Many people have probably never heard of the Gambia or know where it is. It is not as popular as its neighbouring African giants but it is beginning to become a popular tourist destination with the more intrepid traveller and a welcome alternative to the time honoured bargain package holiday.

A quick flight search should yield some useful results and before you know it, you could be jetting off into this vibrant African destination. Travellers would also do well to ensure they carry out a hotel search also, so you have somewhere comfortable to stay upon arrival.

Located on the west coast of Africa, the Gambia is bordered by Senegal in the north, east and south and by the Atlantic Ocean on the west. It is a tiny country in comparison to many of its neighbours - in fact it is one of Africa's smallest.

But this miniature riverine nation has a big heart, with plenty to offer the culturally inclined and those who appreciate scenic beauty.

The Gambia River, the country's major waterway, rises in the Futa Jallon in Guinea and meanders for 1,000 miles to the sea.

Mangrove swamps line either of the river for the first 100 miles from the sea; the mangroves then give way to more wide open country and, in places, striking red ironstone cliffs. The land both sides of the river is generally open flat grasslands with wooded areas along the drainage channels.

In its last 300 miles, the river flows directly through the Gambia, narrowing to a width of three miles at Banjul. Just a quick trip up the river will bring you straight into the Gambian heartland - alive with the colourful vibe of weekly markets, selling all manner of the weird, wonderful and exotic.

If you are expecting Spittalfields, be warned - you are in for a shock! You can expect to see dashes of bright colours at every turn - peppers and spices stacked what seems as a mile high in practically every colour of the rainbow - and then some.

Foolhardy but good-humoured market traders will tirelessly vie for your attention in brazen attempts to part you from your money. There are plenty of bargains to be had and new and exciting foodstuffs to try so make the most of the market experience. Your taste buds will never be entertained quite like they will in the markets of Banjul.

Those eager to explore the natural beauty of this African city can also opt for boat trips through mangrove creeks and explore the tropical flora and fauna of the local area. The adventurous can also go on lively bike jaunts of the immediate surrounds, tearing through the built-up city centre or further afield through mud-hut villages.

The best time to travel in the Gambia is from November to February, when conditions are dry and fairly temperate and cool. Although, around this time of year is the harmattan season, during which dry and dusty winds blow down from the Sahara.

During the wet season (June to October), popular tourist areas are less congested and cheaper, though some of the smaller dirt roads become inaccessible and diseases including malaria are more rampant. The peak tourist season lasts from October to April, which coincides with the visiting migratory birds.

Conveniently, the Gambia is in the same time zone as the UK, so no changing of the time on your watch is necessary. The official language is English, which is widely spoken and the currency is the Dalasi.