Water sports: The resorts on the Atlantic coast have pristine and less crowded beaches. They are safe for swimming and get better the farther south you go. All of the major hotels have swimming pools and rent equipment for water sports such as sail boarding, water skiing and knee boarding.

Fishing excursions can be arranged in Banjul.

Cycling: Cycling can be a great way to get around and tour Gambia, apart from being a good exercise. Bikes are available for rent - anything from a lightweight mountain bike to an ancient, single-gear, sit-up-and-beg roadster - in many tourist areas.

Football: Or soccer is Africa's most popular game. Informal pick-up matches can be found in just about any town or village. Foreigners are usually warmly welcomed, and joining a game may be one of the best ways to meet the locals. If you bring along your own ball, you'll be the hit of the day. You can also think of making a gift of the ball to the local club and the sensation would be euphoric.

Wrestling: this is also a very popular sport. Since the style is ‘free style' anything goes. This makes the bouts much more exciting. Matches are held year round.

Bird watching: Even amateur ornithologists will delight in the possibilities available for bird watching in The Gambia. The best strategy is to head to one of the country's national parks or reserves in the early morning or late afternoon. October to April is the best season as migratory birds make the rounds during this period.