"The Gambian Paradise - Kololi" Kololi by SandyShore

On leaving Scotland in the midst of the February snow and ice, it was extraordinary to be greeted by the scorching heat of Banjul International Airport six hours later. My son, who had been sledging in the snow the previous day, was amazed by the temperature difference..

The Gambia is fairly underdeveloped and this adds to the African theme. The people are colourful and very friendly. My first impression was that nothing in The Gambia is ever rushed. Our friends met us at the airport, and as we headed for Kololi, I was amazed at how basic the roads were, the combination of open bush and yet surprised at how many new buildings were going up on the main road from Banjul International Airport to Senegambia.

The twenty minute ride to our apartments was filled with taking in the sites and sounds, and gasping in amazement at the Gambians unusual driving style.

Kololi Beach

Kololi is a large village situated near the west coast. A stroll around the village reveals homes ranging from brightly painted houses in well kept compounds, to hovels constructed from rough home made cement blocks. The road infrastructure is improving, but most are just sand.

It can be a real eye-opener to see how little some of the people have. For all that obvious poverty, I didn't see one miserable Gambian.

Senegambia lies west of Kololi and contains all you need whether staying in a hotel or self catering. From here, your virtually on the beach.

Kololi seems very well situated for amenities, and the sandy beach and Atlantic rollers are only a short stroll away.

Bumsters used to be a problem, but the Army have removed the vast majority of them, and you can stroll along the beach, approached occasionally by ladies selling fruit or the usual jewellery peddlers.

There are various places on the beach to get refreshments. From Kololi beach it's a two kilometre walk to Kotu beach which has broader sands and sun beds for hire.

If you like fishing, the local fishermen will be delighted to arrange a days sea angling, or alternatively, you can fish from the beach.

To get an overall impression of The Gambia, you need to get away from the obvious tourist areas. While there, the owner of the apartments I stayed at arranged a small trip into the lesser visited areas of the bush.
This was most definitely a highlight of our visit. The children from the villages we passed through ran after our landrover smiling and waving.

• Pros:Ideally situated for shops, bars, restaurants and all amenities. Great value for money.
• Cons:The Gambian people constantly want to talk, some people might have a problem with this.
• In a nutshell:Truely a sunshine paradise, something here for everyone.