Cheap Muslim Countries to Visit

Although historically the first generation of Muslims in the United Kingdom, and other Western countries were usually busy working and did not prioritize vacations, the idea of taking a break was challenging due to concerns over bills, increasing prices, grocery expenses, and supporting families back home.

The second generation is actually changing this and is taking vacations in different parts of the world. This guide is written to provide useful information on

However, there’s good news for those seeking an affordable getaway this year. Many destinations around the world offer a cost-effective experience, allowing travelers to enjoy some well-deserved sun, sea, and sand without breaking the bank.

To assist with planning a budget-friendly trip, we’ve compiled a list of five of the cheapest places to visit this year. Our recommendations consider factors such as flight prices, hotel costs, exchange rates for the pound, as well as the availability of affordable food and drink in the destinations.

Gambia

The cost of meals in normal, mid-range, and high-end restaurants can vary significantly between England and Gambia. Here are some approximate price comparisons based on current exchange rates:

Normal restaurants:

In England, a meal in a normal restaurant could cost around £10-£20 per person.
In Gambia, a meal in a normal restaurant could cost around 40-100 Gambian Dalasis (approx. £0.70-£1.80) per person.

Mid-range restaurants:

In England, a meal in a mid-range restaurant could cost around £20-£40 per person.
In Gambia, a meal in a mid-range restaurant could cost around 150-300 Gambian Dalasis (approx. £2 -£5 ) per person.

High-end restaurants:

In England, a meal in a high-end restaurant could cost upwards of £40 per person.
In Gambia, a meal in a high-end restaurant could cost around 500-1000 Gambian Dalasis (approx. £7-£15) per person.

It’s important to note that these prices are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific restaurant and location within each country.

Flight prices from the UK to Gambia can vary depending on the time of year, with high season being more expensive than low season. On average, a return flight can cost between £200-£400.

Hotel costs in the Gambia can be very affordable, especially if you opt for mid-range or budget accommodations. A mid-range hotel can cost around £20-£50 per night, while a budget guesthouse can cost as little as £9-£20 per night. For those looking for luxury accommodations, prices can range from £70-£150 per night but you will stay like the kings.

The exchange rate for the pound to Gambian dalasi fluctuates regularly, but as of May 2023, 1 GBP is equivalent to around 65 Gambian dalasis.

Food and drink in the Gambia can be very affordable, especially if you stick to local cuisine. A meal at a normal restaurant can cost as little as £2-£5, Local street food is also very affordable, with prices ranging from 50 pence to £2 per dish.

Spa, massage, and personal grooming services in Gambia are generally much more affordable than in the UK. A massage at a mid-range spa can cost around £5-£20 per hour, while a high-end spa can cost around £15-£30 per hour. Personal grooming services such as haircuts and manicures can cost as little as £1-£5.

The cost of all-inclusive trips to the Gambia can vary depending on the time of year, the duration of the trip, the quality of the accommodation, and the specific tour operator. However, as a rough estimate, a 7-day all-inclusive package to the Gambia for one person can cost between £500 to £800 or more, depending on the above factors. It’s worth noting that all-inclusive packages usually include flights, airport transfers, accommodation, and meals, which can make budgeting for your trip easier. There are a variety of sightseeing options available for Muslims visiting the Gambia, ranging from free activities to more expensive tours.

Here are some examples of prices for popular sightseeing activities in the Gambia:

Riverboat Tour: Prices range from around £10-£30 per person depending on the duration and type of tour.
Abuko Nature Reserve: The entrance fee is around £5 per person.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool: The entrance fee is around £3 per person.
Tanji Fish Market: Free to visit, but it is customary to tip the guides who show you around.
James Island: Tours cost around £15-£35 per person depending on the duration and type of tour.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other sightseeing options available in Gambia at various price points.

Another way to get a river visit in the Gambia at a cheaper rate is by hiring a fisherman, which can vary depending on the location, duration of the trip, and the number of people involved. However, on average, a half-day trip (approximately 4 hours) can cost around 500 to 800 Gambian dalasis, which is equivalent to around £7 to £11 in British pounds. It is recommended to negotiate the price beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.

Here is a 7-day itinerary for a Muslim family of 4 visiting Gambia:

Day 1:

Arrive at Banjul International Airport and transfer to your accommodation
After settling in, head to a nearby mosque for Dhuhr prayer
Spend the rest of the day exploring the local area and trying some street food

Day 2:

Take a guided tour of Banjul city to learn about the history and culture of Gambia
Visit the Albert Market and haggle for some souvenirs
Afternoon prayer at the Albert Market Mosque, also known as Banjul New Mosque. It is located in the heart of Banjul, the capital city of Gambia, and is within walking distance from Albert Market. Other mosques in the area include the King Fahd Mosque, Banjul Central Mosque, and the State House Mosque.
Enjoy a riverboat tour of the Gambia River at sunset

Day 3:

Head to the Makasutu Culture Forest for a nature walk and birdwatching
Take a traditional African cooking class and enjoy a delicious lunch
Evening prayer at Siffoe Mosque: This is the largest mosque in the area and is located about 6 kilometers from the Makasutu Culture Forest. It can accommodate a large number of worshippers and has separate prayer areas for men and women.

Day 4:

Spend the day at the beach, swimming and relaxing
Afternoon prayer at a local mosque depending on which hotel you are staying at
Enjoy a traditional Gambian dinner at a mid-range local restaurant such as Green Mamba Garden Restaurant – Located in the heart of the Senegambia tourist area, Green Mamba offers a wide range of Gambian and international dishes. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual.

Day 5:

Visit the Abuko Nature Reserve to see some of Gambia’s wildlife
Plant a tree in a local village to help with reforestation efforts
Afternoon prayer at a local mosque Masjid Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas – This mosque is located in Latrikunda Sabiji, which is about 6.5 km from Abuko Nature Reserve.

Day 6:

Spend the day in a local village, interacting with the locals and playing with the children. You can visit Tanji Village: Tanji is a fishing village located on the coast of Gambia. It has a lively fishing industry and you can watch fishermen bringing in their catch of the day. You can also visit the local market, interact with locals, and play with children.
Or Juffureh Village: Juffureh is a historic village known for its ties to the slave trade. It was made famous by Alex Haley’s book “Roots” and you can visit the Kunta Kinte Island and the slavery museum. You can also interact with locals and play with children.
Join a local family for lunch and experience their hospitality. Ask your tour guide or hotel staff for recommendations on local families who welcome visitors to their homes for lunch.
If you don’t have a tour guide or hotel staff to assist you, you can approach a local mosque or community center in Tanji Village and ask for recommendations.
Once you have identified a family, you can reach out to them to schedule a visit for lunch. It’s important to be respectful of their time and cultural practices, so make sure to confirm a time that works for them.
When you arrive at their home, be sure to greet them with respect and express your gratitude for their hospitality. You may want to bring a small gift, such as fruit or sweets, as a token of appreciation.
During lunch, be open to trying new foods and engaging in conversation with your hosts. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Gambian culture and daily life in Tanji Village.
After lunch, make sure to thank your hosts for their hospitality and offer to help with any cleaning up. You may also want to leave a small monetary gift as a gesture of appreciation.
Evening prayer at a local mosque

Day 7:

Attend Friday prayer at one of the local mosques, this will depend on where you are staying. If you are staying at Kombo beach hotel, The largest mosque nearby is probably the King Fahd Mosque, located in Banjul. It is one of the biggest mosques in West Africa and can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers. However, there are several other large mosques in the area, including the Kairaba Mosque and the Serrekunda Mosque. It’s best to check with a local guide or ask your hotel for more information and directions to the nearest mosque.
Visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool to see and learn about the crocodiles
Final dinner at a local restaurant or street food vendor

This itinerary includes a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and relaxation time. The estimated cost for this itinerary, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, would be around $1,500-$2,000 USD for a family of 4. However, prices can vary depending on the specific accommodations and activities chosen.

Cheap Muslim Countries to Visit