We wanted to get away for some sun for our 5th Wedding Anniversary, we didn't fancy anything long haul as we did Australia, Hong Kong and China a few months ago and we wanted something different - Gambia, Western Africa, is only a 6 hour flight and has plenty of sunshine so we decided to give it a go.

We had an absolutely marvelous time, there are lots of hawkers that can be annoying at times, you just need to go with the flow, most of the 'bumsters' are just happy to have a chat and will take 'no' for an answer. You just need to appreciate that this is their way of life and how they make a living.

Gambia is a small country, and although it is Africa, they do not have a wide range of wild animals so don't expect a Safari, we saw Monkeys, Vultures, a monitor lizard some gecko's and a variety of bird life.  You can get excursions such as a river trip into the mangroves, or a South Gambia tour, but there really isn't a lot to do expect lie in the sun and have a drink or two during the day, and then go to restaurants at night - the majority have either an African Band and Dancers or a Reggae Band most nights.

James and I did a South Gambia Tour in open back Land Rovers - the trip was called the 4in1 and was with ARCH Tours who I highly recommend, the guys all wear red t-shirts and are known as the Red Army as they stop you being hassled, making this a very enjoyable day out - we went to Serrekunda Market, Lamin Lodge, a cattle market, a village school, a village, paradise beach, a fish market and a liqueur distillery (Kym Kongs). We also did a lazy days cruise in the Mangroves, this was through our tour operator and in all honesty was not the best value for money - ARCH tours do an all day trip which was much better value.

All in all, we had a great time in Gambia and met some wonderful people, both locals and fellow brits, and would visit again in a few years if the opportunity arose. We took over 500 digital pictures and I hope the ones selected capture the vibrant nature of The Gambia and essence of our trip - Enjoy the photo's.