When Out and About:
There are other issues you should be
aware of regarding your personal health and safety while in Gambia such as
Bilharzias,
water safety, wearing sunscreen, crime and other hazards to avoid.
Do not under-estimate the power of the sun to give you sunstroke.
Drink plenty of water during the day.
When out on an excursion
in the thick bush you are advised to wear thick trousers and boots for
protection against biting insects and other creatures such as
scorpions and spiders. This is particularly true of the national parks
such as Pirang or Makasutu.
Because you are in the tropics you must take great care with cuts
and abrasions and clean and treat them as soon as possible as there
are numerous bacteria and parasitical organisms in either the soil,
water and air.
There are many biting insects apart from mosquitoes so do pack
some insect cream and antihistamine tablets, or steroid cream to
reduce any inflammation.
There is rabies in the country however, the
dogs in Gambia are very timid and shy and steer clear from people. In
case you are bitten it is critical you go straight to a doctor or
hospital to get some ant-rabies shots.
Do not become friendly with dogs as they are in
the main infected with one or more of several diseases.
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Roadside & Transport Care:
If you are walking along the road try to keep
on the left side of the road so you can see any incoming traffic. Only
walk in lighted areas otherwise do carry a torch and a spare set of
batteries.
Use common sense before getting into a bush
taxi—though most are dilapidated but still run well, never get into a
vehicle you have a bad feeling about—like if the driver is drunk/high
or if the breaks sound like they could give out at any moment.
As the fascinating tubaab you are, you will undoubtedly be offered
rides for free by vehicles without a yellow license plate. It is
advisable not to except these offers, but again, you should use common
sense in this situation. There is always a chance you can be taken
advantage of; however a little old English lady in broad daylight in a
public area most likely won’t bring you harm, but a sketchy pair of
guys who smell like ganja are best refused. In any case, remember that
public taxis are usually safer, cheap, and probably not far behind. A
disclaimer: The author of this guide does not in anyway endorse
hitchhiking.
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