According to more and more tourism experts, The Gambia is the right winter and spring destination for those who want to jump into the waters of the warm Mid-Atlantic even in February at up to 30°C daytime temperature, the whole provided with a feeling of freedom that is now unusual for us. The sea here has pleasant 23°C – 27°C water temperature at the beginning of February. Spending the spring here is very enjoyable, the beach is shared at most with a few fish and … only occasionally a few people. Only on Sundays is there more action on the beach, there is already the famous post off. Because the population uses the often work-free Sunday for the family trip to the great beaches of the Atlantic. Fortunately, not every day is Sunday and there are days when it’s just the wind, the sun and you at the sea…
THIS IS WHY THE GAMBIA DESERVES SPECIAL ATTENTION IN THE SPRING OF 2022
The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa and is located on both sides of the lower reaches of the Gambia River, the country’s namesake, which flows through the center of the Gambia and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The country has an area of about 11,200 square kilometers. Nearly three million inhabitants live in the entire country. The lively capital Banjul with trendy neighborhoods like Brufut or Senegambia is the largest metropolitan area of the country, but still offers many beautiful beaches and nature parks and other attractions and by far the ‚friendliest people in Africa‘. The river landscape ‚Gambia River‘ is one of the most species-rich bird paradises in West Africa. There are hippos, crocodiles and many different species of monkeys. And for friends of the mask-free lifestyle The Gambia is a real enrichment, because here there are practically no C-measures. The nightlife is very active and just hip party districts like „Senegambia“ remind of those good old times before March 2020. I think there are not many countries in the world with such a freedom like here…
THE COUNTRY’S CAPITAL IS ITS FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND BIODIVERSITY
The people and the excellent security situation in the country are a good reason to go to The Gambia once in a while, despite the omnipresent effects of the global impediments to travel. The people of Africa’s smallest country are genuinely warm and friendly. Again and again a white person is asked „From where do you come from sir?“ and if you then answer that you come from Germany, Austria or Switzerland, you have the sympathies of the Africans for sure. For us, it was very exciting to find out what makes the population of this friendly country tick in December 2021. Thus also the Africa expert Frank Mueller from Rostock speaks appreciatively: Gambia is certainly the country with the best development chance in tourism, because the security situation is very relaxed and a Gambian has a very friendly nature. Here you are still welcomed with open arms – and the people are happy about us vacationers.
ACCORDING TO EXPERTS, TOURISM IS THE BEST DEVELOPMENT AID FOR ONE OF THE POOREST COUNTRIES IN AFRICA
Everyone in The Gambia naturally hopes that tourism in the country will return to its former strength. In 2019, nearly 630,000 vacationers visited this attractive country in western Africa. Due to the global Corona pandemic, The Gambia’s main industry, tourism, collapsed from March 2020 and everyone is suffering: cab drivers are selling fewer tours, the roadside fruit seller is selling less fruit and hotels are much less busy than before March 2020. Restaurants are also badly affected, selling only 20% of their food and have had to lay off many staff.
Gradually, local travel and accommodation companies in The Gambia are recovering from the crisis STEP BY STEP and it is felt that more and more people are allowed to work in tourism. It is important to know that the sensitive sector of tourism is the No. 1 industry of the smallest country in Africa. Natural resources are not (anymore) available, other job opportunities are almost non-existent and above all very low paid. The average income of teachers, policemen or workers is well below 100EURO per month. The general conditions for smart hotel concepts are good and with good and inexpensive accommodations as described here, the demands of price-conscious Europeans are also met. The biggest advantage of this small, family-run complex is its quiet yet central location with a beautiful pool and green garden as the center of the feel-good atmosphere.
PINEAPPLE APARTMENTS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF FILLING TOURISM MARKET GAPS
In the middle of a beautiful garden in the immediate vicinity of the hip neighborhood „Senegambia“ are the „Pineapple Apartments“ of the very friendly Englishwoman Ann Hughes. She took over the whole building in 2015 and then gradually transformed it into the oasis it is today. Especially the white and blue swimming pool with a beautiful terrace area is very popular with guests. But birds also come flying by and often jump into the waters for a second. Up to four ‚green‘ apartments can be booked by guests, many a European spends the entire winter here and the reasons are obvious: a safe environment, a beautiful garden with lots of greenery, a great pool and a large bed and even a bathtub complete the offer. Each apartment has a living room with couch and dining table, plus there is a kitchen with gas stove, kettle, refrigerator and microwave.
So good conditions to provide yourself here. If desired, breakfast or even half board can be added. For a few British Pounds or EURO guests can have their laundry done, a reliable cab driver can also be organized, everything is done to give Pineapple guests a great stay.
In this nice short interview it becomes clear, why guests love it here:
PINEAPPLE APARTMENTS COMBINES CHEAP AFRICA VACATION WITH THE GOOD FEELING OF BEING AT HOME
Affordable weekly or monthly packages allow vacationers to spend very peaceful vacations in the beautiful surroundings of Senegambia. The week for two persons costs on average about 150,- £ , breakfast can be booked for 5,- £ / day in addition (for or or two persons). Monthly packages are even cheaper and possible on request.
ANN HUGHES IS THE HEAD OF THE VACATION APARTMENT COMPLEX. HER VISIONS FOR THE PINEAPPLE APARTMENTS AND THE TRAVEL DESTINATION GAMBIA
Ann manages her cosy business and staff with empathy and guests are looked after accordingly too. She says in our January 31, 2022 interview about her visions for her small businesses providing accommodation:
„In 2025, I see our Pineapple Apartments on a good path with an occupancy rate of 80%. Our main market will be Europe and guests will make the apartments one of the top addresses in The Gambia. We plan to invest more in renovations and also in renewable energy generation, also to save the environment and become independent from the occasionally volatile power supply and the local provider. Even more islands of well-being will be created on our property, and the roof terrace will become a second sun oasis in the future.“
Ann’s final assessment:
„Promising are our plans for the Pineapple Apartments crew and Gambians will also benefit from the boom in tourism. The country is safe, has a very good climate and friendly people. You can stay here even for a wintering, this is my special recommendation for those who want to afford cheap African vacation and do not want to support the C-theater in Europe anymore.“
CONTACT PINEAPPLE APARTMENTS BY EMAIL OR WHATSAPP OR VIA FACEBOOK:
Ann and her dedicated staff welcome inquiries via
whatsapp & call:
+2207827273
Call Ann Hughes:
+2202821366
email:
pineappleapartmentsgambia@gmail.com
facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Pineapple-self-catering-apartments-586326665042982/
Welcome to The Gambia, the ‚Smiling Coast of Africa‘ ❤️
Press company BellaCoola Film Production UG (limited liability)
Travel Journalist Mr Oliver Gaebe
Junior Tourism Consultant Ms Isatou Camara
Eythstr. 10
D-51103 Cologne
Germany
phone: +491796004547
web: http://www.bellacoola.de
email: bellacoola-liefert (@) die-besten-bilder.de
BellaCoola Film Production UG (limited liability)
Bellacoola Film Production UG from Cologne in Germany has become known as an experienced film production company with excellent references. Focus: Travel and science. Since a few years a department „Economy“ has been added and deals with the reasons for the significantly decreased competitiveness of the German industry. Even future technologies, such as the aerospace industry, are not sufficiently supported, and politicians obviously lack the will to act.
