Gambia

[Excersizer]

Romanaya, Dude you must be a Gambai/afrika GURU by now. You mention so much things in depth en detail that I needed to know. I'll take on your advice en go to hotel sinds it's first time. En maybe rent a place a side for recreation.

I think I'll manage very well now.

Thanks alot. All of you for the valuable info en good luck.

[Romanaya]

Wow disco, upstairs in the senegambia area, is probably the place for you, or downstairs, the terrace of Jazz cafe, same management. Any taxidriver will take you there, if you're not allready staying in the senegambia area, for instance in mentioned Tafbell.

Appartments are less safe, as there is no security. I stayed in an appartment with no security and was robbed of my suitcase while I was not there. They broke the door and trashed the place. Sorry, I'd recommend a hotel as main residence. Still, in my big European city, the same thing happened to me, and 99% of the Gambian people are really very nice.

Anyway, go to kenaba for two hours, or to her appartment if you want to keep a good reputation in the hotel, though you wouldn't be looked down on in any way by the staff unless maybe if you have a different girl every night. I was actually very popular with the hotel people for having a nice gambian girlfriend, registering everyday at the reception, me signing for her, she chatting with them, nice. I was lucky now to find someone I really like, and she was good to me. "You lucky guy" they used to say.

Anyway, no negotiation is really required in Wow or Jazz cafe. Jazz cafe night time, that is. Daytime, different people are there, you might end up accidentally insulting someone. Night time, chances of insulting someone there are 0.001 % . Buying her a drink, 20 dalasis, is allways appreciated and makes the first, well understood, connection. Really, the're all waiting for that toubab on a white horse who just comes to them and offers them a drink. Wow girls' heaven that is . Then, after some minutes of conversation to get acquainted, if you say "let's go" you'll be underway with her in two seconds flat. BUT still it's better to agree on a price beforehand. Maybe making an agreement privately in the taxi underway to the place will work for you.

It's the same as with taxidrivers, they'll just say "lets go" and ask high prices afterwards. Girls can be very honest sometimes, but there are some troublemakes there, I know . If they say "how can I ask you a price" they are either very sweet and modest, or cunning and planning to make trouble afterwards, there is no way of telling really. So it's better to insist on clarity.

Girls who refuse payment in money are good girls but definately hoping for visa and marriage. Don't let them live in these false dreams unless you really intend to do this. Even if they insist, for many times they'll keep trying to push you in this role, and you might feel awkward afterwards, trying to get out of this situation. And then the accusations come.

[Excersizer]

Thanks alot guys. I'm new to this and I'm uncomfortable with the 'walk of shame' lol. I like to keep it as discreet as possible that's why I'm looking for places where no nogotiation is necessary. From what I've read sofar, I think I would feel most compfortable in an apartments. Tips and suggestions are still welcome.

Thanks

[Romanaya]

Excersizer,

You don't need an appartment, if that's what you mean. This is African culture, everything is very natural, no shame involved. Because of the high prices the hotel reception asked I sometimes went with the girl to her appartment. She'll tell the taxidriver where it is. You could make a deal with the taxidriver to pick you up again, as he knows the place now, in one hour, or next morning, as you please. Taxifare will normally be between 50 and one hundred dalasi one way, night time is a bit higher then daytime tariffs off course.

Negotiation skills are not very much needed. The sentiment in Wow (the disco in senegambia area) is this: 1000 dalasi makes the girl very happy, 500 is the minimum, below that is possible but you might feel like you're taking advantage of the girl, her situation, the poverty, etc. Some model-like types get 1500.

Strait forward approach (if she hasn't grabbed you first ) works fine. I mean, like: "Hi, I like you."; not like "Hi, how much?". It pays to be polite and respectfull in this culture, you'll notice people will say "sorry" if they see you hit your toe against a chair, for instance. But here politeness doesn't mean you have to be vague about anything. Africans are stars in reading people. Acting and talking in line with what you feel and want is best.

[Phileas]

I stayed at Seabreeze Apartments about 18 months ago. 10/15 mins (or short taxi ride) walk out of Senegambia on Kololi road. Views out over plam trees to ocean. Large roof terrace. Big living room + kitchenette and bathroom. £75 for the week.

I had no problem taking girls in. Nightwatchman would go to shops for my supplies and offered to find girls if I wanted.

Couple who owned it were thinking of selling on and website is now down. Have email address if you PM me.

[Frank Africa]

Don't stay at Kairaba 5 star...run like a prison...Reverted to chatting up the girls working there at the pool bar...the hotel management fires them if they are caught going to a room with clients... The Senegambia Hotel next door is 4 star, same price range, less restirct for U to take girls in, no problem there.

Just wanted to support what Afro Traveller said. The Kairaba is the nicest hotel in the area but is not particularly girl-friendly. On the other hand, I had no problem at all bringing in girls from the outside to the Senegambia for the night, both girls who I had met outside and girls who I met at the Senegambia disco (but who were not Senegambia employees).

Afro Traveller is also right - in most tourist-quality hotels anywhere in The Gambia, indeed in Africa, a female employee will be fired if they are caught going to a room with a client, so if a young lady at the hotel where you're staying strikes your fancy, you should plan on taking her to a different hotel for sex, or else move yourself to a different hotel.

I learned this the hard way several years ago - I was staying at the Senegambia, and one of the "animators," a gorgeous 19 year old with big tits who had never had a child, came to my room for an afternoon quickie. Someone saw her and she was fired on the spot, even though she wasn't on duty at the time of the quickie. I never saw her again - too bad, as those tits were quite memorable

[Excersizer]

Romanaya, thanks for the info. Straight forward, on-topic en very clear.

Ps. do you know internet links to some of the places, if any?

Also are appartments preferred? caus i'm 1st timer en my negotiation skills er 0, anybody knows some good ones?
Thanks

[Romanaya]

Palm beach Hotel: NOT girlfriendly, they ask 1000 or 1500 dalasi for the girl even in daytime. Non negotiable. Reason given: to many problems, reports of robberies by the girls. Maybe it's true, maybe not. Maybe they just like receiving the money, otherwise there's nothing in it for them, you know: Africa .

Tafbel. Nice place, very friendly staff, half girlfriendly, daytime 11h (morning) till midnight free, after midnight 1500 dalasi for the girl unless you book a double room. Reception people are open for negotiation for the room prices, especially now in off season, easily way below 1000 dalasi per night (I promised not to mention what I paid).

Mannjai lodge. Atmosphere inbetween the above (tourist)hotels and a local hotel. 500 Dalasi per night single, 750 for a double room, which off course covers and cancels all further questions about girls (they didn't look strange at me, but then again I'm not hardcore like in having a different girl every night). Otherwise, if you book a single room, it's 250 per night extra for the girl (fair enough, it's the diff between single and double room), which makes it the most girlfriendly tourist hotel I know and the only place where I had a girl sleeping with me nighttime.

Kenaba: more local style, 250 per night (current off season price, otherwise 300) with or without girl, or 150 per two hours, no questions asked. The vulture girls know the place. Round african style houses. Locks, security, cleanlyness not up to the standards of the hotels mentioned above. Much used for ... oh well. Keep your valuables and good name in one of the tourist hotels, and use this for recreation unless you're the hardcore backpacker type. Walking distance from Senegambia area, or 30-50 dalasi for the taxi if you're with a girl (remember: the high heels .

Current rates: 1 euro= 33 dalasi, 1 dollar 27 dalasi, 1 pond =50 dalasi.

[Afro Traveller]

Beach places: Kololi: Don't stay at Kairaba 5 star even if they charge just now 60 E a single and 100 E a double. Its run like a prison. Reverted to chatting up the girls working there at the pool bar, but it is a long haul as they look for a boyfriend who will be there at least a week to go out with them etc AND the hotel management fires them if they are caught going to a room with clients... so its tough but it did work for me after 5 days of flirting. The Senegambia Hotel next door is 4 star, same price range, less restirct for U to take girls in, no problem there. They themselves have some hassle to get in alone but in the end they manage. Its a bit upper market. Much easier is TafBel hotel, just behind Kairaba, a bit less than 40 E a double... but its pretty basic, a shower, a bed and an AC, rooms are small as the studios are under refurbishment. However, the night lfe just now is great, no hoardes of tourists, lots of drinking places and the WOW disco, Spy bar and many others are great. All within 5 minutes walking from the hotels I mentioned. If u want a LOT more choice in terms of bars, clubs discos etc, lodge close to Serekunda, the biggest town and economic center of the Gambia. No beach there but lots of fun and diversity at night. Its only 15 minute drive to the nice beaches.

[Excersizer]

Hi,

Where's the best place to stay for 1st time. Can somebody help me with some good places to stay that are girlfriendly. I'm very reasenable, i don't always strife for the cheapest as long as it is girlfriendly, but please list prices if possible. No food etc.. needs to be included caus i'm planning to eat out everytime.

Thanks alot

[Romanaya]

And, what I just mentioned (in my previous post) about a life together with an African lady is still valid even if you're only there for one week. However long or short, everything is possible of course. But my recommendation for a good experience in Africa is to choose one lady you feel you have a connection with, and take at least one week together. That way you'll get a chance to dig deeper into african culture, to learn and experience more. The colonials, with old-fashioned humor, used to call this a walking dictionary. Oh well. But it's much more than that of course. For me it was the experience of a life time, the opening of doors I didn't know still existed on earth. So deeply satisfying for a man. Just arrange things, for both of you. Be clear and honest about the arrangement. And it will work.

The thing "we" have to learn about Africa, is that if we're honest about our intentions, everything is possible. Absolutely no need to lie or be tricky about anything. It's all there, it's all possible.

One thing is necesary to mention though, for people who might be visiting Afirca for the first time. Unfortunately there is a small percentage of people who can and will lie to you. A small percentage, but noticable, because of the special situation a visitor is in, asking questions on the street, etc. (better ask a shopkeeper!). More than in European countries or in North America, the responsability to use your human insight is entirely your own. That is something of a paradox, because my overall sentiment is that Africa is sweet. But it may be felt that if you're naive enough to fall for lies of dishonest people, it's your own fault. So yes, it is necesary to be somewhat on your guard in Africa, otherwise it might turn into a costly learning school. If you get around enough, you will surely be tested. And if you have any weaknesses and stay long enough, they will surely be found and exploited... I'm sorry to have to say that. Along with the sweetness there are also a lot of tricks people may play on you. Unfortunately perhaps, but it's part of the game. But not with all people. Some. But they are certainly there. Use of your common sense and human knowledge is more important then ever.

But still, If you're a fair and honest man, just BE fair and honest, just explain what it is you want, and it will come to you. If the person you're with cannot accomodate your "soul's desire", she or her friend will find somebody who can, everybody is connected in Africa, there's a whole network. If you connect with the right people, and you're open and friendly, they will be too... That's Africa for you! A long story, but it's a testimony of my love for this extraordinary and rewarding continent. It's worth it!

[Romanaya]

Hi Tom. Hi Everybody.

Oumie, oumie... no, I don't know her. Yet. But I'll ask for her, for a chat. Any special messages to deliver, Tom? I'll be there May 9th, for six weeks. What country is she from? Gambia or any of the (ex-) civil war countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea Conakry?

A lot of girls in the Gambian scene come from those places. Good for the family back home, they send money. We've all got to make ends meet somehow, right? And they seem happy enough, some sadness showing only when they talk about their countries' fate and their families' circumstances (if they still have them, many lost at least one of their parents in the sad civil wars).

But here they have a good chance to make a life, and they are managing. I'm game, I spread my money here, and I never got any reason to complain. Ohhh no... if Africa didn't exist, it should be invented. Though we never could, with all our brain power and management talent. We should be glad it's still there, the world would be a so much poorer place without sweet Africa. And I just love African women, their natural femininity. Sometimes so sweet, sometimes exuberant emotions, but always true. So refreshing. A man is a man, a woman is a woman. Period.

GFE? Did I hear anybody mention girlfriend experience? Treat her like a human being, and she'll treat you like a king. The man takes care of the woman, the woman takes care of the man. It's like that. Be the man, be the provider, be strong & the centre of things (even when she starts shouting right in your ear , it will pass in fifteen minutes, it's like a storm, clearing the air, a natural fenomenon, don't worry, be the quiet centre of the storm, you'll just have to show her that you still have everything under control, that's what she wants to see) and she'll be the woman, surround you with care, she'll surely take her role in your life together. There's no more to it than that. It might turn out to be a best experience you ever had with a woman. If you give it a chance. It's all so very natural. There, in Africa, it still is.

Africans are so courageous, dealing with all this, war, sickness, poverty and still smiling a LOT more then we, the people in the west. The people on the street radiate happines most of the time. How come I don't see that in my rich country? It's crazy but true. That's why Africa always draws me back!

[Tom3108]

Hi guys,

Re BJ : no problem, allways very very willing BBBJ!

Re Names: Sorry, I am no good with names, there is one called Oumie, not tall, nice one, no taboos whatsoever.

Man, I want to go back there soon !

Happy huntings

[Romanaya]

If you like, give me some names of the girls you met in Wow, guys.

If I recognize any, we could share some stories and experiences, that would be interesting.

[Bushwacker1]

I've heard that many girls in Gambia don't like to give head, is this true or is BBBJ easy to get?

Also, what's the quality like? I've just been in Kenya and the quality there is quite good, is the quality in Gambia comparable to Kenya?

Well all the girls i saw last week were very good and yes a bj was no problem.

As previous entries state go to the WOW where the girls are 18-25 and most are stunning! Nice cloths and do they smell nice? A must for any male tourist.
Just ask a cab to take you, or ask for African Queen resturant in Kololi which is a couple of bars down. Better to stay at Tafbel which is a 5 minute walk away.