Tropical treats, African beats and lush, Riverine landscapes
If you’ve ever dreamed of whiling away time on a beach reminiscent of paradise, staying in a rustic-chic treehouse in a jungle filled with bird song and exploring tropical river backwaters by boat, then it might be time to look for cheap flights to The Gambia. This may be the smallest country on the vast African continent, but it’s packed with wildlife: monkeys, crocodiles, brightly-coloured birds and marine life. Hike through Bijilo Forest Park to come face-to-face with monkeys and other native wildlife.
Friendly Faces and funky sounds
The Gambian people are famously friendly and cheerful. Their vibrant music fills the country. Don’t miss catching a sabar concert, the country’s traditional music (and also the name of the drum used). Closely tied to the sounds of neighbouring Senegal, this rhythmic music was once used to communicate between villages and is often accompanied by singing and dancing. Celebrate life, African style. Hint: best experienced on a beach around sunset.
Delicious and nutritious: Gambian cuisine
Watch brightly-coloured fishing boats coming in with the day’s catch from your bamboo and wood beachside restaurant. Fresh fish and rice-based peanut curries are a culinary speciality in The Gambia. Don’t miss tasting freshly-squeezed Baobab juice, which is also a health drink sold in powder form in the United Kingdom (UK). Wonjo juice is made from hibiscus flowers, while palm wine is something slightly stronger.
When to go
There are two distinct seasons in this part of Africa: the rainy season (June to November) and the dry season (December to May). The best time to visit The Gambia is during the British winter, making it perfect for a holiday break or winter getaway. The heat is accompanied by a sea breeze with temperatures dipping to around eighteen degrees Celsius at night. Prices are highest from December until March, so book in advance with Netflights to find the best prices.
November and April are considered shoulder seasons. You can skip the crowds, but still benefit from lovely weather. Your chance of finding bargain flights is also significantly higher for this time frame.
Don’t be afraid of the rains, either. It typically rains every evening and night during the wet season. Though they can be strong in some parts, it is manageable and magnifies the green lushness of the country. Heat and humidity tend to be high during this time.
Airports and airlines
To find the cheapest flights to The Gambia with Netflights, leave your dates unspecified. This will give you a broad overview of all available offers. Then choose what route and price is best for you. With up-to-date deals from hundreds of airlines worldwide, you can be confident that you’re getting the best price every time.
Banjul International Airport, also known as Yundum International, is the most popular airport for The Gambia. During the peak travel season, you can find direct, round-trip flights from the United Kingdom (UK) to The Gambia with the following airlines: Gambia Bird, Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines. Fly from London, Manchester or Birmingham.
You can also find indirect flights to The Gambia with Brussels Airlines, Vueling and Royal Air Maroc. Having a stopover can help save you a lot on airfare. Indirect flights leave from airports all across the UK; you’re sure to find one near you.