WINTER SUN THE GAMBIA DESTINATIONS RIGHT: Calypso


beach bar FAR RIGHT:


Green monkeys in Bijilo Forest


as a budget-friendly fly-and-flop holiday spot, but mainland Africa’s tiniest country – it’s smaller than Yorkshire – has an abundance of wildlife and should be on every animal lover’s bucket list.


SAMPLE PRODUCT


The Gambia Experience offers seven nights’ B&B at the three-star Senegambia Beach Hotel


from £599 per person, based on two sharing a standard room in December. The price


includes flights and transfers. A three-night add-on at


Mandina Lodges costs from £299 per person, including transfers.


gambia.co.uk


w CROC STARS I enjoy more crocodile encounters at nearby beach bar and restaurant Calypso, which overlooks a croc-infested lagoon. Here, I spot a few of the carnivores lurking at the water’s surface, while I sip cocktails and JulBrew beer, and feast on mouthwatering prawns. The crocs here frequently pop up out of the water, and can be gawped at in all their glory every day at 4pm, when they’re fed. Crocs aside, Calypso is worth a visit


The Gambia is smaller than Yorkshire but has an abundance of wildlife and should be on every animal lover’s bucket list


for its chilled-out vibe: diners sit in the shade of thatched cabanas encircling the creek, or high up in the handsome treehouse, with views over the lagoon and sea.


w MONKEYING AROUND While monkeys are frequent visitors to hotel gardens and balconies, Bijilo


Forest Park is a beautiful haven for green monkeys and the endangered western red colobus monkey. Flanking the Atlantic coast near main drag Senegambia Strip, the park is worth a visit, if only to enjoy some shady respite from the sizzling heat. We follow the marked trail through


the tranquil forest, goggling at birds and lizards, and not seeing a single other person during the entire hike. Suddenly, we’re sprung upon by


a troop of adorable green monkeys. There’s nervous excitement as they surround us and come within touching distance, but they’re not aggressive, and we take a few snaps before continuing on our way. We even spot the heartwarming sight of a tiny infant monkey clinging to its mother’s stomach. From that point on, we


8 November 2018 travelweekly.co.uk 43


PICTURE: KATHY BURRINGTON


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