Why Gambia is a Hidden Gem for Halal Tourism
There are many hidden gems for halal tourism around the world, each offering unique experiences for Muslim travelers. One example is Gambia. Please don’t skip what Brother Omar from Southall and other Muslim brothers and sisters are saying about Gambia later in this post.
Gambia is a popular destination for British Muslims because it offers a range of experiences that cater to their needs and preferences. Here are some reasons why Gambia is a perfect country for British Muslims:
- Halal Food: The majority of the population in the Gambia is Muslim, so halal food is widely available. This is important for British Muslims who want to eat food that is prepared according to Islamic dietary laws.
- Muslim-Friendly Hotels: There are many hotels in the Gambia that cater to Muslim travelers, offering prayer facilities, halal food, and separate swimming pools for men and women.
- Cultural Similarities: Gambia shares many cultural similarities with other Muslim countries, making it easier for British Muslims to feel at home. For example, it is common to hear the call to prayer in Gambia, and many people dress modestly.
- English Language: English is the official language of Gambia, making it easy for British Muslims to communicate with locals and navigate their way around the country.
- Islamic Heritage: Gambia has a rich Islamic heritage, and there are many mosques and Islamic institutions throughout the country. This provides an opportunity for British Muslims to learn more about the Islamic history and culture of West Africa.
Overall, Gambia offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for British Muslims, making it a perfect destination for halal tourism.
Gambia is a country that offers a unique blend of African and Islamic cultures. It has a long history of Islamic influence, with the majority of the population being Muslim. This means that visitors can experience the Islamic way of life while also enjoying the country’s natural beauty, wildlife, and vibrant culture.
At the same time, Gambia has been a British colony in the past and English is widely spoken, which makes it an ideal destination for British Muslims who may feel more comfortable communicating in English. The country also has a reputation for being tolerant and welcoming to visitors of all backgrounds and religions, making it an attractive destination for Muslims from around the world.
What Muslims from the UK can do in Gambia
First and foremost come and enjoy a beautiful holiday with your Muslim brothers and sisters in Gambia. Enjoy all that Gambia has to offer and on top of all that Gambia is an excellent destination for British Muslims looking for a diverse and affordable holiday that offers both Islamic culture and stunning natural beauty. Here are some reasons why:
Location: Gambia is located in West Africa, making it a relatively short flight from the UK. The country’s international airport is only a 6-hour flight away from London.
Sun and Weather: The weather in the Gambia is warm and sunny all year round, with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a winter sun holiday.
Affordability: Gambia is a budget-friendly destination, with a low cost of living and affordable accommodation options. It is also an excellent place to shop for bargains at local markets. Chances are high you will leave with some of the money you came with because everything is mostly cheaper than in the UK.
Things to Do: Gambia has a range of attractions to suit all interests. For those interested in culture, there are historical sites such as Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island), which played a significant role in the slave trade. If you saw the TV series “Roots” you would have felt the destruction it causes to parents when their children are taken from them. The story of Kunta Kinteh from Gambia will break your heart.
The country also has a vibrant music scene, and visitors can enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance. For nature lovers, Gambia offers beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and wildlife parks.
Animals: Gambia is known for its diverse wildlife, and visitors can see animals such as monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, and exotic birds.
Family Activities: Gambia is a family-friendly destination, and there are many activities suitable for children, including visiting the Abuko Nature Reserve, exploring the Makasutu Cultural Forest, and taking a boat ride on the Gambia River.
Contributing to Pro-Poor Tourism: Gambia has a strong commitment to pro-poor tourism, which aims to benefit local communities and support sustainable development. Visitors can support this initiative by staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at local restaurants, and shopping at local markets.
Giving Back to Society: Many organizations in Gambia work to support the country’s poorest communities, and visitors can contribute to these efforts by volunteering or donating to local charities.
Some other ways you can enjoy your stay and give back to society while visiting the Gambia as a British Muslim.
Planting trees is an excellent way to contribute to the environment and support sustainable tourism in the Gambia. The country is known for its beautiful beaches and lush forests, so planting trees can help preserve these natural resources for future generations to enjoy. The cost is less than 5 pounds.
Laying a brick for a new mosque is another great way to contribute to the local community and support the growth of Islam in the Gambia. Many villages and towns in the Gambia do not have a proper mosque, so building one can provide a central place for worship and community gatherings. Whatever you want to contribute, just visiting and meeting the local people feels so good.
Omar Khan from Southall
“My experience in Gambia is one that I can never forget, even if the memories I captured on my camera are lost forever.
The feeling I had when praying with a local mosque in one of the villages of Gambia was something I had never experienced before.
Although I am not a white person
when I looked down and saw the feet of others on both sides of me,
It looked like I was whiter than my white friends in London.
When you see so many shades of brown, it only makes you say Subhanallah. There was no such thing as Sunni or Shia, everyone prayed together.
“Allah has honored this place and made it a sanctuary. I feel so blessed to be standing in this mosque with my Gambian brothers,”
I thought to myself why I never came to Gambia before? When I finished and reunited with my wife and daughter, who were praying with local women on the other side, she came out crying.
You might be wondering why?
It was the love she received from total strangers who had never met her before. They treated her and, more importantly, my daughter as royalty.
My daughter asked one of the young girls, “What can I give you?” The young girl responded, “Can I have a hug please, and can I take a picture with you?”
My daughter took pictures with all of them.
We, as a family, have never forgotten this trip and have been back multiple times ever since.
We developed friendships in the remote areas of Gambia and always have at least one day trip with them in their village, and believe me when I say this – every time it is better than before. Now I know how white people feel and the kind of attention they get when they visit Pakistan or India.
To sum this up, when you leave the Gambia, you are sure to leave your heart behind and you will go back repeatedly to say hello to it. I highly recommend Gambia to every Brit.
Visiting a local school can also be a meaningful experience for families, as it can provide a glimpse into the daily lives of Gambian children and help foster a sense of empathy and gratitude. Many schools in the Gambia are underfunded and lack basic resources, so any donations or support can go a long way in improving the educational experience for students.
Even without donations, the Gambian children love meeting Muslims from other parts of the world and are keen to mingle and take beautiful pictures.
Maryam From Manchester
My children’s visit to a school in Gambia made them look at the world through a different lens. Mummy these kids have so little yet they are all happy” is what my son said. Just sharing the chocolates from the pound shop in the uk with those kids was an Eid for them. They showed us so much love. My daughter became friends with a little girl named Binta who later came with her parents to spend time with us in our hotel. We visit them every time we come to Gambia. We sit, talk, play and eat together that’s why they say:
“Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
I have recommended Gambia to all my friends and those who visited enjoyed it just as we have.
My recommendation: Don’t just stay at the beautiful hotels, go mingle with the locals in the villages, you will love it.
Overall, Gambia offers a unique combination of sun, beach, culture, and Islamic heritage that makes it an ideal destination for British Muslims looking for an affordable and meaningful holiday experience.
Why do most Muslims in the United Kingdom don’t know about the Gambia?
There could be several reasons why many Muslims may not be aware that The Gambia is a hidden gem for halal tourism:
- Lack of exposure: The Gambia may not be as well-known as other Muslim-friendly destinations, and as such, it may not receive as much promotion or exposure to the Muslim market.
There is a reason for that, we are a small Muslim country, actually, we are the smallest land-based country in Africa and do not have the money and glitter of Dubai but we do have friendly people, real natural God-given beauty, the opportunity to meet your Muslim brothers and sisters who will give you a sense of proudness for being a Muslim and love that we all supposed to have for each other.
- Misconceptions: Some people may have misconceptions about The Gambia or may not have enough information about the country to consider it a travel destination.
This is very true, actually not a lot of Muslims in the UK know that Gambia is a Muslim country and we love our Muslim brothers and sisters. Think about it, forget others, look around and see, “you” and how many other Muslims you know in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bolton, or any other city in the UK know the Gambia is a Hidden Gem for Halal Tourism? I would say not many.
- Limited marketing: The Gambia may not have a well-established marketing campaign to promote itself as a halal tourism destination, which may make it difficult for it to reach a wider audience.
Yes, that is the number one reason we are not found as “The Gambia is a Hidden Gem for Halal Tourism” because our marketing budget is limited. This makes your visit as a Muslim to support another Muslim that much more valuable and your help to help us create brand awareness for Gambia will go a long way.
- Lack of infrastructure: The Gambia may not have the same level of infrastructure and facilities that other popular Muslim-friendly destinations may have, which may deter some Muslim travelers.
But that is if you are looking for the biggest malls and flashy light syndromes of the world. But, as a Muslim who is living in the UK, I’m sure you have already seen some of the best malls in the world, you have been to the destinations, which have the latest attractions and Eifal tours of the world.
Gambia is pure and raw
Don’t take my word for it, here is what other Muslim brothers and sisters had to say about their visit to Gambia:
- “Gambia is a perfect destination for halal tourism. It offers a unique blend of Islamic and West African cultures and provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for Muslim travelers.” – Tariq Ramadan
- “Gambia is a beautiful country with friendly people and a rich Islamic heritage. It is a great destination for Muslim travelers seeking a halal-friendly and culturally rich experience.” – Nouman Ali Khan
- “Gambia is a hidden gem for Muslim travelers. It has a lot to offer, from stunning beaches and wildlife to vibrant markets and cultural festivals. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and authentic halal travel experience.” – Yvonne Maffei
- “Gambia is a perfect destination for Muslim families. It offers a safe and welcoming environment, with plenty of activities for children and adults alike. The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and the scenery is breathtaking.” – Omar Suleiman
- “Gambia is a country that will capture your heart. The warmth and hospitality of its people, combined with its rich history and natural beauty, make it a truly special destination for Muslim travelers.” – Suhaib Webb
I could not have said better than Suhaib Webb
“Gambia is a country that will capture your heart”
Gambia offers you raw human smiles and love,
we open our hearts,
souls
and
our doors
for any Muslim from anywhere in the world.
Your visit to Gambia will contribute more to our nation than most other countries in the world.
Two ways you can support your Muslim brothers and sisters in Gambia:
- Visit Gambia To Support Gambia
Just simply come and spend 5, 7, 10, or 14 days and just your visit alone will contribute to our economy, help support jobs, and fights poverty
- If you can’t come yourself, please, please help us raise awareness about The Gambia as a hidden gem for halal tourism. When you hear someone else planning a vacation, suggest Gambia to them. I’m sure they will thank you for it – Just like I’m thanking you in advance.
May Allah give you all that you desire.
May Allah grant you the strength and means to be able to help those in need, and make your efforts sincere and beneficial to them. Ameen.
Please leave a comment below and tell others about your visit to the Gambia
In today’s digital world, the opinion of total strangers is more valuable than me telling others the Gambia is a must-visit country for Muslims.
With Love from
The Gambia.