16 July 2010 - The Travel Editor - Ron Toft
Looking for somewhere different to go to during the UK's often utterly miserable and depressing winter months? If so, make tracks for The Gambia on West Africa's so-called Smiling Coast.
This small country not only offers plenty of sunshine from October to April, when our weather tends to be at its worst, but flights are not overly long (five-and-a-half to six hours), there is no jet lag, the people are extremely friendly and there are lots of things to do - from relaxing on the beach with a drink and a good book to becoming immersed in the local culture, watching birds and catching fish.
When Fareham, Hampshire-based Serenity Holidays launched The Gambia Experience in 1987, the number of weekly bookings was only around 20 a week. Now between 800 and 850 holidaymakers pack their bags and head to the small capital of Banjul every week during Gambia's hot, dry winter season when the UK has little to offer apart from frost, snow, rain and often gale-force winds.
Serenity, the destination specialist as far as The Gambia is concerned, has enjoyed various growth phases as far as bookings to this delightful West African country are concerned. The first, in the early 90s, was when the company introduced summer holidays to try to encourage year-round tourism in The Gambia. The second, in the mid-90s, was when Serenity started its premium class service. And the third, in the late 90s, was when the business launched the first of its regional services.
"Having travelled and lived abroad extensively, I always get asked for holiday recommendations by friends and relatives," said Chris Rowles, managing director of Serenity Holidays.
"The question, ‘Will I like it?' fills me with slight dread, as holidays are very individual and what one person loves another avoids. However, over the years my parents, brother, sister, wife and young children, plus numerous friends, have all travelled to The Gambia. Each has fallen in love with the region.
"Most commonly mentioned is the opportunity to experience African culture first hand, mixing with some of the friendliest people on the planet, unforgettable moments visiting local schools, the wide choice of restaurants and, of course, the wonderful sunshine. The fact that there's no jet lag to deal with is a huge bonus."
Chris, who still travels to the region several times a year, went on to say that he has stayed in virtually every Gambia hotel featured by Serenity and personally visits each one at least twice a year.
The Gambia Experience operates two flights a week to Banjul from London Gatwick all year round. Capacity is boosted throughout the winter with flights from Manchester and Birmingham and from December to March with flights from Bristol and Stansted (new this year).
Various packages are offered by Serenity, including two-centre holidays to The Gambia and the Cape Verde Islands. The company is also a Senegal holiday specialist.
"Special interest holidays, such as birdwatching and big game fishing, are becoming increasingly popular," added Chris. "More and more UK birdwatchers are discovering the avian delights of The Gambia, while big game fishermen love pitting their skills against tiger fish and tarpon. In fact, The Gambia is renowned for some of the world's biggest tarpon.
"Every year, in late October or early November, there is also a beach fishing competition which normally attracts 120 fishermen from England and Ireland.
"Yes, there really is something for everyone in The Gambia."
The Gambia Experience offers seven-night holidays from £495 per person. Luxury Collection holidays to The Gambia start from £789.
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