About The Gambia

Get ready for your trip to Serekunda...

The Gambia is the smallest country in the African continent and Banjul  its capital city, however, with little room to grow, it is Gambia’s largest town, Serekunda which has become the nation’s de facto capital.  Serekunda was initially a small village named after a local family (Serrekunda meaning ‘the home of the Serre family’), and is now the primary transport hub and activity centre of The Gambia.

Weather

The Gambia's climate is a sub-tropical one with two variations of distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season generally starts in October and ends around mid-June each year. Travellers usually plan their trip to The Gambia during the dry and relatively cool months from November to February. The average daytime temperature is 32°C and the temperature may drop to around 16°C in the evenings. We recommend that you provision for seasonal clothing as early mornings can be cooler than what visitors may anticipate.

Time Zone: GMT

Dialing code: +220

Language: The Gambia is a former British colony and the official language is English but there are also several tribal languages including Mandinka and Wolof.

Below are a few common phrases used in The Gambia.

Gambian mobile operators

Qcell

Gamcel

Africell

Comium

Getting accustomed to the local currency

Currency: Dalasi (GMD)

Credit cards are accepted at the hotels however we recommend that you pay cash for your purchases outside the conference hotel premises.

Banking facilities onsite

Ecobank

GT Bank

Standard Chartered Bank

Trust Bank

Zenith Bank

Business / Working Hours: The official working hours set by the Government is 8 am-4 pm from Monday to Thursday. Being a Muslim country, Friday is half day and the rest of the day is for prayers.