Essential information for Kololi

When to go

Kololi is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a little bit of winter sun, with a sizzling average temperature of 33°C between December and April, and 10 hours of sunshine daily. You can grab cheaper flights in November and December, with plenty of hotels and tour operators providing cheap Gambia holidays over the festive period.

If you travel between May and June, the temperatures cool down which means you’ll avoid the tourist crowds, though a few shops and restaurants may close.

Come August and October, Gambia becomes lush with greenery, so if you can brave a few showers this is a great time to see a different side to the country. Humidity is quite high, but with temperatures starting to rise again, it’s a perfect opportunity to take advantage of cheaper flights.

If you’re planning on travelling to Kololi keep an eye on when Ramadan falls. During this time you may find that a lot of the local bars and restaurants aren’t open as usual. Hotels and tour operators will be open and functioning as normal, however.

Health and safety

Before travelling to Gambia, it’s recommended you receive a yellow fever vaccination, along with hepatitis A and B, meningococcal meningitis and typhoid. It’s also advised that you ensure you’ve had boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and measles.

You should also take steps against malaria such as taking a course of anti-malarial tablets and bringing along some mosquito repellent. It’s best to cover up with light, long sleeved tops at dusk. As always, sun cream is also a must-have against the scorching rays.

It’s not advised for tourists to drink tap water while in Kololi. Instead, it’s best to buy a good stock of bottled water, which is available from supermarkets and corner shops. As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip.

If you’re visiting Gambia specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/the-gambia/health

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Gambia for less than 28 days but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/the-gambia/entry-requirements.

Getting around

The closest airport to Kololi is Banjul International Airport, which is around 30 kilometres away. Most tour operators include transfers as part of their Gambia package holidays, so getting to your resort is easy.

Kololi is a small town which means travelling around by foot is a good option, otherwise there are plenty of tourist taxis outside most hotels. Bear in mind most won’t have running meters so it’s best to negotiate a price for the journey before setting off.

Advice for travellers with children

There are plenty of gems in and around Kololi perfect for kids, especially the fabulous beaches and safari tours. Nightlife can be lively, but there are also venues catering for families on the main strip. High chairs aren’t as easy to come by as they are in the UK, so it may be worth packing a portable seat add-on if you’re travelling with small children.

The beaches of Kololi have a high standard of cleanliness, so they’re ideal for children to play on. However, the tides and currents can be strong, so it’s best to stick to the shallows for paddling.

All Inclusive Gambia holidays are easy to find, and if you book one with us we can help take the stress out of planning a trip with little ones.

Electricity

Connector type: British three-pin plug

Voltage Info: 220 to 240 volts

Emergency information

There isn’t a main number covering emergencies in Kololi, instead there are two separate numbers for two departments:

Ambulance: 16

Police: 17

If you’re seeking medical help, you may also wish to contact the clinic in Kololi by calling +220 4460951.

Hospitals

The closest hospital to Kololi is in Banjul, around 30 kilometres away, although there’s a private clinic in Kololi that you can visit for medical assistance, as well.

Banjul Hospital Address: Independence Drive, PO Box 1515, Banjul Phone: +220 4228 223

Kololi Clinic Address: P.O. Box 679, Kololi Phone: +220 463 434

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime, affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Gambia.

Address: 48 Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 507, Banjul, Gambia

Email: UKinTheGambia@fco.gov.uk

Phone (from within Gambia): +220 4495133/134

Phone (from the UK): 020 7008 1500