The Gambia has good deal to offer beyond the simple pleasures of lying on a sun-drenched beach. There are numerous opportunities for excursions, from 4x4 adventures into the bush and southern Gambia, trips up river either in a pirogue or the muted glamour of a catamaran to see the extraordinary bird life, or a chance to get out and about and meet the local people either in their traditional surroundings or even children at school as part of the famous Roots tour. You can head into the towns of Serrekunda or the national capital of Banjul, and if you fancy it, you can even don your plus-fours and play a round of golf.