Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Gambia

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Basic guesthouses, budget lodges, and simple eco-lodges with shared facilities or basic private rooms

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Local street food, market meals, traditional Gambian dishes at local spots, and self-catering from markets

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Local buses (gele-gele), shared taxis, walking, and occasional private taxi for longer distances

Activities

$3-12 per day

Beach time, local markets, community visits, basic wildlife spotting, and occasional entrance fees

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use shared taxis and local buses instead of private transport (usually 70-85% savings)

Stay in local guesthouses rather than beach resorts (generally 50-70% less expensive)

Visit during the dry season shoulder months for accommodation discounts of 20-40%

Book river cruises and tours directly with local operators rather than through hotels (typically 30-50% cheaper)

Shop for crafts and souvenirs at local markets instead of hotel shops (usually 40-60% lower prices)

Travel overland between destinations instead of flying when possible (generally 60-80% savings)

Only eating at beachfront restaurants and hotels instead of exploring local dining (typically costs 100-200% more)

Taking private taxis for all transport instead of using shared options (usually 3-5x more expensive)

Booking all activities through luxury resorts rather than local operators (generally 50-100% markup)

Visiting only during peak tourist season without considering shoulder season savings (typically 30-60% higher costs)