The Gateway to Banjul

Introduction

In March 2004, David and Margaret made a life-changing decision and moved from the United Kingdom to The Gambia. This site explains the trials and tribulations involved in selling up and moving to a new country - not a challenge for the faint-hearted!

The Gambia - the smallest country on the African continent - is situated on the west coast of Africa and is bounded on three sides by Senegal and on the fourth by the Atlantic Ocean

The capital, Banjul, developed as a result of Britain's 19th century war against slave-trading; it was called Bathurst by the British Military but re-named in 1965 when The Gambia achieved independence. The city is sited on an island and has, therefore, reached its limits as far as further construction is concerned. It is a thriving melting pot for nationalities from all over Africa. Some of the streets have been re-named but many are still named after British administrators and military men.

We live near a small rural village named Sifoe, located in the south of the Country, about seven miles from the coast. Our land (6.5 acres) is bounded by vegetation and some forest but, sadly, this is disappearing as a result of trees being cut down for firewood. On our land, we have adopted the policy of tree management and tree planting to ensure that there will always be trees whilst we own it - and long after that. The local people now accept that they do not come on to our land for firewood!

This Website was last updated on 17th September 2011

To view that update PRESS HERE