Sunshine and golden beaches have long made the Gambia a winter getaway for Europeans. But beyond the European-flavoured resorts are African-style wildlife reserves and the ruins of long-abandoned slaving stations. The Gambia is blessed with so many species of birds in such a compact area that even those who would struggle to identify a pigeon can't fail to be impressed. Its size, people, language and food make the Gambia the perfect West African getaway.

Best time to visit

November to April.

Essential experiences

The colonial elegance and unhurried pace of the capital, Banjul; sunning in Serakunda, where there's a beach and a beach bar - for every taste; birdwatching in the Abuko Nature Reserve - home to 250 bird species; relaxing in the southern fishing village of Gunjur, much quieter than neighbouring resorts to the north; cruising down the Gambia River with an amazing array of birdlife for company and soaking up the sleepy, crumbling ex-colonial atmosphere of Georgetown.

In a few words, Gambia is

Beaches, birdwatching, riverboats, nightclubs and package tourism.

Did you know? In Gambia it is a taboo to whistle after dark and Banjul international Airport's main runway was partly built by NASA as an emergency runway for the space shuttles.