winters

THIS week we’re shining a light on the sure-fire winter sun winner of Kololi Beach, one of The Gambia’s most popular and lively stretches of sand.

Temperatures of 32C, six hour TUI flights – what more could you want? Here are some of our top tips.

MUST SEE / DO

Lined with palm trees and beach bars, Kololi Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or trying water sports like jet skiing.

In the evening, head to the nearby Senegambia Strip, the heart of Kololi’s nightlife and dining scene.

Here you’ll find a buzzy mix of restaurants, live music venues, craft markets and street performers, offering a real taste of local culture alongside international flavours.

HIDDEN GEM

Just a short drive away, Bijilo Forest Park (often called the “Monkey Park”) offers a peaceful escape from the beach crowds.

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Wander through shaded walking trails where you’ll spot green vervet and red colobus monkeys, colourful birds, and towering baobab trees.

It’s a calm, refreshing contrast to Kololi’s lively atmosphere and a great way to experience The Gambia’s natural side without venturing far.

BEST VIEW

For sunset views, Kololi Beach itself steals the show.

As the day cools, the sky turns shades of gold, pink, and deep orange over the Atlantic.

Grab a seat at one of the beachfront spots, watch local fishermen pull in their nets, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the waves as the sun slips below the horizon – simple, beautiful, and unforgettable.

RATED RESTAURANT

Darboe’s Bar & Restaurant is a Kololi favourite for authentic Gambian cuisine served with warmth and character.

The menu features local classics like domoda (peanut stew), benachin (one-pot rice), and freshly grilled fish, all prepared with traditional spices.

The relaxed setting and friendly service make it an ideal place to experience genuine local flavours.

BEST BAR

Senegambia Beach Bar is the go-to spot for laid-back drinks with a view.

Set right on the sand, it’s perfect for cold beers, tropical cocktails and live music sessions as the evening comes alive.

With the sound of the ocean in the background and a lively yet relaxed crowd, it’s an easy place to settle in and let the night unfold.

HOTEL PICK

Seaview Gardens Hotel is a beachfront retreat in Kololi, offering a peaceful escape with a touch of luxury.

Set within lush tropical gardens, the hotel blends contemporary style with relaxed coastal charm.

The onsite restaurant serves fresh dishes inspired by local and international cuisine, all just steps from the Atlantic shoreline.

Seven nights B&B at Seaview Gardens Hotel is from £876pp including flights from Gatwick on select dates in February, 2026.

WANT the dream holiday without the long flight? The Gambia has all the perks of bucket list breaks – and flights restart next week.

In just six hours, Brits could be on a safari spotting wild animals and exotic birdlife in 30C.

A trip to The Gambia can have all the perks of the likes of Kenya or South Africa without the 11 hour journey.

In fact, The Gambia is only a six-hour flight away from the UK and these restart with TUI next week from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

When it comes to activities, why not head on a safari?

Most tours will take visitors just across the border to Senegal which has lions, giraffe, zebras, buffalo, rhino and antelope.

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For those going on holiday with TUI offers excursions to the Fathala Wildlife Reserve.

On the trip, holidaymakers will take a ferry across the River Gambia and then head on the safari tour.

TUI Musement offers the full-day trip from £115 per person.

TUI also offers the South Gambia safari which takes visitors to local villages to get involved in local culture.

Cruises along the River Gambia will involve searching for hippos and crocodiles.

When it comes to birdlife, there are over 450 species to see.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to The Gambia, staying at the 3T Senegambia Beach on a bed and breakfast basis from £798 per person.

The hotel has two swimming pools, four bars and three restaurants.

It’s found on the resort area of Kololi Beach in Serrekunda which has golden sand beaches, vibrant nightlife and wildlife.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to The Gambia, staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Tamala on an all-inclusive basis from £1,337 per person

It has an outdoor swimming pool, three bars and two restaurants.

The rooms are Scandi-style and some of the rooms you can swim up to from the pool.

Throughout the year, The Gambia sits at 30C but the best time to visit is during the dry season which runs roughly from November to mid-June.

TUI Travel Advisor, Linda Sharrocks, who has been in the travel industry for 28 years said: “Lots of customers come in wanting a safari but are put off by the price or the flight time.

“The Gambia is the one I always tell them about. You’re there in six hours, and you can be spotting giraffes one day and lying on a beach in 30C sunshine at an all-inclusive the next.

“And make sure you pack some binoculars too, even if you don’t think you’re a birdwatcher. You’ll be amazed at the colours.”