🧳 Pack Smart for The Gambia

Light, breathable clothing is key! The climate is warm year-round, but there are some essentials you shouldn’t
forget.

👔 Clothing Essentials

☀️ Daytime

  • ☐ Light cotton t-shirts (5-7)
  • ☐ Loose, breathable trousers/skirts
  • ☐ Shorts (for beach/hotel)
  • ☐ Light sundresses
  • ☐ Comfortable walking sandals
  • ☐ Trainers (for excursions)

🌙 Evening

  • ☐ Long-sleeved shirt (mosquitoes)
  • ☐ Light long trousers
  • ☐ Light cardigan/shawl
  • ☐ Smart casual outfit (dinners)

🏖️ Beach

  • ☐ Swimwear (2-3 pieces)
  • ☐ Beach cover-up/sarong
  • ☐ Flip flops
  • ☐ Beach bag
  • ☐ Waterproof phone pouch

💡 Dress Code Tips

  • The Gambia is a Muslim majority – dress modestly away from the beach
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages/markets
  • Swimwear is fine at the beach and hotel pools only
  • Smart casual for upscale restaurants

🧴 Toiletries & Health

  • ☐ Sunscreen SPF 30+ (bring plenty!)
  • ☐ Aftersun lotion
  • ☐ Lip balm with SPF
  • ☐ Sunglasses
  • ☐ Wide-brimmed hat

  • ☐ DEET repellent (30-50%)
  • ☐ Repellent wipes (for face)
  • ☐ Mosquito net (if not provided)
  • ☐ Antihistamine cream (for bites)
  • ☐ Plug-in repellent (optional)

  • ☐ Prescription medications
  • ☐ Antimalarials
  • ☐ Paracetamol/ibuprofen
  • ☐ Diarrhoea tablets (Imodium)
  • ☐ Rehydration sachets
  • ☐ Antihistamines
  • ☐ Antiseptic cream
  • ☐ Plasters/bandages
  • ☐ Tweezers

  • ☐ Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • ☐ Shampoo/conditioner
  • ☐ Deodorant
  • ☐ Razor
  • ☐ Hand sanitiser
  • ☐ Wet wipes
  • ☐ Tissues

Most toiletries are available locally if needed

📱 Electronics

  • ☐ Phone + charger
  • ☐ Travel adapter – UK-style 3-pin plugs (Type G)
  • ☐ Power bank – Power cuts can happen
  • ☐ Camera (optional)
  • ☐ Kindle/e-reader (for beach)
  • ☐ Headphones

⚡ Power Info

Plug type: Type G (UK 3-pin)
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Tip: Power cuts are common – charge devices when you can!

📄 Documents

Essential Documents

  • ☐ Passport (6+ months validity)
  • ☐ Flight tickets (print + digital)
  • ☐ Hotel bookings
  • ☐ Travel insurance (print a copy)
  • ☐ Yellow fever certificate (if coming from an endemic area)
  • ☐ Vaccination record
  • ☐ Copies of all documents (keep separate)
  • ☐ Emergency contacts list
  • ☐ Passport photos (for visa extension if needed)

💡 Digital Backup

Email copies of all documents to yourself, or store in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud)

💰 Money & Valuables

  • ☐ Cash (USD, EUR, or GBP)
  • ☐ Debit/credit cards (Visa best)
  • ☐ Money belt or hidden pouch
  • ☐ Small padlock (for luggage)
  • ☐ Waterproof bag for the beach

🎒 Day Bag Essentials

For excursions, carry:

  • ☐ Water bottle
  • ☐ Sunscreen
  • ☐ Hat and sunglasses
  • ☐ Insect repellent
  • ☐ Small first aid kit
  • ☐ Snacks
  • ☐ Camera/phone
  • ☐ Cash (small notes)
  • ☐ Light rain jacket (rainy season)

🌧️ Rainy Season Extras (Jun-Oct)

  • ☐ Waterproof jacket/poncho
  • ☐ Umbrella
  • ☐ Waterproof bag for electronics
  • ☐ Quick-dry clothing
  • ☐ Sandals that can get wet

🎁 Optional But Nice

  • ☐ Binoculars (bird watching)
  • ☐ Books/Kindle
  • ☐ Travel pillow
  • ☐ Playing cards
  • ☐ Gifts for locals (pens, school supplies)
  • ☐ Snorkelling mask

❌ What NOT to Bring

  • ❌ Valuable jewellery
  • ❌ Too much cash at once
  • ❌ Heavy winter clothing
  • ❌ Anything you’d hate to lose
  • ❌ Drugs (severe penalties!)

📦 What You Can Buy There

Don’t over-pack! You can buy locally:

  • Water and soft drinks
  • Basic toiletries
  • Flip flops and sandals
  • Colourful local clothing
  • Beach towels
  • SIM cards

✅ Top Packing Tips

  • 🧳 Pack light – you’ll want room for souvenirs!
  • 🛍️ Take a foldable bag for shopping
  • 👕 Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
  • 🎒 Pack essentials in carry-on (in case luggage delayed)
  • 🏷️ Label your bags inside and out