Mosquitos and Malaria are a problem in The Gambia, especially in the Autumn. The region has a summer 'rainy season' from mid July to mid September and it is the rain that triggers the increase in mosquito numbers.

It is advisable to use repellent and you might find a mosquito net useful at night time (especially if you don't have air conditioning). You will find that the mosquitos are most active near to ground water (there are money small creeks near the coast) and in the evening time. You will find that they start to come out as the sun sets.

You must take anti-malarial drugs while you are there (and before and after as directed). I have known a number of people contact malaria over the years and one aquaintance recently died - so take it seriously.

Your GP will also recommend various jabs. It would be safest to take the advice, but there is not a great risk of many of the deseases on the list. Yellow fever, for instance, is not a big problem - but hepatitus can be contracted by swimming in the river.