Africa's smallest mainland country that's so beautiful but ignored by tourists

Africa's smallest mainland country is one of the best to visit on the continent, according to tourists. There are more than 50 countries in Africa, and many of them have become popular with tourists over the last few decades. In the northern half of the continent, Morocco and Egypt are among the most popular destinations for international tourists. In the southern part of Africa, popular safari destinations include Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa.

But there is one African country you may have never considered visiting, and it is the smallest one on the mainland of Africa. The Gambia is located in the west of the continent, completely surrounded by Senegal. It is named after the river in which its borders are defined. In fact, the country is shaped like a river, with a slim Atlantic coastline and expanding westwards, following the river. But there is a lot more to The Gambia than its small size.

Compared to other African nations, it doesn't usually catch the eye of tourists. The country welcomed 206,000 visitors in 2023. Meanwhile, Africa's most visited country last year was Morocco with 17 million arrivals.

The Gambia is known for its abundance of wildlife, which thrills animal lovers visiting the tiny African nation. Hotspots for this include Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, where you can see monkeys, hippos, and rare birds.

Bijilo Forest Park is ranked as the best thing to do in The Gambia by TripAdvisor. This spot consists of a small forested area as well as beaches. You can sunbathe here and spot monkeys while you get there.

Reviewers have rated this place highly for a number of reasons, with activities including feeding the monkeys and sunbathing by the sea.

One person said of their experience there: "This park is a must when visiting The Gambia, especially if you're around Senegambia, Serrekunda. I saw so many monkeys, and they were all so adorable, playful, and fun to see. I was able to find a guide here on TripAdvisor at the last minute (arranged within just two hours from contacting him), and we were able to arrange to go together as I wanted the most comfortable, easy, and hassle-free experience."

Other highly-rated things to do in The Gambia include Kotu Beach, River Gambia National Park, The Gambian Reptiles Farm, Tanji Fishing Village and the Stone Circles of Senegambia.

For some, The Gambia is among the best places to visit in Africa. One Redditor suggested The Gambia along with Senegal. Meanwhile, Lonely Planet recommends it for its "captivating array of attractions" such as the "golden beaches".

Other Reddit users shared their thoughts on The Gambia, with many revealing it to be a relatively cheap place to visit. One said: "Is it cheap? Yes, it is cheap. Especially away from the Senegambia and Kololi areas. But don't expect much luxury. Don't take electricity, running water, and internet for granted. Expect hardship and be prepared to adapt."

The UK Foreign Office does not explicitly advise against any travel to The Gambia. However, it does point out that no travel can be guaranteed safe.

"Updated assessment that although there is no recent history of terrorism in The Gambia, attacks cannot be ruled out," the Foreign Office says.

To get to The Gambia from the UK, you will typically take two flights as there are no direct connections between the two countries.