• The Gambia is only a six-hour flight away from the UK, making it one of the closest places for Brits longing to tick a safari off their bucket list.
• The destination offers 30C winter sunshine, no major time differences and package holidays from £800 per person.
• TUI Airways flights will resume for the winter season next week, flying direct to Banjul from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham - with an extra Birmingham flight planned for Winter 2027 following increased demand.
  

A trip to Kenya or South Africa usually means flights of nine to eleven hours. The Gambia is just a couple hours more than a flight to the Canary Islands, and it has a big advantage: it's in the same time zone as the UK during the winter, so there's no jet lag to lose days to.

TUI Airways flies direct to Banjul from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. For Winter 2027, Birmingham will gain an extra weekly service, bringing it to two flights a week and the option to choose a 10 or 11 night stay – matching London Gatwick and Manchester’s current schedule. Package holidays start from just £800 per person and include flights, accommodation, transfers and luggage.

The Gambia is best known for its golden beaches and friendly locals, which have earned it the nickname "the Smiling Coast of Africa". For many visitors, though, the wildlife is the highlight.

Birdwatchers are well looked after, with hundreds of species to spot just minutes from the main resorts.

"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.

"For customers who want the classic safari, I tell them to book the Fathala trip. It's a long day, but you get the ferry, a border crossing and a game drive, so you're actually visiting two countries in one holiday. Just don't forget your passport!

"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."

Away from the wildlife, The Gambia is great value for winter sun. Temperatures sit at around 30C from November to April, and eating and drinking out costs just a few pounds – around 2 quid for a local beer, and £17 for a three-course meal.

Linda added: "What really stood out to me was how affordable it is. Eating and drinking out is so cheap, you can get a meal and a drink for a few pounds and there are loads of amazing restaurants and bars to try."

The lively Senegambia Strip is packed with bars, restaurants and live music, while Kotu Beach is quieter but still close to everything.

• 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. Price is based on two adults sharing a Standard Double Room with Balcony or Terrace, departing with TUI Airways from Manchester Airport on 29th November 2026, with 20kg luggage per person and transfers included. To find out more or to book, visit tui.co.uk, pop into your local TUI store or download the TUI app.
• 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. Price is based on two adults sharing a Premium Double Room with Sea View and Balcony or Terrace, departing with TUI Airways from Birmingham Airport on 14th December 2026, with 25kg luggage per person and transfers included. To find out more or to book, visit tui.co.uk, pop into your local TUI store or download the TUI app.