By: Yunus S. Saliu
Boosting domestic tourism across the Smiling Coast of Africa, the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) recently embarked on an expedition with Gambian social media influencers and travel writers. The initiative aimed to highlight some of the country’s best, yet under-promoted, tourism destinations.
Among the highlights of the tour were visits to the exquisite Bakadaji Hotel, the serene Kauren River Camp in the Central River Region, the newly established Island Hotel in Janjanbureh, and excursions to the River Gambia National Park – Baboon Island to see chimpanzees in their sanctuary and hippos in their natural habitat.
Located along the bustling Bertil Harding Highway in the Tourism Development Area, Bakadaji Hotel is a four-star eco-friendly retreat named after the village of Bakadaji in the Central River Region, the hometown of its late founder. The hotel offers a blend of comfort, culture, and sustainability. Guests are welcomed with genuine smiles and attentive service, making it one of the most guest-friendly destinations in The Gambia.
Perched on a hilltop in Kaur Wharf Town, Kauren River Camp offers tranquility and breathtaking panoramic views of the River Gambia. Visitors can enjoy sunrise and sunset vistas, watch farmers tending their gardens, or listen to birdsong in a natural orchestra. Surrounded by diverse flora with healing properties, the camp provides a wellness environment ideal for relaxation. Bird enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the vibrant species that flourish around the camp.
The River Gambia National Park, described by a visiting Dutch TV crew as “a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and captivating sights,” offered participants a memorable excursion. Nestled in the heart of the country, the park is home to chimpanzees in their sanctuary, hippos in their natural habitats, and a variety of other wildlife, making it a must-see for adventurers.
Another stop on the tour was the Island Hotel in Janjanbureh, which began operations in 2024. In a short time, it has become a preferred lodging option for travelers to the hinterland, offering modern comfort and hospitality in one of the Gambia’s most historic towns.
Beyond leisure, domestic tourism carries significant benefits. It encourages citizens to explore their own country’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions, fostering national pride, unity, and appreciation of shared heritage while supporting local businesses and communities.
According to Mamou Suwaneh, Senior Marketing Officer at GTBoard, domestic tourism is defined as traveling for leisure, business, or other purposes within one’s own country of residence.
“A person who travels within their own country for a trip of at least 24 hours but not more than a year, and for a purpose other than being employed by a resident entity, is considered a domestic tourist,” he explained.
Through this initiative, GTBoard hopes to inspire Gambians to discover the hidden gems of their homeland while contributing to the growth of the country’s tourism and creative industries.
