• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-330131499780
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "the-gambia",
  "destination": "The-Gambia",
  "title": "the-gambia",
  "type": "Country",
  "country": "The-Gambia",
  "region": "West-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

The Gambia

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Palm trees and wooden umbrellas in the Sanyang area.

©Francisco Goncalves/Getty Images

Overview

The Gambia may be the smallest country on the continent, but its captivating array of attractions belies its tiny size. Surrounded by Senegal, The Gambia has a mere 50 miles (80km) of coastline, but what a magnificent stretch it encompasses: golden beaches backed by swaying palms and sprinkled with scenic lagoons, sleepy fishing villages and biologically rich coastal reserves.

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-856406878383
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "the-gambia",
  "destination": "The-Gambia",
  "title": "the-gambia",
  "type": "Country",
  "country": "The-Gambia",
  "region": "West-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-387514701364
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "the-gambia",
  "destination": "The-Gambia",
  "title": "the-gambia",
  "type": "Country",
  "country": "The-Gambia",
  "region": "West-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

The Gambia and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-162186332767
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "the-gambia",
  "destination": "The-Gambia",
  "title": "the-gambia",
  "type": "Country",
  "country": "The-Gambia",
  "region": "West-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}