Banjul

Search out batik-dyed textiles, traditional carved wooden masks, leather goods, jewellery and beautifully handwoven baskets for a special memento of your trip. Although there are tourist-orientated markets within, or nearby, all the hotels, the best places to shop are in the local markets. Put your bargaining hat on and prepare to have fun. These bustling bazaars are a fantastic cultural experience. You'll find the best deals on batik-dyed fabrics by hunting through the stalls in Serrekunda but head to Albert Market (Liberation Avenue) in Banjul to get the true Gambian shopping experience; there's a section devoted to local handicrafts here.

It's all about the seafood, and unless you're eating within a hotel, menu prices are incredibly good value. In Kololi, Sea Shells Bar & Restaurant (off Bertil Harding Highway) serves up scrumptious local and international feasts and is a must-do restaurant if in the area. Also in Kololi, Luigi's (Palma Rima Road) is perfect if you're missing pasta and pizza. Cheap and cheerful King of Shawarma Cafr (Nelson Mandela Street) in Banjul is great if you want lunch on the run. There are plenty of beach bars in Kololi, Kotu Beach, Bakau and Serrekunda. Wild Monkey in Kololi is a fun bar with African drumming displays nightly.

Kartong Festival

February

Dance and music performances take over the village of Kartong for this weekend festival. It's one of the best chances visitors have to watch a whole host of skilled traditional Gambian dancers and musicians.

International Roots Festival

May

Gambia's biggest event was inspired by Alex Haley's bestselling book (and the later TV miniseries) Roots. Evolving as a way for the Gambian diaspora to rediscover their African heritage, the festival is a celebration of Gambian culture and is staged biannually.

Kanilai International Cultural Festival

May-June

This 16-day extravaganza of Gambian music, song and dance in Kanilai attracts massive crowds of locals as well as foreign visitors. It takes place biannually, in opposite years to the International Roots Festival.

Bureng Cultural Festival

June

This showcase of African traditions takes place in Bureng Village in Gambia's Lower River Region. The festival highlights the music, dance, songs and crafts of Gambia. Jamoral Cultural Festival June Held in Bujinga Village in the West Coast Region, the Jamoral Cultural Festival is a four-day celebration of the family ties which cross the borders between Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau. It is held on the Senegalese side of the border every other year (odd years).