09:00

The Senegambian stone circles lie in Gambia north of Janjanbureh and in central Senegal. Coordinates: 13° 41 N - 15° 31 W. Approximate area: 15,000 square miles (39,000 km²). They are sometimes divided into the Wassu (Gambian) and Sine-Saloum (Senegalese) circles, but this is purely a national division.

The stones were erected around the eighth century on top of earlier graves. The ten to twenty-four stones in each circle vary in size up to ten-ton stones, from 1 to 2.5 metres high and are generally of laterite. The stones mark burials and were erected before the twelfth century. There are around 1,000 stone circles, the biggest concentration being more than 1,000 stones in fifty-two circles at Djalloumbéré and those around the village of Wassu, which has a museum devoted to them. One notable circle is actually a V formation.

Traditionally, for unknown reasons, people leave small rocks on the stones. The use to which the stones were put is not clear but recent excavation work (2006), reported by the National Geographic Society, suggests a funerary purpose given the large number of human remains found at the sites. Archaeologists at the site are pursuing the theory that different parts of a body were buried at different sites and at different times

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Gambian Ninki Nanka Expediition

2009-09-23T14:50:00.003-09:00

A Ninki Nanka is a legendary creature based inWest African folklore. According to tradition, the Ninki Nanka lives in the swamps of West Africa. The animal is said to be extremely large and very dangerous. It is said that when a child gets too confident and feels they can disobey their parents and go into the swamp they will be taken by the Ninki Nanka.

The "dragon" is rumoured to look rather like a game of zoological "consequences", possessing the body of a crocodile, the neck of a giraffe and the head of a horse with three horns. Less fantastically,Richard Freeman of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, suspects the ninki-nanka of being a species of colossal monitor lizard. "Whatever the truth," he says, "this is the first dedicated expedition to search for this animal."

More encouraging are the witnesses. A compelling chap called Papa Jinda had described a scene of devastation at a pumping station where, the blog gushes, "a ninki-nanka had destroyed several pipes". It continues: "The mention of a ninki-nanka had caused a panic among the workers, and they had asked for a mirror as it was thought that the only way to get rid of the animal was to show it its reflection.

Back in 1983, amateur naturalist Owen Burnham discovered the fresh carcass of a strange beast on a remote beach in the Gambia. It was around 15 feet long and looked like a cross between a crocodile and a dolphin. Realizing that it was something unknown to science, Owen, a missionary’s son, made detailed sketches of the creature. He and his family then buried it in the hot sand above the tide line, hoping that the dry sand would preserve the body. He also made a detailed map.

Makasutu a 500-hectare piece of bush in the Kombo central district of the republic of The Gambia is deemed by some to be a sprits home. They say he is there in the form of a ninkinanko or dragon, and protects the hidden crown and clothes of King Jatta from Busumbala who was killed 200 years ago by the Muslim king Kombo Silla on his way east to take over the country. Jatta's men took the crown and clothes and placed them for safekeeping in the area of Makasutu, now known as the Big Forest.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

Gambia To Host Africa’s World Tourism Congress

2009-09-17T14:17:00.004-09:00

The Republic of Gambia will host the Africa Tourist Association’s (ATA) 35th Annual Congress in its capital city of Banjul in May 2010. “It is with great pride that we are once again partnering with ATA to invite the world to visit and explore The Gambia,” said Gambia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, the Honorable Nancy Seedy Njie. “The Gambian government places great priority on tourism, which has contributed significantly to our country’s growth and stability. We hope that the ATA Congress will help us continue to promote our country in new marketplaces and attract new investment in the sector.”

The Gambia, known as the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” is situated on the West side of the continent. It is the smallest African country on the mainland, and shares borders with Senegal to the north, east, and south. Comparatively, the Gambia is slightly smaller than the island of Jamaica, and less than twice the size of Delaware. It is known for many luxurious beach resorts, quaint fishing villages and magnificent coastline.

The nation bills itself as an “affordable and safe west African country, which includes peaceful and friendly people, eco-tourism, sports fishing, bird watching and safaris, music, dancing and traditional wrestling matches, and the opportunity to visit trans-Atlantic slave trade sites.”

Statue of the Unknown Soldier

The ATA’s congress in Gambia will be attended by African tourism ministers and industry experts representing tourism boards, travel agencies, ground operator companies, airlines, and hotels, including participants from the travel trade media and the corporate, non profit, and academic sectors.

The four-day event will focus on engaging delegates in discussions on a range of industry topics, such as “public-private sector partnership, marketing and promotion, tourism infrastructure development, industry trends, and social media.”

mong other events planned are a networking reception for young professionals in the tourism industry, and a marketplace for buyers and sellers specializing in Destination Africa to interact and do business. Delegates to the Congress are invited to explore Gambia prior or after the ATA event, all aimed at experiencing the opportunities that the country has to offer.

Approximately 120,000 charter tourists, mainly from Europe, arrive annually to the Gambia. Its tourism Ministry plans to attract 500,000 arrivals by 2012, by targeting the United States and the luxury tourism market, and by lengthening the tourist season to all-year round. Both the public and private sectors are working to increase its accommodation stock, and currently, a new conference center is being built.

The Gambia has a population of approximately 1,782,893 people. It has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $2.264 billion, of which the travel and tourism economy account for 16%. Its form of government is that of a Republic.

While Gambians are free to practice whatever religion they choose, most are Muslins (90%), Christians (8%), and others (2%). The official language of the country is English.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Tribal History

2009-09-12T13:38:00.004-09:00

Ebrima Fode Kombo Silla
Manly Touray was King Silla's father Mbisin Njie, daughter of Burr Sine was his mother. Manly Touray, in the same way as his father, Amatora Touray, was a famous marabout. He traveled from Gunjur to other parts of the country and used to travel to Senegal too. One day during his visits to Senegal, he went to Sine and married the daughter of the king of Sine called Mbisin Njie. It happened that one Ebrima Sillah a famous marabout from Pakau Sillah kunda was on visit in Gunjur when Fode was born. He asked Fode´s parents to name the baby after him and the parents agreed and named the baby Ebrima Sillah.

When Ebrima grew up to the age of learning the Koran, he was sent to Darsilami Sillah kunda at Pakau in Cassamance to learn the Koran. He found many scholars and some of them were called Ebrima Sillah as well. To enable easy identification of those who had the name Ebrima, prefixes were added to their names.Ebrima learned the Koran quickly and within a short period, he made a fantastic progress in his lessons and had flying colours among his fellow scholars. In those days and even today, brilliant Koranic scholars who mastered the Koran well are given the title of "Fode".

Enlightenment Under The Baobab

After winning the title of "Fode" from DarsilamiSillah kunda, Ebrima Fode Kombo Sillah returned to Gunjur and joined his family. He remained with his family for several years and left for the Island of Sangama to worship God. The Sangamar Island is in the Atlantic Ocean. Fode traveled to the Island through the help of the people of Nyombato.For sometime after crossing, Fode stayed and worshipped God in the Island, and one day, the people of Nyombato heard the beating of drums just in the same way as drums are beaten on Friday for prayers. It raised a lot of surprise among the inhabitants, as they have never heard the beating of drums from the Island.

However, after sometime, the people who crossed Fode to the Island explained that a visiting marabout from Gunjur was there worshipping God. Few days later, Fode was seen sailing down to the shore from the Island on a praying skin. The following Friday morning, the people found him sitting down under a baobab tree. He prayed for them and they left. He remained under that baobab tree for a few days and left for Gunjur.

Many ideas were associated to his trip to Sangamar Island but the most reasonable one was that he went to the Island of Sangamarand and while sat under the Baobab tree in meditation and pray he was enlightened with the mission to take up the responsibility of ruling and spreading Islam in the Kombos.

Meeting At Gunjur

A delegation of Muslim elders was chosen to meet Fode to ask him to lead them in war against the Soninke villages in Brikama, Manduar, Kitte, Siffoe, Busumbala, Yundum, Lamin, Mandinaring, Latrikunda Mampatokoto, Talinding Kunjang, Serekunda, Bakau, Mandinaba, Tuba Kuta , Selety, Pirang, Farabanta, Farabasutu and Kafuta. He listened to them carefully and after they had finished, he replied that it was sad to hear of their troubles which took place in his absence, but at the same time, he was please to accept their offer to make him a leader.

In preparation for Jihad, Emir Fode made jujus monthly and put them into all Muslim village wells for the safety of the villagers against any possible disaster. One afternoon, while sitting down and discussing with the people, the Emir suddenly turned sad and the people asked him why he was so sad. He replied that nothing had happened to him. However after a little while, two horsemen arrived from Pirang and announced the murder of Arfang Tumani Jabang by the Soninke king.

Conquest of the Kombos
In further preparation for the inevitable Muslim and Soninke war, the Emir entered in a private praying period know as "Haluwa" and begged God to punish the Soninkes and make his people victorious in the war. He ordered the blacksmiths Amara Sulu Sawo of Gunjur, Saba Cham of Gunjur and Famara Keita of Tujereng to start making local guns and bullets in secret.When it was fairly dark enough, Fode made his soldiers to leave Sansanding to attack the principal Soninke villages of Brikama, Yundum and Busumbala. These three villages were not only known for their population but had also all the bravest Soninke warriors.

The company that attacked Brikama arrived at midnight, before the afternoon of the following day, the remaining soninkes either left Brikama or surrender to the Muslims. Having defeated Brikama, Fode`s troops advanced towards Yundum and Busumbala. They arrived at night and attacked Yundum at night. The battle here lasted more than a week because it was a very strong Soninke settlement full of brave warriors. According to some soldiers, the Soninkes of Yundum had opted to die rather to surrender to the Sillla's troops,

The Situation at Busumbala was the most critical one as compared to that of Yundum. Here, the battle took the longest time when compared to battles fought in any soninke village. Busumbala had more brave warriors than Yundum and the bees at Yarambamba forest created more problems for the Silla's soldiers.

The bees were said to have been sent by the soninke idols and when they bit the Silla's men, they either died or were rendered completely useless and ineffective in the battle. In this way many warriors lost their lives in Busumbala and the whole army wereclose to defeat. As the situation turned more and more drastic on the side of the Muslims, the troop leaders sent for the Emir himself to come and see the situation himself.

On arrival, Fode was astonished and shed tears when he learned about the fall of his bravest soldiers. He immediately gave orders to withdraw the soldiers and report at Sansanding. He himself returned to Darsilami where he entered his hiding and begged God for the Jihad to end in favour of his troops.

Silla and the Ninki Nanka Dragon
His prayers were answered, and one morning when the Soninkes at Yundum and Busumbala got up from bed, they discovered that the whole villages of Yundum and Busumbala were ambushed by a mighty dragon. Nobody went in or out of the two villages for eight days, at the end of the eight day, the Soninke in both villagers sent word across to Emir Fode in Darsilami that they had surrendered and would become Muslims. The following night, the dragon disappeared.

The victory for King Silla in Busumbala and Yundum which were the strongest Soninke settlements caused the rest of the Soninkes in Kombo to surrender to the Emir and joined his religion.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Luigis Reviews

2009-09-01T05:34:00.008-09:00

1. Luigis restaurant and hotel

Destination Expert for Gambia
Luigi's' is very nice. it is a restaurant with accommodation. Julie is the wife of Luigi and she is English and very nice indeed. I haven't been in the rooms but i hear it is a very good standard. it is a stones throw from the beach quite a safe area but she will get hassle as anyone would. From the airport about a 20 mins and D500 ride, make sure she agrees the fare first.
Tripadvisor

2. Luigis restaurant and hotel

daisy7889 Luigi's is a lovely place to stay and have a pool,and 1 minute from the beach, they may be busy for xmas so book quickly 0220 4460280 Julie is luigi's wife she will be there if you need to book over the phone,have stayed there myself hope your daughter has a good time.
Tripadvisor

3. Luigi's: Pizza, pizza, wow !!!!!! PIZZA !!!

When you visit The Gambia and when you like pizza then you must absolutely go to 'Luigi's'. It's an Italian who has a very good restaurant. Specially his pizza are delightfulness. Go and taste'
Specially his pizza are delightfulness. Go and taste it ! Directions: In Serrekunda - Kololi - not far from the Palma Rima hotel. If you ask for Luigi's, everybody knows. Even the president of the Gambia knows it !!!
Virtual Tourist

4. Luigis offers exceptional value

Submitted By: P Mcdowell
Luigis offers exceptional value for money, is exceptionally clean, service is excellent and so is the food, this accommodation is just down the road from the palma rima and i would highly recommend it!!! if you want european standard accommodation.
Holiday Watchdog

5. Christmas at Luigis
Our friends stayed in the apartments at Luigi's restaurant. They were really impressed and have already booked their flights for Christmas/New Year this year. Holiday Truths

6. Loved Luigis Apartments

Luigi's Complex
Trip type: Family 2/2 found this review helpful
I highly recommend staying at Luigis Apartments. The accomodation was excellent and very clean, with fresh towels and bedding every day. All amenities are included e.g air conditioning, ceiling fan, safety deposit box, cable t.v and telephone. There are no hidden extras what so ever. We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment which was of a very high standard and beats any accomodation in England. The staff are very friendly and go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your stay and Julie and Luigi the owners are more than happy to help you, nothing is a problem. The pool and jacuzzi are excellent and clean and the food is just amazing.

Having previously stayed at hotels in Gambia we would not stay any where else after staying at Luigis and would strongly advise that if you are travelling to The Gambia to stay at Luigis.

Liked — Everything, it was very clean and of a very high standard.
Disliked — Nothing.
Trip Advisor

7. Luigi's Complex contributions kent, uk
Trip type: Family 2/2 found this review helpful

further to t/a comments it seemed we would have a good chance of eating decently. on the 4th day we went there and the reviews were underestimated. the ambience was amazing.they have built a magnificent luxury complex, offering fantastic foods, from a comprehansive menu .great steak,pasta and pizzas are just a few to mention. with fantastic ice cream desserts and milk shakes.a comprehensive range of wine and spirits are available. great friendly service in immaculate, spotlessly clean and spacious lower and upper seating.upstairs benefits a open air section with balcony and sea views.

there are w/cs on both levels and downstairs offer a great childs play area , making it even better for families without the worry of interupting other diners. the cost is equal to any other restaurant within the area, although the standards and servings are truely superior. amazing food.

APPARTMENTS to the rear of the restaurant are the luxurious appartments, set amongst secure gardens and laid to lawn with flowers,plants,and even fruit trees. the swimming pool and bar area is for guests enjoyment and towels are provided.beuety and massage service are avalable {at a small charge}and a laundry and tailoring service is also available.appartments are tailor made to your requirements. 1 or 2 bedrooms sleeping 1-6 persons.they have en-suite tiled bathrooms with power showers , w/c and wash basin [for those who appreciate this luxury as so many hotels bathrooms are appalling ] a relaxing lounge and open planned kitchen with comfort and efficiency carefully planned and executed .

air conditioning and safety deposit box are inclusive. daily maid service and change of towels. the beds and bedding are of extremely high standards and no neighbouring hotel or appartments can match the overall standards the proprietors have accomplished.breakfast is available as well as lunch and evening dinner at additional cost.

Liked — 10 star in comparison to others.modern clean and immaculate
Disliked — nothing at all and i am very fussy
Trip Advisor

8.Un Ambiente Familiare

Luigi's Complex
contribution rome

Trip type: Family
Vado nella Gambia dal 2000, da Luigi's già nel 2007 avevo passato una settimana.

Quest'anno abbiamo deciso con un gruppo di amici di andare.nella Gambia per due settimane, anche perchè avevo deciso con la mia compagna di sposarci in Africa. E' andata tutto bene, il personale era gentile, gli appartamenti sempre in ordine, la cucina sempre pulita. i miei amici sono rimasti soddisfatti , ed inoltre dato che luigi e la moglie julie il 14 agosto partivano , abbiamo trovato la sorpresa di una torta preparata da julie per la nostra festa.

Liked — il clima amichevole dei proprietari
Disliked — non saprei
Trip Advisor

9. Luigis Complex
"People who know me well would assure you that I once had an ardent, almost psychotic, dislike of food which ended in "a" or "i".

I often remarked that any country whose culinary product relies on a surfeit of tomatoes and an overdose of garlic and oregano has to be suspect.

Now I am converted. So let me extol the virtues of Luigi's, at Kololi Beach, (pass Palma Rima Hotel, towards the beach).
This is a real FAMILY restaurant. I appreciate that kids of all ages, (like up to a hundred years old) know and enjoy risotto, spaghetti, tagliatelle, pizza and pasta etc, but I offer my impressions of this colourful and attractive menu for your consideration.

• Good Food
The Garlic Bread, with or without cheese, is crispy and not too overloaded with the pungent root. Luigi’s "Special" Pizza with spicy beef and prawns was a real delight. Luigi is rightly famous for his Pizzas, anybody in this country who knows about Pizza will tell you about Luigi’s Pizzas.

The Seafood and Mushroom baked in Cheese sauce is a smooth and interesting invention, vegetarians may like the Mozzarella Cheese fried in batter with Aubergines in a Neapolitan sauce.

• Style
From the pasta menu try Matrican, bacon and onion with a spicy sauce served with tagliatelle. Or try Risotto Pesce, rice and fish with tomato, simple, but effective.
The finest taste in Luigi’s, to my mind, is the "House Special", Chicken cooked in a spicy coating. Mindful of my waistline I often remove batter and breadcrumbs from such dishes. Joy of joys, the flavour was actually infused in to the flesh of the chicken. Col. Saunders can retire.

• Decor
The plain clean lines of classic Roman villa architecture resemble a movie set from "Ben Hur". Sensuous balustrades, bronzed caryatids, a Tuscan fountain, and marble tiles. Plenty of space and marble topped bistro tables which can be moved around to accommodate large parties. Or take the stairs to the roof top balcony with a sea view.
The waiters (obviously) are dressed in the red, white and green of the Italian flag. The wines are fine. The house red is a Merlot, well kept and well presented.

• Praise
At Luigi’s Italian food reaches a peak which many trattoria would break their hearts to achieve. So do get down this sepulchre of ambrosia and enjoy........or use the Take-Away service which includes all the Pizzas and most of the rest of the menu.
And do not forget the milk shakes (THESE ARE FOR ADULTS ONLY) and there are some glorious ice-creams."
Food writer: Harmattan

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Fishing Trip

2009-08-28T07:37:00.006-09:00

Richard Sheard went Gambia fishing with the purpose of cataloguing the sport fish available in the fresh water reaches of the McCarthy island area and he was accompanied by the expert Gambia Sport Fishing team.

Trip Highlights

After hiring a skipper from the local fish market they set out in a rickety old boat to a spot above a shallow sandbar where they dropped bait all around and within two minutes both left and right hand rods were hit hard - Tigerfish.

Moving on to a different spot close to the bank soon had the rods dancing to what turned out to be Vundu catfish which have been known to grow to 100 lbs plus in other African rivers.

Fishing from the jetty proved to be equally successful with an elephant fish (when you see this fish you will know why they call it that) taking the bait and then a 20 lbs catfish which caused hysteria amongst the locals because it was one of the biggest fish they have ever seen.

Richard thinks that there are a lot of large fish of various species in the river but the locals just don't have the equipment to catch them.

All the nets he saw were ragged and filled with holes and the skippers couldn't afford an anchor line longer than 6 feet which meant that 80% of the river was unfishable by them.

The fish species available at the small fish market were Talapia, the three catfish they had caught the previous evening, elephant fish, freshwater sole, a bream-like fish with an elongated body, a pike-like fish with huge teeth, scaled eel, Captain fish {with the clear nose}, Joto, and Ninebones.

Gambia Fishing Tips and Recommendations:
The state of the roads here away from the coastline are not very good with potholes being the order of the day and the donkey/ox/horse carts can make a driving experience pretty stressful. It is relatively cheap to hire a taxi to get where you are going especially if you can share the fare between a group.

The currency here is called Dalasis and it is weak compared to all the major currencies which makes most things pretty affordable but you will pay a little more around the hotels. You can use sterling in shops and restaurants but don't expect a good rate.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Bird Watching in The Gambia

2009-08-08T07:26:00.008-09:00

Julian Hughes and his wife went on a Gambia birding trip and it was their first experience of Africa. They were not disappointed with many wonderful sightings of birds and the chance to meet some great people and get some insight into rural Africa. The Gambia is definitely on their list for a return visit.

Trip HighlightsContact details and Reservations:
They managed to see 264 different species of bird in their two week stay even though they didn't go birding every day and didn't make use of the guides that are available. Another group which did arrange a guide for the same period and visited most of the same sites came up with a tally of 300 species.

The photo hide on the south side of the orphanage compound in the Abuku Forest which overlooks a concrete drinking pool was one of the best spots as they had close-up views of the African paradise flycatcher, levaillantís cuckoo and western bluebill and a pair of displaying African pygmy kingfishers was particularly memorable.

There are a number of parks that you can visit where you will have a good chance of spotting birds including Bijilo Forest Park, Tanji beach, Brufut Woods and Yundum Woods to name just a few.

If you have the time, a four day trip inland is really worthwhile as this was responsible for most of the memorable moments and birds of Julian's whole trip.

Gambia Birding Tips and Recommendations:
Have a few pounds ready for when you arrive at the airport because this is the preferred currency for the porters that ply their trade there. Using a porter is not something you choose as one of them will simply pick up your bags, ask where you are going and demand you follow them.

You can avoid falling victim to the dreaded "banjul belly" here by taking the simple precautions for eating that apply in any tropical country. Avoid ice cream, ice in drinks and unpeeled food and be wary of buying anything from a street vendor to eat.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Four Wheel Drive Adventures

2009-08-04T13:11:00.008-09:00

Gambia four wheel drive adventure is a great opportunity to see and experience the real Gambia.

This excursion will take you off the beaten track, either in a 4x4 Safari truck or Land Rover following the coastline stopping at villages along the way where you will meet the villagers and visit a local school.

Pens and books are always welcome gifts to the schools, please give any donations to the head teacher Please do not bring sweets.

Next stop , the palm wine tappers, you can sample the freshly tapped wine and learn more about how it’s produced. Lunch is served on one of the most naturally beautiful beaches in the South of the country and there will be a chance to swim and sunbathe .

The first stop of the afternoon is Tanji Village museum. This is a unique chance to find out more about Gambian culture and tradition, the tour guides will be happy to show you around the mock village and explain about village life and how it is set up. On the tour you will be able to watch the weavers making hand woven cloth. In the gardens they have some wonderful unusual flora and fauna.

From the Museum we head for the Tanji fishing village, here you can see and smell the local fish smoking industry close by and a possible chance to see the fishermen bring their catches in. As we head back to the hotels we will make unscheduled stops to observe, monkeys, baboons and the many exotic and colourful birds on the way.

South Gambia Experience
Go beyond the routes of normal tourist excursions and visit the remote and isolated area of Southern Gambia combined with a cruise on the River which divides us from neighboring Senegal. As you drive through Savannah like hinterland, towards the border, you will experience an excellent view of our countryside.

On route you will visit the reptile farm where you can see many different species of snakes and lizards that reside in the Gambia, the next stop is at a local Art Gallery for drinks and snacks before proceeding to the peaceful Kartong beach where a traditional river craft is waiting to take you for a cruise around various inlets and islands of the Allahein River.

The scenery varies from mangroves to open mud flats where the banks are full of oyster. Monkeys and varied bird life can be spotted from this peaceful area. Local fishermen can often be seen digging for mussels in the mud or collecting oysters from the mangroves. After about two hours cruising we will stop for lunch.

On the return journey we will drive close to the beach before arriving at your various hotels.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Excursions

2009-08-02T07:55:00.009-09:00

For the more adventurous, there is plenty to see and do! We have written about some of the available tours, and if you are travelling independently you can also book direct with the tour operator.

Excursions may differ, as each operator has their own version of these tours. For your safety, book your tour with a fully licensed and insured company.

The following companies are members of The TTAG which is your guarantee that they are fully insured and licensed: Gambia Tours, West African Tours, Gambia River Excursions, Jane’s Boats.

Orientation Tour
Is an all inclusive tour giving you a one day tour, touching on the life and culture of the Gambian people. The first stop of the day is at Katchikally Crocodile pool. You will visit the museum and have a chance to get really close up to these unique reptiles. And you can actually stroke these crocodiles if you dare!

Our next port of call is the Dye and Batik Factory in Serrekunda, see how the work is done and buy the materials at a very good price if you so wish! After visiting the Batik factory you will be driven through the busy Serrekunda market and on to a local school where you will meet the children in their classrooms and look at the educational system.

Next stop is the City of Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. Banjul is situated on St Marys Island, as you drive our guide will tell you some of the history of Banjul and the way independence was gained back in the 60's, you will pass by Arch 22, which is a symbol of the second republic of the Gambia.

You will stop for a short visit to the National Museum before proceeding on to the busiest markets in the country, Albert Market. Here you can visit the food, vegetable and fish market and also the material & craft market. This is a truly excellent experience as it gives you a blend of all the different aspects of Gambian life. Arts, crafts and materials can be bought at a very reasonable price if you are willing to bargain for it!

From here you will return to Denton bridge for a leisurely cruise along the oyster creek, on board a traditional style pirogue with a sundeck to Lamin Lodge. Lunch is served on board as you cruise, giving you a chance to relax and soak up some of the Gambian sun. Upon arrival at Lamin Lodge some tribal groups will entertain you with dancing and music and you can take some refreshments.

Our final port of call is Kim Kombo plantation and distillery, which produces liqueurs from the local fruits grown on the plantation. After a short guided tour you will have the chance to sample some of the liqueurs and you will be able to purchase the bottles of your choice, they make a great gift for friends and family back home. New for 2010, is a display of solar cooking and fruit drying.

Do remember to pack Liquids in your luggage and not in your hand bags.

More Excursions to The Gambia
Abuko Nature Reserve
Banjul Highlights
Circle Of Life
Creek Fishing
Four Wheel Drive
Home Cooking Course
Janjangbureh
Lazy Day Cruise
Makasutu By Night
Makasutu Nature Forest
Roots Heritage Tour
Senegal Adventure
South Gambia Experience
A Taste of Kombo
Wake Up With The Birds

Contact details and Reservations:Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Cultural Extravaganza

2009-07-29T04:27:00.006-09:00

Kanilai International Cultural Festival
Attracts thousands of people from Gambia and the Diaspora who all converge on the village of Kanilai in the Foni Kansala District of Western Region, which is the country home and birth place of President Jammeh.

This Cultural Festival is normally held in June Bi–annually has now become a household name where you can join in and enjoy the cultural shows and dancing for this 16 day festival.

Roots Home coming Festival
Is a historical, cultural and educational event which invites all people of African descent and all persons committed to the well being of Africans and the development of Africa, to come home to The Gambia and participate in the festival, normally held in June bi–annually to the opposite year of the Kanilai Festival!

If you are unable to attend either of the festivals but would like to experience some of the wonderful culture Gambia has to offer, two of the most spectacular places to be entertained are Makasuitu and Kim Kombo , each with their own unique display of cultural entertainment.

Makasutu
Offers their “NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA “ Watch the torch light precession float down the creeks where they will come ashore and entertain you with African dancing, fire eating and cultural entertainment enjoy a buffet dinner of African/European cuisine.

Kim Kombo: Offers a special “AFRICAN NIGHT“ twice weekly with original dance troops, included is a buffet dinner of African/European food AND as much of the local made liqueurs as you can drink.!

Gambia History

2009-07-26T11:17:00.006-09:00

The first British traders in the Gambia came in 1587. They began to explore the river in 1618. and eventually got control of St. Andrew's Island 1661. It was renamed James Island after the Duke of York, later King James II, a name it has retained to this day. Trading companies were set up and they tried to control the trade of the river. By the mid-seventeenth century, the slave trade had over-shadowed all other trade.

The British and French competed for the control of the trade of the area. In 1765, the forts and settlements were vested in the British crown and for eighteen years what is now The Gambia, formed part of the British Colony of Senegambia, with headquarters in St. Louis at the mouth of the river Senegal. However in 1783, the greater part of the Senegambia region was handed to France. The Gambia section ceased to be a British colony and was again placed under the charge of the African Company.

With the British abolition of the Slave Trade in their settlements in 1807, they tried to look for a suitable location in The Gambia from where they would be able to monitor the river and stop ships from entering and leaving with slaves.

Alexander Grant, sent out from Goree for this purpose, found the fort at James Island to be too far inland and in ruins. He therefore entered into a treaty with the Chief of Kombo in April, 1816 for the cessation of the detached sand bank known as St. Mary's Island. Originally called Banjulo by the Portuguese, Grant named the new settlement, Bathurst after the Colonial Secretary of the time Lord Bathurst.

Britain declared the Gambia River a British Protectorate in 1820. In 1886, Gambia became a crown colony, and the following year France and Britain drew the boundaries between Senegal (by then a French colony) and Gambia.

With the slave trade at an end, the British were forced to come up with a new source of wealth to support the fledgling protectorate, which led to the planting of groundnuts. The groundnuts or peanuts are originally South American, where they were grown by Indian communities. (It was introduced to West-Africa (first the Senegambia area) by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

The harvested nuts are crushed to make oil, which is exported to Europe for use in food manufacture. In the 1950s, Gambia's groundnut production was beefed up as a way to increase export earnings and make the country that much more self supportive, today groundnuts remain the chief crop of both Gambia and neighbouring Senegal.

On the 18th of February 1965, The Gambia gained political independence from Britain and although Britain's Queen Elizabeth II remained as titular head of state. It was strongly felt that The Gambia would not be able to stand on her own and there were talks of forming a federation with Senegal, but this did not materialise at the time.

Around the same time, two events occurred that enabled the tiny nation to survive and even prosper. For a decade after independence, the world price for groundnuts increased significantly, raising the country's GNP almost threefold. The second event had an even more resounding effect - Gambia became a significant tourist destination. On April 24, 1970, The Gambia became a Republic following a majority approved referendum led by President Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who was re-elected five times.

The relative stability of the Jawara era was broken first in a violent coup attempt in 1981 which was led by Kukoi Samba Sanyang, who, on two occasions, had unsuccessfully sought election to parliament.

After a week of violence, which left several hundred dead, Jawara, who was in London when the attack began, appealed to Senegal for help. Senegalese troops defeated the rebel force. In the aftermath of the attempted coup, Senegal and The Gambia signed the 1982 Treaty of Confederation. The result, the Senegambia Confederation, aimed eventually to combine the armed forces of the two nations and unify economies and currencies. The Gambia withdrew from the confederation in 1989.
A protest by soldiers over late salaries in July 1994 turned into a coup d'état, led by a young lieutenant, Yahya Jammeh, a new military government was formed and in 1996 Elections were held and Lieutenant Jammeh was elected by popular vote by the people and a new constitution was introduced, ushering in the Second Republic.

President Jammeh has since won two consecutive elections in 2001 and 2006 and remains in power to this day. He has brought stability to the country and tourism is back in a big way. Also the Gambian infrastructure has vastly improved, as is evidenced by the modern Banjul International Airport, new Hospitals, roads and street lighting that are all being put in place.

Contact details and Reservations:Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Red Dolphins Life Guards Palma Rima

2009-07-24T03:07:00.004-09:00

As part of our commitment in supporting responsible tourism, the TTAG with the assistance of Gambian Experience and some donations from local saw mills.

The TTAG was able to recently build and hand over to the Gambian Tourist Authority, five life guard towers on the beaches in tourist area, ensuring the safety of Tourist and citizens alike.

For your Safety always check sea conditions, look for the nearest flag which will indicate the colours :

WHITE—SAFE SWIMMING
BLUE—SWIM WITH CAUSION
RED—DANGER , NO SWIMMING
WHITE WITH BLACK CROSS — NO LIFE GUARD ON DUTY

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Tribal History

2009-07-22T08:13:00.008-09:00

The Gambia is made up of Eight different Tribes, which originate from the surrounding Countries: The River Gambia being the main epicentre means most of the different tribes originate either north, east or south of the river.

Mandinka
In the 14th century, the (Manding) Mali Empire of Mali - established by Mandinka, Sundiata Keita, leader of the Malinké people - encompassed the areas from the edge of the Sahara to the forests of the south in what is now Liberia and Sierra Leone. From East to West, it covered all the regions between Takedda beyond the Niger Buckle covering Senegambia on the Atlantic Ocean.

This vast empire controlled nearly all the trans-Saharan trade, and contact with the rulers of the Arab states to the north led the Mali rulers to embrace Islam with great enthusiasm. Though the rise of the Mali empire was swift its decline was slow. By the beginning of the 15th century, the empire had lost its hegemony over the affairs of the Western Sudan and had been reduced into the small area of Kangaba, where it had first originated.

By the middle of the 15th century a group of Mandingos drifted into the area of the Gambia River basin and with them came Islam. The Mandinksa make up the majority of the population being the largest tribe to settle in the Gambia, the majority of which live in the provinces, upper and central river division.

Wollof
Are an ethnic group found in North Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia, making up about 15% of the population, yet Wolof language and culture have a disproportionate influence because of their prevalence in the capital Banjul, where 50% of the population are Wolof.

Jola
Are the next largest community living in the Gambia, their people are believed to have pre-dated Mande and Fula peoples to the riverine coast of Senegambia, and may have migrated into Casamance before the 13th century.

Though the origin of the Jolas is still unknown, it is now confirmed by both oral and written history that they are the people who have been longest resident in the Gambia and among the indigenous people of the Senegambian region. Jola in Mandinka means to “pay your dues” Traditionally the women tend the fields and grow crops while men tap Palm Wine and Palm Oil

Sarahuli

Are Mandé people who descend from the Belfour and are closely related to the Imraguen of Mauritania. They were the founders of the ancient empire of Ghana c. 750-1240 CE) The settlers in Gambia are a minority group who live mainly in the up river division.

Traditionally their people are traders, they are renowned as being successful business people, many are property owners and diamond dealers.

Fula

Are traditionally a nomadic, pastoralist, trading people, herding cattle, goats and sheep across the vast dry hinterlands of their domain, keeping somewhat separate from the local agricultural populations. Their tribe can be found as far north as Mauritania, all over West and central Africa and as far east as Sudan.

The Fula people form a minority in every country they live, but in Guinea they represent a plurality of the population (40%). In the Gambia they are often found as local trades, commonly the corner shop will be known as the “Fula shop”.

Aku

Originated from Freetown, Sierra Leone, some still live in the area of George town where they had been resettled after the days of slavery as there was no way of knowing where they had originally been taken from. The Aku language which is still spoken in West Africa developed from the early West African Pidgin English.

Some scholars also argue that African slaves took this language to the New World where it helped give rise to the English-based creoles that developed there, including the Gullah language in coastal South Carolina and Georgia, Bahamian Dialect, Jamaican Creole, Belizean Kriol, Guyanese Creole, Sranan Tongo.

Manjago

Are an ethnic group in Guinea-Bissau. Which have migrated to south Gambia They are known as Manjaku by the Manjacks themselves, Ndiago by the Wolofs, Manjaco by the Portuguese, and Manjaque by the French. Each of these terms means "I tell you" Their trade by tradition is typically Palm Wine and Palm Oil tappers.

Serere

Are the third largest ethnic group in Senegal, also present in Mauritania and The North bank of Gambia they are predominantly Fishermen by trade and their principal sport played is wrestling.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambian Music and Culture

2009-07-22T08:08:00.005-09:00

Music plays an important part of Gambian culture; “The drum” made of carved wood and goat skin seems a simple instrument, but drumming in is not limited to musical entertainment like some of the music from the Americas or Europe, it has a serious application in many societies across the continent. A native speaker of a language can often perceive a text or texts in the music.

This effect also forms the basis of drum languages (talking drums)in days gone by drumming was used as a way of communicating. News would travel from village to villages by drumming.

Many of the Western African tribes are well known for their use of drumming in daily activities or special events. The drums are the main tool used to inform members of their respective tribes when something major occurs within the tribe. Drums can inform members of death, funerals, meetings, or upcoming celebration. In the past it was used as a warning of immanent attack.

The drum is the sign of life; its beat is the heartbeat of the community. Such is the power of the drum to evoke emotions, to touch the souls of those who hear its rhythms. The beating of the drum is an opportunity to give one another a sense of belonging and of solidarity. It is a time to connect with each other, to be part of that collective rhythm of the life in which young and old, rich and poor, men and women are all invited to contribute to the society.

Wrestling

The beat of the drum is used to evoke the emotion of the contester and create an excitement in the arena Modern traditional wrestling has evolved as a modified version of the real combat techniques.

Traditionally, all the boys in a village were taught how to wrestle. The ones that showed skill and promise were held in high regard as a man regardless of class, it is one of the oldest traditional sports in Gambia and wrestling festivals are a common occurrence. Leg locks are permitted but there are no patterned arm or head locks, or complicated points system. The object of the game is simply to throw one's opponent to the ground.

The first wrestler down in the bout loses the contest. The most common style of grappling is shown among the Mandinka, Fulas and Jolas. It involves each opponent grabbing each other's trunks at the start of the bout. After some strategic manoeuvrings each one would attempt to throw the other to the ground.Serers on the other hand prefer to go straight for the legs and render their opponent off balance.

Traditional music

Is mostly functional in nature, there are for example, many different kinds of work songs, some of the drumming that goes on in the middle of the day even helps women and men of the tribe get daily chores done quicker as the drums allow them to follow a rhythm while they work, Ceremonial or religious music accompanies childbirth, marriage, hunting, and even political activities.

Cremonial music

Will often be accompanied by the Balafone and the Kora which has a harp like sound and is made from the Calabash. The player uses only the thumb and index finger of both hands to pluck the strings in polyrhythmic patterns. Depending on the tribe which combination of instruments are used.

A male griots, or praise singers are traditionally heard at weddings and infant naming ceremonies, born into the profession most often act as a solo or duo instrumentalist. They attend the ceremonies to bring good luck by accompany praise songs and historical recitations. In some areas it may form part of a larger group including a Kora, a calabash, flute and/or a Tamo Drums.

The griots or “Jali” society was as a historian, advisor, arbitrator, praise singer and storyteller. Essentially, these musicians were walking history books, preserving their ancient stories and traditions through song. Their inherited tradition was passed down through generations. They were said to have deep connections to spiritual, social, or political powers as music is associated as such.

Speech is also said to have power as it can recreate history. The talking drums(Tamo) are some of the oldest instruments used by west African griots and their history can be traced back to ancient Ghana Empire. Many have developed a highly sophisticated genre of griot music centering on the talking drum.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Beaches

2009-07-20T08:01:00.006-09:00

Gambia boasts some of the most superb beaches on the west coast of Africa. Step out from any of the Hotels which are dotted along it’s coastline on to a vast expanse of golden sandy beach.

No need to suffer from over crowded beaches or look at tall buildings towering over you. All the Hotels in Gambia are built low level and blend into the background creating a peaceful ambiance.

Each Hotel has its own wonderful expanse of beach so you will never feel cramped or crowded.

You can walk for miles as soon as you step outside of your hotel, but if you really want to get away from it all... Take a drive! explore and discover some of the most beautiful sandy beaches which stretch the full length of the Gambian coast line.

You don’t need to go far to find an idyllic spot away from the hassle and bustle of life. As you drive further from the Kombo areas where most of the Hotels are situated you will very soon come to small fishing villages such as Brufut and Tangi where life revolves around the daily catch.

The view from the red rock cliffs of Tanji are surreal. The unspoiled beaches at Sanyang and Gunjur stretch for miles dotted with the odd beach bar selling the catch of the day and a few drinks.

The Gambia offers a unique serenity not found in many destinations this close to Europe.

Some recommended beaches;

Palma Rima Beach

The beach with the most action, very busy on Sundays

Brufut

Unspoilt sandy beaches, very naturaland beautiful with small beach bars scattered along the coast.

Sanyang and Gunjur

Wide white sand beaches, Great beach bars, true African beach experience.Cape Point - well kept beaches around the hotel area’s, some of the widest in The Gambia.

Kotu Beach

Ideal tourist beach, good for families as it is flat and sandy.Kololi Beach- Sandy Beaches with Great beach facilities, bars and restaurants.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Eco Tourism

2009-07-15T07:54:00.006-09:00

If you are into eco-tourism, bird watching, or looking to go on safari, you can find it all here in The Gambia.

Bijilo Forest Park

Is one of the several forest parks in the Gambia, but is primarily a nature reserve. It covers 51 hectares and is easily accessible with its location in Kololi along the coast near the Senegambia tourist area.

This park is popular for its birds and monkeys. It is well worth a visit if you are looking for a morning walk.Lamin Lodge Situated on the edge of the creeks, this huge tree house style lodge offers a wonderful view over the mangrove swamps and is an ideal spot for bird watching. Small boats can also be hired from here.

Makasutu Culture Forest (“Holy Forest”)

Makasutu Cultural Forest, the name Makasutu is a Mandinka word, which translates into English, as “Holy Forest”. There is a history to this dwelling. Legend has it that tribal wars took place in this forest centuries ago.

A particular King was also killed here, and his head, crown and throne were all buried in the forest.The local community avoided the area, for another reason: the legend also states that the devil lived in this forest!

Nevertheless, the owners of this beautiful resort forged ahead and began a venture that would, after almost fifteen years, earn them a reputation as having The Best New Eco Lodge in The World, according to Sunday Times in 2002.Another award was bestowed on the serene lodge two years later with the capping of the prestigious "Guild of British Travel Writers Award." This comes as no surprise.

Surrounded by six villages, Makasutu Cultural Forest is an all-in-one excursion and is all that the international media, and the world travel body have described it. A safari drive, a guided forest walk, a boat ride, bird watching, and cultural entertainment galore are all at ‘Makasutu’.There is a craft area where local artists show their talent and skill in wood carving, design ware and other traditional African artifacts.

Winner of the Eco Tourism Award 2005Abuko Nature Reserve An all time favourite for wildlife and birdwatching. Gambia's oldest protected area. It covers 105 hectares in western Gambia near the Atlantic Coast. The reserve protects a large tract of gallery forest, and it is paricularly noted for its birds and monkey populations. See some of the most colourful birds in the world - over 360 species live in The Gambia.

Baobolong Wetland Reserve

Located on the northern bank of the Gambia River in central Gambia, opposite Kiang West. This wetland covers 22,000 hectares and was designated as Gambia's first Ramsar site (the convention on wetlands of international importance).Kiang West National Park Located on the southern bank of the Gambia River in central Gambia.

Its 11,000 hectares are dominated by dry woodland vegetation, with areas of mangrove and mud flats. River Gambia National Park More commonly known as Baboon Islands. It is a 580 hectare park covering five mid-river islands near Georgetown in eastern Gambia. It was established mainly as a rehabilitation sanctuary for chimpanzees. Visitors are not permitted on the island.

Niumi National Park

In the northwest of Gambia, contiguous with the Parc National du Delta du Saloum in neighbouring Senegal, and incorporates the coastal island of Ginak. It covers 5,000 hectares and features dry woodland, sand dunes, mangroves, salt marches and lagoons.

Tanji River Bird Reserve

Is located on the coast, in western Gambia. Its 612 hectares include dunes, lagoons, mangroves, dry woodland and is popular for the variety of birds which can be seen in the reserve.

Tumani Tenda Eco-Tourism Camp

Tumani Tenda is a Jolla Village with approximately 300 inhabitants living in seven extended families. It is situated 25 km East of Brikama and 3 km from Kafatu, an tributary/Bolong of the Gambia River.

This small hamlet derives its name from a peanut picker, called Tumani, who lived in the area; Tenda means riverbank. The founder of the village, the late Alhaji Osman, a Koran scholar, established the community 30 years ago after immigrating from Casamance.

A community evolved which is described as a religious community embracing certain values, notably a sustainable attitude to the natural environment, a socially responsible style of living, respect for the elderly, independence, self-sustainability and a sense of community.

Tumani Tenda owns 140 hectares of land, of which 89 are sustainably cultivated, with a species rich forest that is continually upgraded with seedlings and serves as a pharmacy and natural water reservoir. Plants and crops grow in abundance and include maize, millet, groundnuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, bananas, grapefruits, oranges, mangoes, lemons and many others.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Arts and Crafts

2009-07-14T07:29:00.008-09:00

Wooden masks

Which might either be human or animal or of mythical creatures, are one of the most commonly found forms of art in western Africa. In their original contexts, ceremonial masks are used for celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, and war preparation.

The masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer. During the mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and during this state of mind he "communicates" with his ancestors. The masks can be worn in three different ways: vertically covering the face: as helmets, encasing the entire head, and as crest, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of the disguise.

African masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer. Most African masks are made with wood.

Mudcloth

Is a traditional Malian fabric dyed with fermented mud, particularly associated with the Bambara. The name is a Bambara word meaning "earthcloth." In the creation of bògòlanfini, simple cotton cloth is woven, shrunk, and then soaked in a preparation of leaves from certain trees.

An artist then outlines an intricate design with a mud dye, often taking several weeks to cover the entire cloth.Yellowish areas of mud are then treated with a caustic soda, bleaching them back to white for a stark black and white design.

Traditionally, a man will do the weaving while a woman will do the dyeing. In recent years, fashion designers such as Chris Seydou have employed bògòlanfini in international clothing lines, while Malian painter Ishmael Diabate has developed it as a fine art form.

Batik

Melted wax is applied to cloth before being dipped in dye. It is common for people to use a mixture of beeswax and paraffin wax. The beeswax will hold to the fabric and the paraffin wax will allow cracking, which is a characteristic of batik. Wherever the wax has seeped through the fabric, the dye will not penetrate. Sometimes several colours are used, with a series of dyeing, drying and waxing steps.

Thin wax lines are made with a canting, a wooden handled tool with a tiny metal cup with a tiny spout, out of which the wax seeps. Other methods of applying the wax onto the fabric include pouring the liquid wax, painting the wax on with a brush, and applying the hot wax to pre-carved wooden or metal wire block and stamping the fabric.

After the last dyeing, the fabric is hung up to dry. Then it is dipped in a solvent to dissolve the wax, or ironed between paper towels or newspapers to absorb the wax and reveal the deep rich colors and the fine crinkle lines that give batik its character.

Juju or Ju-Ju

Is a word of West African origin that refers to the supernatural power ascribed to an object or charm as a means of protection; It can also refer to the use of such objects, used in a form of witchcraft. "

Also the supernatural or magical power attributed to such objects. Juju’s are worn by most people in Gambia, often on the arm or around the waist and some times as a necklace. You will find many for sale in the local markets and they are often offered as gifts of friendship.Silver Smiths can be found in the Markets Hand Made Silver.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

The Gambia

2009-07-13T07:22:00.006-09:00

Republic of The Gambia

Local Time
UTC

Capital City
Banjul (pop. 35 000, with suburbs 500 000)

Other Cities
Serrekunda (pop. 200 000), Basse Santa Su, Georgetown (Jangjang-bureh), Juffureh.

Government
Civilian.Independence: 18 February 1965 (from the UK).

Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean surrounded by Senegal.

Area
11 300 sq. km. (4 360 sq. mi.)

Terrain
Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by low hills.

Climate
Tropical; hot rainy season (June to Nov.); cooler, dry season (Nov. to May).

Population
1.8 million.

Ethnic groups
Mandinka 40%, Fula 18%, Wolof 14%, Jola 10%, Serahule 9%, Serere 8%, Krio/Aku Marabout, Manjago, Bambara.
Non-Gambians 13% of the population.

Religions
Muslim 85%, Christian 4%, animists.

Languages
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula (Pulaar), Jola, other indigenous languages.Literacy: 38%

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Healthcare

2009-07-11T07:16:00.004-09:00

The Gambia prides itself in its integrated health care system. Its philosophy is that its health care is available, accessible, and affordable.

The system is organized in three tiers.The primary system is focused on disease prevention and includes the services of midwives and traditional birth attendants in each village and a community health nurse who serves a cluster of villages.

These nurses are trained by the government and supplied with motorbike transportation to monitor their group of villages.

Secondary healthcare is provided by health clinics. These include small health clinics staffed by nurses specially trained for this station and larger health centers which are staffed by nurses and a general physician, when available. The larger centers will have an operating theatre and the ability to do simple surgeries.

The final tier of the system is the regional hospitals.

There are five such hospitals in the country: Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Farafenni Hospital, Bansang Hospital, the Jammeh for Peace Foundation Hospital, and Sulayman Junkung General Hospital.

Bakau: Ndebaan Medical Centre, Dr Jack Faal, tel 4496426

Kololi: Kololi Clinic, Dr Ceesay, tel 4463434

Senegambia: Lamtorro Clinic, tel 4460934

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Shopping

2009-07-08T06:37:00.004-09:00

You have to be prepared for the hassle in the markets and to do a lot of hard bargaining, the price is always negotiable!So it depends on “your luck” as to the price you pay for any item...

Our advise is to start with about 1/3 of the asking price then depending of your bargaining skills and your common sense, it is up to you how much you pay!

Don't take offence at an extortionate price... the starting price is not meant to offend or to “rip you off! bargaining is part of the way of life, and is meant to be part of the fun! it is part of the culture and should be treated light heartedly.

In the same vain the Vendor will not really take offence at your low offer even if he/she make out they are, if you cannot agree and you walk away 9 time out of 10 they will call you back... if they are not interested in you offer.. then your offer was too low.

There are Markets at Senegambia, Kotou, Bakau and the most famous market of all is Albert Street market in Banjul. Most markets sell wood carvings , batiks bracelets and bangles.

There are some really beautiful original good quality handmade items, such as leather hand bags and shoes, hand woven cloths or solid silver jewellery but you will have to search for them.

Special items will be made to order for you in two or three days but they are worth the wait. Watch out for dipped silver bangles! If you can’t cope with the bargaining most Hotels and gift shops will have fixed price items for sale.

You will expect to pay a little more than the market for the convenience and some times you may find a better selection and quality items than the local market.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Makasutu Wildlife Trust

2009-07-06T06:23:00.009-09:00

Makasutu Wildlife Trust aims to conserve the biodiversity of The Gambia and encourage a greater awareness, appreciation and participation in all aspects of biodiversity, its conservation and sustainable use of the environment, through the active involvement of local communities.

WE HELP PROTECT THE WILDLIFE AND WILD HABITATS OF THE GAMBIA BY

● helping people to enjoy nature with guided walks, talks and the production of materials about The Gambia’s biodiversity

● supporting local conservation action by working with local communities on ecotourism projects

● increasing our knowledge about the biodiversity in The Gambia by fostering an environment for research and undertaking research into many aspects of the natural world.

● building the capacity of local people to protect and conserve their biodiversity and sustainably manage their natural resources by undertaking national education campaigns and providing courses for personnel in government, private institutions, local communities and other NGOs.

● running a wildlife clinic for injured and orphaned wild animals

Serrekunda,The Gambia
drumohq@qanet.gm

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Tourism & Travel Assoiciation Launches Blog

2009-07-05T06:12:00.010-09:00

BANJUL – To help travelers make the most of their stay in The Gambia, the Tourism & Travel Assoiciation (TTAG) has introduced http://gambia-tourism.blogspot.com/, a blog written exclusively by people who are passionate about exploring The Gambia and sharing their experiences.

Gambia Tourism Assoiciation Launches Blog

Makasutu The Sacred Forest

2009-07-03T05:10:00.006-09:00

Makasutu a 500-hectare piece of bush in the Kombo central district of the republic of The Gambia is deemed by some to be a devil's home. They say he is there in the form of a ninkinanko or dragon, and protects the hidden crown and clothes of King Jatta from Busumbala who was killed 200 years ago by the Muslim king Kombo Silla on his way east to take over the country. Jatta's men took the crown and clothes and placed them for safekeeping in the area of Makasutu, now known as the Big Forest.

This skyline of ancient baobab and strangler trees looms over the eastern end of Makasutu and is now under the self-imposed guardianship of Echin, a Jola tribesman.The devil is not the only presence there to ward off encroaching. Along with him are jinns and giants -- spectral creatures that straddle animism and Islam.

They help watch over an Edenesque orchard, which is thought to appear to those with a purity of heart trekking across the land. Mandingo tribesmen tell you in ominous undertones that you can eat the fruit of the orchard while you are in the forest but can never leave with it.

When the Islamic wave came down through the Sahara in the 12th century it gave Makasutu its name, and greater protection from the men who wanted to ravage the bush of timber and wildlife. It became a place of prayer, and so a Mecca (Maka) in the forest (sutu).

It was strictly protected by local kings and marabouts who said that no tree could be felled or animal hunted in the sacred grounds. The land until the turn of the century was used only for godly communion.

Men prayed and boys recently circumcised in the name of Allah were brought to bathe in Mandina Bilon -- a tributary of the main Gambia river that lies five kilometres to the north.

The Bilon brings fish to Makasutu as the tide swells; from its sandy banks grow thick lines of mangroves, and from their grey tentacles the Koran women collect oysters.

As the 20th century moved in Makasutu with its untouched supply of wood and wildlife became a new mecca for the people of Kembujeh and neighbouring villages. It was on the verge of being stripped bare, when in 1992 Lawrence Williams, an architect, and James English, an engineer, came across the land and decided it would make a perfect location for a retreat and oasis for overlanders coming down off the Sahara.

They bought the land from the Sanni family who had ancient ownership rights, and after eight years of fencing and planting thousands of trees the land once again has found a protectorate.Makasutu has become a model for ecotourism in Africa.

Local women continue to grow crops on the western portion, and oyster women come and collect as ever, but now the birds are returning in droves to the trees and baboons stop at the safe haven on their migration route.

Momadou Jeeba, a Jola tribesman, has been manager at Makasutu for the past seven years and revealed that long before Williams and English arrived he and others had dreams that two whites would come by river and settle at Makasutu and keep it from harm -- a myth that has now turned into reality.

The Karon tribe oyster catchers were utilising the `fruits' of Makasutu long before the ecotourism project. Mangroves cover the banks of the Mandina Bilon and oysters cling to the branches submerged under the water. The women reach the branches by canoe and chip off the oysters at low tide. The women play an important role in keeping Makasutu fused with the local community.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Tourism & Travel in The Gambia

2009-07-02T04:37:00.004-09:00

Significant government incentives to boost tourism activity

The Gambian government has been very active in promoting tourism and increasing its contribution to economic growth. Hence, the incentives for investment in upmarket tourism are huge.

These include a 3-year tax holiday, duty waivers, exemption from customs duties, sales and turnover taxes. In 2007 the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Tourism and Travel Association started a promotional campaign aimed to aggressively sell Gambia as ‘the’ destination. It also made promotional videos for presentation at international tourism conferences.

The challenge presented by package tours

The contribution of tourism to the GDP remains rather modest in Gambia. This is very much due to the fact that a high percentage (up to 80%) of inbound tourists are on package tours, paying for their trips in their home countries. Thus, much of the revenue from the industry never arrives in Gambia. The predicament for the government is that without these tour operators international arrivals would be much lower than they are now.

Responsible tourism policy for Gambia

The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Gambian Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Travel Association worked together to form what is referred to as ‘the responsible tourism policy for Gambia’. Its main objective is to increase the contribution of tourism to the economy and to raise the living standards of Gambians by maximising the positive impacts of tourism and minimising the negative ones.

Eco-tourism an emerging trend

Eco-tourism is an important and rapidly growing niche within the travel and tourism industry. Gambia is in a great position to capitalise on this, but recognises the need to develop a sustainable eco-tourism programme since the country has only a few national parks and wildlife reserves that lack accessibility and comfort for tourists. Therefore, in addition to regulating its development and ensuring that real benefits are felt in local communities, it is also aiming at minimising future environmental impact.

Bright outlook for tourism in Gambia

The travel and tourism industry in Gambia has a very bright future, particularly considering the active role being played by the government to grow and diversify the market. The present initiatives that have been introduced by the Gambian Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Travel Association will have a significant positive impact on the industry and domestic economy over the mid to long term. It is also expected that as the tourism industry diversifies, Gambia will become a place to visit all year round.

http://www.ttag.gm/

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 446028o

Gambia Holidays Do's & Don'ts

2009-06-07T10:29:00.004-09:00

SUN STROKE is very serious! The sun is deceivingly hot especially if there is a breeze.

DO NOT sit in the sun for long periods

DO always drink plenty of water

DO always wear a hat when taking long walks.

Dehydration occurs quicker when drinking alcohol and with the combination of the sun, you increase the risk of suffering sunstroke“BANJUL BELLY” as it ‘s commonly known often occurs through not drinking enough water.

Alcoholic drinks DO NOT substitute water. Symptoms may start with a headache, dizziness and stomach cramps. In severe cases, high temperature with vomiting and diarrhea can occur. In such cases avoid dairy product and drink plenty of water.

DO Take care where you eat, make sure the establishment have running water and have back up facilities for power.

SIMPLE REMEDY

A drink made from rice water with a little sugar and a pinch of salt will help to settle the stomach, if symptoms persist seek medical advise from a professional Doctor.

DOCTORS CLINICS IN YOUR AREA

Afrimed Clinic, Senegambia : Dr Omar Jagne Tel: 4465359 / 7739415 24 Hour service Agents for Bupa International Health Care Kololi Clinic, Kololi : Dr Ceesay Tel: 4463434 Lamtorro Clinic Senegambia: Dr Sallah Tel: 4460934 Ndebaan Medical Center : Dr Jack Faal Tel: 4496426

PERSONAL SAFTEY

DO NOT Walk alone or on lonely roads at night. especially dark areas The Gambia is a relatively safe country, but DO use common sense, take the same precautions as you would in Europe.

Take care of your money DO NOT carry more than you need when you are walking around. AVOID TEMPTATION: Rent a security box in your Hotel if one is not provided, always make sure youR personal belongings and credit cards are safely stored DO NOT leave them lying around in your room.

DRESS CODE

Dress sensibly DO NOT walk in the streets in Bikinis or swimming trunks as this SOCIALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE Topless bathing is permitted on the beach, but DO NOT walk around topless. Simple casual cloths are fine during the day, Men should wear a shirt in the Evening time . Short sleeve and casual trousers are acceptable.

WHY COME TO GAMBIA?

2009-06-06T06:52:00.004-09:00

Just six hours from Europe with no jet lag!

Guaranteed Sunshine all year round!

Beautiful golden sandy Beaches which stretch for miles.
One of the most safe destinations in the world
Freedom to travel around
Excellent and varied Restaurants
Beautiful Eco Tourism
One of the Best destinations for Bird Watching
Excellent Sea and Creek Fishing

The Gambia has a magic that brings people back year after year and is still one of the safest destinations in the world!

It is the nearest English speaking destination to Europe with guaranteed sunshine all year round. Average flight time is just 6 hours.

The Gambia’s relaxed laid back pace of life is ideal for those who prefer a quieter holiday.

The local people are very friendly and are willing to offer a wealth of knowledge about their country and culture. For the more adventurous there is still lots to see and do .

The climate is very comfortable offering guaranteed warm sunny days and cool evenings between, November and May. The summer months brings rains which fall mostly in warm short showers, the land turns a lush green and the birds and the flowers produce an amazing array of colour.

Gambia has over 500 different species of bird which can be seen in and around the Kombo areas along the river and the nature reserves.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

New Building with Commercial Space and Rooms

2009-06-05T08:35:00.008-09:00

We have nearly completed the building of our fifth block of apartments.
The new phase consists of 10 luxury apartments and with commercial units.

Completion date is set for the 08/09 season.

Flying to The Gambia

2009-06-04T04:25:00.007-09:00

http://www.gambia.co.uk/

The Gambia Experience offer flights to The Gambia

Although The Gambia is in West Africa it is under 6 hours from UK and, surprisingly there is no time difference - you can be by the pool or in the sea on the same day as you fly and with no jet lag!

Summer and Winter Departure Times
Information on our summer and winter flight schedules from London Gatwick, Bristol, Manchester, East Midlands and Birmingham.

Winter 2009/10
Tuesday and Friday daytime flights from London Gatwick
Monday and Saturday flights from Manchester
Tuesday and/or Friday flights from Bristol, East Midlands and Birmingham

Summer 2009 Flights to The Gambia
Friday & Tuesday direct flights - London Gatwick
Extra Leg room seats available

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Banjul Airport Restaurant

2009-05-28T03:50:00.007-09:00

Don't forget to visit Luigi's Terrace Bar on your way Home...Last chance to sit in the sun and enjoy a fresh made sandwich or snack washed down with a cool drink, all available in the Departure Lounge Garden at Banjul International Airport(BJL)

See You Soon!

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Holistic Massage

2009-05-24T05:30:00.007-09:00

Holistic Massage is an ancient therapy that heals physical and emotional tension. Anna’s Holistic massage helps to restore balance to your body and mind and helps relax and de-stress you. We cover the back, neck, shoulders, legs and feet.

Our Holistic massage incorporates traditional Swedish massage techniques to release muscle tension and promote a sense of wellbeing. Holistic massage increases your blood and lymph circulation, boosts endorphin levels and can help restore natural sleeping patterns.

Benefits
There are many benefits associated with holistic massage. It benefits all body systems, as it is a natural and effective way to treat both physical conditions and psychological problems.

Short term
Improves skin tone and colour, it improves circulation and removes dead skin cells. Relives muscle fatigue, stiffness and soreness. Relaxes the mind, which in turn reduces tension and effects of stress. Increases energy as massage invigorates all body systems.

Long-term
Boosts the immune system and helps relieve insomnia and increases energy levels and aids lymphatic drainage.

Prices
60 minutes 500D
gambiamassage@gmail.com
or call direct on +220-9904493 and we will call you to confirm.

Thank you, for choosing The Holistic Health Centre.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

How to make a tastey Baobab Smoothie

2009-04-18T02:59:00.006-09:00

Ingredients: 600g baobab fruit pulp1.2l warm water1 tbsp sugar

Add the baobab fruit pulp to a large bowl and add the warm water and sugar. Leave to sit for at least four hours.

During this time the very dry fruit pulp will hydrate and will come away from the seeds and the fibrous matter of the fruit. Stir the mixture vigorously until the water becomes an opaque, tan, liquid.

Strain the resulting juice through cheesecloth or muslin into a jug. Refrigerate the liquid and serve chilled.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Cats and Dogs in The Gambia

2009-02-01T07:24:00.004-09:00

Here at Luigi's we are all avid animal lovers. We have been actively supporting the Gambiacats Charity which has been helping dogs and cats since 1999.

Gambiacats has several programmes to improve the welfare of cats and dogs in The Gambia.

These include:

Neutering

The Cat Cafe

Anti-Rabies injections

Digital tagging

Monitoring neutered colonies

Placing animals in loving homes

Regular newsletter for members

Feeding of cats and dogs

Sending out medicines

Holding workshops

Contact details and Reservations

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian apartments, self-catering apartments, serviced flats, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com

www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

A taste of The Gambia

2009-01-08T04:08:00.003-09:00

Domada

Domada or Durangoo originates from the Mali, home of the Mandinka tribe and the largest community in The Gambia. The unique flavour of this wonderfully piquant dish comes from the concentrated peanut paste which is produced locally. Whilst Domada is usually made with either beef or a meaty fish such as sakar (tuna) or coujele (captain fish), When cooked with only vegetables; the peanuts are a good source of protein, making a highly nutritious and tasty vegetarian dish.

1. Cut the beef into cubes, or fish into 4 cutlets. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

2. Halve the aubergine, sprinkle with a small amount of salt, and leave on the side to rest to take out the bitterness.

3. Chop the onions and tomatoes.

4. Peel the potatoes and carrots. Leave them whole, or if they are large cut in half.

5. Quarter the cabbage.

6. In a separate bowl, dissolve the peanut paste into the water then pass through a sieve, discarding any husks left in the sieve.

7. Make a stock in a large pan by adding together the tomato paste, lemon juice, stock cube and sieved peanut paste.

8. Add the meat of fish, and vegetables.

9. Cover, cook slowly, and leave to simmer for 2 hours on a low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Domada is usually served with boiled white rice.

Ingredients to serve 4

Preparation time 30mins Cooking time 2hrs

500g stewing beef or 800g fish cutlets
Salt and pepper to season
1 aubergine
4 small/medium onions
100g fresh tomatoes
250g potatoes
250g carrots
1 medium cabbage
250g peanut paste
2 litres water
100g tomato paste
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 stock cube
1 teaspoon chilli sauce
1 Kilo of Boiled white rice to serve

Contact details and Reservations

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian apartments, self-catering apartments, serviced flats, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com

www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Attractions

2008-07-22T06:32:00.006-09:00

Though the Gambia is small it offers a wide variety of sites offering tourist excursions and attractions. There are numerous land-based tours, mixed excursions and river trips.

Starting from the coastal holiday resorts of Kombo North you can begin with the various tourist attractions of Banjul the capital where there is Gambia national Museum on Independence Drive, the bustling and lively Albert Market, the huge arch at the entrance to the capital or marvel at some of the colonial architecture.

A few kilometres away from the capital and towards the coastal areas you get to the major vacation locations of Bakau, Cape Point, Fajara, Kololi, (Senegambia strip) and Kotou where you can enjoy local attractions of endless goldenbeaches & almost guaranteed sunshine and other leisure activities such as watersports, quad-biking, golf and tennis.

These areas are where most tourist choose to spend there time with its numerous restaurants, bars, shops and local night clubs particularly in the Kololi and Senegambia areas.At Bakau there is the Craft Market, Katchikally Crocodile Pool (whose crocs are allegedly said to be so tame they allow tourist to touch them) further inland you find Serrekunda town with its dazzling and hectic market, Sunday Wresting and tie-and-dye factory.

There is also the Bijilo Forest Park which is within easy walking distance from the Kairaba or Senegambia hotels. The destinations of Brufut Heights and Brufut Gardens are becoming an increasingly important resort destinations. For the more adventurous you can take a one-day or half-day excursion further down the coast of theTanji Village Museum and bird reserve where you can hire a boat and take an excursion among the mangroves with amazing unspoilt scenery.

You can also go for camel safaris at Tanji which is located just after the bridge on the left. Birdwatching is possible even within the tropical gardens of the major hotels and many actively encourage birds to breed on their hotel complexes. However the Gambia has many wildlife and bird reserves such Tanji and Abuko Nature Reserve which is a 20 minutes drive from most hotels. Abuko forest is also home to hyenas and various species of monkeys.

There are numerous safari camps located up-country and most are to be found on the river banks offering reasonably descent accommodation. For the even more adventurous you can visit the Tanbi Wetland Reserve which is located directly south of the capital. It is a large expanse of creeks and mangrove swamps with plenty of opportunities for cruising, bird watching fishing.Fishing excursion opportunities are endless. You can choose both sea or creek fishing as well as the river itself where you can hire a boat from numerous tour operators located at Denton Bridge.

Be sure to also see:Abuko Nature Reserve Bao Bolon (also spelt Baobolong) Fort Bullen Basse Santa Su Brufut Heights & Gardens Resort Jinack Island National Park of Niumi Kanilai Game Park Ancient stone circles at Kerr Batch Pirang Forest National Park Tanji River Karinti Bird Reserve Wassu Stone Circles.

Miss Black U.S.A. 2007 And Diabetes Advocate Kalilah Allen-Harris

2007-12-31T10:15:00.007-09:00

We were lucky enough to host a Miss Black U.S.A. function at Luigi's Complex.

We have included excerpts from an interview with the winner Kalilah Allen-Harris on living with diabetes.

When were you first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?
I was diagnosed on February 10th, 1999. I was 14 years old. It was at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.

What symptoms did you exhibit?
There was increased thirst. I woke up at least six or seven times a night to urinate. I lost close to 20 pounds in about a week. It seemed like the more I ate, the hungrier I got and the more I drank the thirstier I got. I also experienced extreme fatigue. The day I finally did go to see a physician, I could not physically get out of bed. I had to have help from my mom.

Did the diagnosis affect, either positively or negatively, relationships with friends and family?
At first, it was a negative impact because I didn't want to be viewed as different or as a person with a disability. So I decided to hide it from my friends. But once I accepted it because it was'nt going away, then it became a positive thing. I got to teach my friends.

We bonded over it. They saw a vulnerable side of me. They got to help remind me monitor, estimating the carbohydrates. And they were excited to be a part of that. When I was excited because a new pump was coming out or a new technological advance, they got excited with me.

It definitely changed my lifestyle for the better. We had to make sure all the meals were compatible with the diet. I had to change not just what I eat but the way I think about eating so it was a process for all of us.

What advice can you share with those who are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?
Be open about the disease. Learn as much as you can. Do as much as you can with your team of health care professionals as soon as possible and keep it that way to prevent the complications that can be associated with diabetes.

Be open minded. Don’t try to fight it. Accept it. Move forward. Do what you have to do to make sure that it doesn’t cut your life short. Complications arise that are not necessarily preventable but as much as we can do by keeping good glycemic control, those measures should be taken.

Did you want to be Miss Black USA before your diagnosis?
The Miss Black USA organization is 21 years in existence now. They were in existence when I was a little girl but I didn’t know about them. When I was young, I used to watch pageants and thought I wanted to do that. I didn’t plan to compete in the pageant.

I heard about it on the radio very randomly after having finished an introductory program that medical students take. They said they were offering scholarship money. And so I went for it. I always wanted to be in a pageant but I didn’t go out to say these are the steps I’m going to take to be Miss Black USA.

I’m so grateful to be in the right place in the right time. I would do it all over again for the next six years if I could.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280