THE GAMBIA is situated in West Africa, and is a thin ribbon of land (no wider than 50km (30 miles), running West-to East, on both banks of the River Gambia, to the Atlantic Ocean. It is enclosed by Senegal.

the coast and river banks are mostly backed by mangrove swamps, and, further up river, by tropical forests.

The capital, Banjul, lies on the coast, at the mouth of the Gambia River, with wonderful beaches to the South of the city. Places to visit from Banjul include Oyster Creek, and Barra Point (which can be reached by ferry). Trips are available from the capital, up the river Gambia, to Albreda.

Other places to visit include James Island, Tendaba, Wassau, and Georgetown.

The climate is sub-tropical, with the rainy season from June to October.