Luigi's Serviced Apartments

gambia beach accomm

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

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

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

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.

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

ATA World Conference The Gambia

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

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.

Abuko Nature Reserve

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 Animal Welfare

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

The Gambia- Smileing Faces

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




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 school upgrade to raise industry bar

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.

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 attends Miss ECOWAS Peace Pageant

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.

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

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 History

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

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

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

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

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