The Gambia has been a tourist destination for more than four decades, but remains a mystery to the majority of British travellers, despite being an English-speaking country. With temperatures averaging 30C (86F), very little rain, reasonable prices and served by daytime flights lasting six hours, this is a good time to discover it.

Visitors will find an intriguing mix.Termite mounds along the airport road will let them know they are in Africa, sophisticated beach-side hotels smack of luxury destinations, the bars along the Senegambia strip in Kololi have the air of 1970s Mediterranean resorts and the Gambia river itself opens the way to adventure holidays.

The Gambia Experience has been offering holidays to the country for more than 20 years and has some excellent winter deals, ranging from a friendly hotel in Kololi to luxury lodges 45 minutes away on a mangrove-clothed tributary of the river.

A week's B&B from December 9 at Sarges Hotel, which has a pool, costs from £479 with a flight from Gatwick, while half-board for a week in a floating lodge at Mandina Lodges in Makasutu Forest is from £899 with a flight on December 5 and transfers. Each suite is cooled by fans and has a private, but roofless, bathroom. Guests have the use of a large pool and bar and can choose to dine in their lodge or in one of the à la carte alfresco dining areas.

The company also has availability leading up to and over Christmas Day - but with return flights on Boxing Day - at the four-star Kombo Beach Hotel in the resort of Kotu. The hotel sits beside a long, sandy beach fringed by palm trees, has a pool and three restaurants and a lively atmosphere, with entertainment and sports activities for adults and children.

Discounted packages include flights from Gatwick, transfers and taxes, B&B in air-conditioned rooms and a gala dinner on Christmas Eve. Prices are from £799 for a fortnight from December 12, £599 for a week from December 19 and £549 for four nights from December 22.

For a truly different experience, Hidden Gambia runs week-long trips up the river to the Bird Safari Camp, about 200 miles (320km) inland. Mark Thompson, managing director, says: “There is an adventure waiting to happen for the more intrepid traveller on the 700-mile long Gambia river. It is a fascinating place where, even though you are just a six hour flight from the UK, you cannot help feeling that you are light years away from modern life.”

The tour takes guests deep into the Gambian heartland and its riverside villages, viewing wildlife along the way. About 550 species of birds nest along the river, including rare breeds of owls that can be seen at the bird camp. With regular departures this month and next, the tour costs from £950 with flights from Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow, nights in riverside lodges and hotels, transfers, park fees and game activities.

www.gambia.co.uk - 0845 3302087

hiddengambia.com - 0121-288 4100

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