Introduction:
 Cycling
in Gambia can be challenging especially for vacationers
not used to some of the more challenging potholed roads
and less than flat side dirt roads. A reliable mountain
bike is the most useful and best choice for cycle touring,
especially when veering off-road, because they offer
robustness, terrain adaptability and are more comfort
than a regular city pedal bike.
There are a number of cycling tour
operators offering adventure cycling holidays to
Gambia; while some are locally run ground tour operators
and tourist guides.
 Bicycle-Africa,
based in the US (Seattle), specialises in medium soft
bike tours / cultural adventure for travellers looking
to learn more about the country at a more personal level.
The International Bicycle Fund (IBF) also has a useful
travel guide covering UK, EU, Africa and other regions.
Hire A Cylcle:
 Renting
a push bike in Gambia is very useful, especially for
getting to certain tourist attractions and for transportation
to anywhere that is too close for a bush taxi and too
far when the heat makes you a bit lazy for long walks.
Additionally, a leisurely bike ride is a great way to
explore the off the beaten track and gives you more
independence. However here are some downsides to consider:
1. Deep sand sometimes renders roads that go off the
beaten track un-rideable, especially in residential
areas.
2. The dry season dust makes bike cleaning more frequent
than in the EU or UK.
3. Car drivers and road traffic conditions can be a
risk to your travel safety.
Generally, these are small considerations in the face
of a bike's convenience. Number 1 can be avoided once
you learn the best routes and become an experienced
sand rider (this takes practice); number 2 because bike
repair "shops" (i.e. roadside stalls) are
plentiful, inexpensive, quick, and have qualified owners.
Buying a Cyclde:
Since you are likely to be making this large purchase
at the beginning of your visit, it is best to ask a
Gambian to accompany you to get a fair price. There
are a few places to buy dotted around the Serrekunda
town, Kotu East, Manjai and Kairaba Avenue. Keep your
eye out when travelling the area and of course, ask
locals for good places to shop. Test the bike thoroughly
before buying, if there are any problems, ask if they
can be fixed before purchase. The seller should repair
and tune-up the bike on the spot for you, and make all
necessary adjustments, such as raising the seat and
handlebars.
Accessories:
A tough, reflective, well-ventilated helmet should be
first on your list of necessary accessories. A bike
anti-theft lock with a key is a necessary investment
(keep one key with you and one key in a safe place).
If you get a combination lock, your bike is more likely
to become community property!
 A
rear-view mirror is very handy for riding along main
roads. If you plan on riding at night (which should
generally be avoided), a front and back-light are critical
as it can get dark quite quickly. Finally, a bell or
horn is an essential purchase, as you might have to
share a small path with pedestrians that may be oblivious
to your presence.
Repairs:
 No
matter how good your bike is, you will need to get your
tires pumped and gears oiled every once in a while.
There are many repairs workshops and stands you can
stop at on the side of main roads; if necessary, you
can leave your bike for a few hours for larger projects.
Tyre pumping usually costs a few Dalasi per tyre, and
more for a full bike oiling. Other repairs may vary
by cost of supplies and labour.
Safety:
As
Gambian drivers are sometimes less than proficient,
you must be alert at all times when sharing the road
with motor vehicles, potholes and uneven pavement edges
may cause you to ride more towards the centre of the
main road than you may be comfortable with. Most accidents
can be avoided by taking reasonable safety precautions.
The safety advice
is similar for walking. Never try to predict what car
drivers will do, and don't act unless you know for sure.
If light signals are used at all, they are just as likely
to be on unknowingly. Sometimes car drivers will suddenly
turn without using their signal light, and be careful
of drivers who often end up cutting you off, even when
not signalling, forcing you to a sudden stop or swerve
towards the middle of the road.
 When
crossing the street, keep in mind that there are less
than desirable speed limit signs and thus it can be
difficult to gauge how fast or slow they are barrelling
towards you; if in doubt - wait. Be especially careful
when riding on busy roads such as Kairaba Avenue, as
private cars meander on and off the road for their passengers.
Taxis will present a special danger as well, since they
make frequent stops on the side of the road. Always
move to the right side of them, even if it means going
onto the sand. If you are forced to pass between them
and the road, make absolutely sure the driver is aware
of you as you pass - and remember that eye contact doesn't
necessarily mean they aren't looking right through you.
If you sense a taxi is about to move on or off the road,
it is wise to stop and let them do their thing without
getting in their way.
The best biking advice is to be as predictable as possible,
don't make spur of the moment decisions about the direction
or speed of your travel and always make sure your brakes
are in good working order. Lastly, and it bears repeating,
ALWAYS wear a bike helmet that fits you and is buckled
tightly and don't forget your travel insurance policy!
Cycling Tour Operators:
| Below is a list of adventure tourism
companies offering cycling holidays to Gambia. |
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1) West
Africa Cycling Tours
(book before or on your arrival)
 This
is a Gambian-run, ground-based tours guide managed
by Ebrima Fatty. They offer the choice of either
a half-day, single-day or multi-day tours for
tourists, where you can visit the Tanji Village
Museum along the coast, the bustling seaside fish
market, Abuko Nature Reserve, Banjul's Albert
Market, the Gambia reptiles farm in Kartong, stop-offs
at some glorious beaches.
Cycle 83km upriver along the Bintang Bolong tributary
and stay at the AbCa's
Creek Lodge for 2 days and nights or 3 days
and 2 nights. road meanders through farmlands
and low-lying rice fields connecting small villages
and groves of towering mahogany and baobab trees.
They also offer custom tailored biking adventures! |
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2) BWellTrip
(November, December & January)
 This
is a responsible tourism operator for travel,
life, and nature. Among their assortment of their
lifestyle holidays, they offer guided cycling
tours of Gambia including Senegal (7 days and
8 nights starting on the coast of Sanyang in Gambia
to Kafountine in Senegal and back to Sanyang village).
This is a leisurely bike ride to immerse yourself
in Jola culture and take in the stunning landscapes
offered by this sub-tropical region surrounded
by swaying palm trees, rice paddies and Savannah
landscapes. You will dive into the culture and
enjoy varied scenery such as beachfronts and cities,
and the indigenous fauna and flora as well as
doing activities such as kayaking. You will first
arrive at Banjul Airport where you will be taken
Fajara where you will be transferred to your departure
point. |
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3) Omi
Tours Gambia Co. Ltd.
 This
is a business started by a former local tour guide
who organises various ground tours bike cycle
rental services, car rental, airport transfers,
hotel booking and recommendations assistance.
Omni Tours also offer 4x4 overland travel services
to holidaymakers in The Gambia, particularly in
the field of inland safaris, adventure travel,
river cruise excursions, beach vacations, and
tours to other West African countries such as
Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Guinea Conakry. |
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4) International
Bicycle Fund (IBF)
The IBF is an independent, non-profit organization
helping to promote sustainable, eco-friendly transport
and cycling holidays. |
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| Finally, there are package
tour operators to The Gambia who offer cycling
as an option. If you are an independent traveller
then try contacting some of the ground
tour operators directly, they should be able
to organise a customised half-day, full-day or
multi-day bike excursion for you. Also consider
contact the National
Tourist Guides Assocation for the best advice
and pointers. |
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