Be around the pool in six hours? ….Check.

Glorious uncrowded beaches like those of the Caribbean? ….Check.
Exactly the same time zone as the UK so no jet lag? ….Check.
Interesting culture, non commercialised, unspoilt land yet with luxury hotels and hot, hot sunshine that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? ….Check mate!

Now, you would think the next thing I needed was a reality check on my list but this is exactly what is on the agenda when I reach the blaze of green, tropical flowering trees away from the crowded resorts of European destinations in the Gambia.

It is no wonder they call it the smiling coast of Africa as not only will you spend your time beaming from ear to ear here but the Gambians are the friendliest, most hospitable people I have ever come across. Even at passport control they greet you with a smile rather than with that unnerving stare that makes you seriously wonder whether someone could have actually smuggled something into your bag while you weren’t looking and you are about to be hauled off to a cell instead of your hotel (or is that just me who does that?).

No, not even could the heightened tones of Jade Goody’s mum on the plane and bumbling around at Banjul airport distract me from the fact that I knew this was going to be one fantastic trip!

Situated on the unspoilt coast of West Africa on approximately the same latitude as Barbados, Gambia is dominated by the majestic River Gambia from which it bears its name and is the smallest country on mainland Africa.

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