Tendaba Camp: An Oasis of Tranquility in The Gambia

• HelloSalam alaikum
  [sa-lam a-lai-kum]
• GoodbyeJaarama
  [ja-ra-ma]
• YesEewo
  [ee-wo]
• NoAlaa
  [a-laa]
• Please/You're welcomeNoy jarr
  [noy jar]
• Thank youJerejef
  [je-re-jef]
• Excuse me/SorryNanga def
  [nan-ga def]
• How are you?Meen laa la?
  [meen laa la]
• Fine. And you?Nopp. Ñaa ngi la?
  [nop. nyaa ngi la]
• Do you speak English?Noppa ñu def Angalee?
  [nop-pa nu def an-ga-lee]
• I don't understandGanaa ko
  [ga-naa ko]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMaangi menu jeeguma, ñaata
  [maan-gi me-nu jee-gu-ma nyaa-ta]
• I don't eat meatA mëtu jëm rag ga
  [a me-tu jem rag ga]
• Cheers!Bissimila
  [bis-si-mi-la]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMaangi yaram, ñaata
  [maan-gi ya-ram nyaa-ta]

• Help!Ndank
  [n-dank]
• Go away!Jafe
  [ja-fe]
• Call the Police!Woye Polis!
  [wo-ye polis]
• Call a doctor!Woye dokteer!
  [wo-ye dok-tee-er]
• I'm lostNaa fëkk
  [naa fekk]
• I'm illNaa jëm
  [naa jem]

• I'd like to buy...Maangi jëf...
  [maan-gi jef]
• I'm just lookingDama ko fi
  [da-ma ko fi]
• How much is it?Ñaari laa la?
  [nyaa-ri laa la]
• That's too expensiveMangal naa laa
  [man-gal naa laa]
• Can you lower the price?Ñaari naa def?
  [nyaa-ri naa def]

• What time is it?Ñaari bi laa?
  [nyaa-ri bi laa]
• It's one o'clockÑaari bi dem
  [nyaa-ri bi dem]
• Half past (10)Jonkandik (10)
  [jon-kan-dik]
• MorningSuba
  [su-ba]
• AfternoonNëbë
  [ne-be]
• EveningKër
  [ker]
• YesterdayNgoon
  [ngoon]
• TodayHõore
  [ho-o-re]
• TomorrowBukaar
  [bu-kaar]
• 1Bi
  [bi]
• 2Ñaar
  [nyaar]
• 3Tàttu
  [tat-tu]
• 4Nègg
  [negg]
• 5Juroom
  [ju-room]
• 6Jookkoo
  [jook-koo]
• 7Jete
  [je-te]
• 8Ñett
  [nyett]
• 9Nawett
  [na-wett]
• 10Fukk
  [fukk]

• Where's a/the...?Kó waajale...?
  [ko wa-ja-le]
• What's the address?Adreesu ko la?
  [a-dree-su ko la]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ñaata yombul mi (ngir map)?
  [nyaa-ta yom-bul mi ngir map]
• When's the next (bus)?Ñaata joxe (bus)?
  [nyaa-ta jok-se bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Billet (to ....)
  [bil-let]

Tendaba Camp was established in the early 1970s by a German national named Fritz Hamer. The camp initially served as a small fishing lodge and gradually evolved into an eco-tourism hotspot, attracting nature lovers and bird watchers from around the globe. The founding of Tendaba Camp marked the beginning of a new era in The Gambia's tourism industry, emphasizing eco-friendly and sustainable travel.

Tendaba Camp is located on the banks of the River Gambia, near Kiang West National Park. Its proximity to the park has made it an essential hub for eco-tourism in The Gambia. The camp offers boat tours along the river, allowing visitors to witness a diverse range of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species. This focus on eco-tourism has helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving The Gambia's natural habitats.

Tendaba Camp serves as a gateway to understanding the rich cultural heritage of the local Mandinka and Jola communities. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with local villagers, participate in traditional dance performances, and learn about indigenous customs and crafts. This cultural exchange fosters a deeper appreciation for the traditions and lifestyle of the people living in the region.

The camp has played a significant role in boosting the local economy by providing employment opportunities to residents of nearby villages. From guides and boat operators to chefs and maintenance staff, Tendaba Camp has created numerous jobs, thereby improving the standard of living for many families. Additionally, the camp sources food and supplies locally, further contributing to the economic development of the area.

Tendaba Camp has been instrumental in various wildlife conservation projects. Collaborating with local and international organizations, the camp has supported initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats. These efforts include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration projects, and educational programs for local communities to promote sustainable practices.

In recent years, Tendaba Camp has faced challenges due to the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. These environmental changes have affected the local wildlife and natural landscape, prompting the camp to adopt more sustainable practices. Efforts include using solar energy, implementing water conservation measures, and promoting eco-friendly tourism activities.

Tendaba Camp is located in the Lower River Region of The Gambia. The nearest international airport is Banjul International Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Banjul, you can take a taxi or a hired car to Tendaba Camp, which typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. Some tour operators also offer organized transfers directly to the camp.

Tendaba Camp is somewhat remote, and the most convenient way to get around is by hiring a car or using local taxis. The roads leading to and around Tendaba can be rough, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Public transport options are limited, but minibuses (locally known as 'gelly-gellys') can be used for short trips. For river tours and bird watching, boats can be hired directly from the camp.

The official currency in The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller transactions and in rural areas like Tendaba. ATMs are scarce in this region, so ensure you have enough cash before departing from larger towns or cities.

Tendaba Camp is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and always secure your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but maintaining vigilance and awareness of your surroundings is advisable.

In case of emergency, dial the local emergency number 117 for police assistance and 116 for medical emergencies. Tendaba Camp has basic medical facilities, but for serious medical issues, you may need to travel to a larger town or city. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Make sure you carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly to respect local customs. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the hot climate. Religion: Do respect local religious practices, and be mindful of prayer times. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous when using local transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'salaam aleikum' (peace be upon you). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and enjoy the hospitality. Don't drink tap water; bottled water is recommended.

To experience Tendaba Camp like a local, spend time interacting with the staff and local villagers. Participate in guided bird-watching tours and river safaris, which offer a unique glimpse into the region's wildlife. Visit local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Embrace the relaxed pace of life and take the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of The Gambia.