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Personal Health & Safety in Gambia
 
Crime    Travel Advice 
 
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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