The Gambia, Africa's Smiling Coast | Travel Vlog

Africa. The continent that never ceases to amaze me. My travels had taken me to southern Africa in the past but I was keen to explore west Africa. When cheap return flights for £170 per person became available to The Gambia, I couldn't have been more excited! It was the perfect opportunity to get my first taste of Africa's west coast.
The Gambia is the smallest country on the African continent and is bordered on all side's by the country of Senegal, except for the west side which meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Frequently dubbed the Smiling Coast of West Africa, I was keen to see for myself what The Gambia was like and what this small country had to offer.
In this vlog, we touch down at Banjul international airport and begin our journey south.
I hope you enjoy my first vlog in my Gambia series! I'm trying something a little different for this vlog series in making it a little more like a documentary, giving you information about the Gambia as well as my direct experience.
Business Email 📧 [e-mail]
-- The Gambia Series --
This is Episode 1 in my The Gambia documentary series.
You can watch all episodes here: • The Gambia, Africa's S...
Or if you'd like to watch a specific vlog, here they all are:
Next Episodes 👇
The Gambia travel vlog 2: • The Gambia EPIC BEACH ...
The Gambia travel vlog 3: • Amazing Gambia, Why Yo...
The Gambia travel vlog 4: • Is The Gambia SAFE? (I...
-- Vlog Locations --
Banjul International Airport, Footsteps Eco Lodge, Gunjur, Koofung Private Forrest Park, The Gambia, Africa, Gunjur Beach, Serrekunda, Kotu, Senegambia
-- My Equipment --
Main Camera: amzn.to/32OfFNd
Vlog Lens: amzn.to/332tEPu
Portrait Lens: amzn.to/3JFxwXp
Telephoto Lens: amzn.to/3sXdn9s
Drone: amzn.to/3qK5LUR
-- Music --
Epidemic Sound
Get a 30 day free trial today: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for watching my vlog from The Gambia! If you liked it don't forget ti give it a thumbs up 👍 and subscribe for more! My next vlog on The Gambia is now live! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIPJnqSiqbZgm9k

[@malangmendy3416]

How did you feel the beautiful life in afrika but i want to ask you why you don't travoll to the Caucuses mountain

[@marvcandygifford8054]

Would love to visit your country one day #onelove🇯🇲

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@marvcandygifford8054 I would also love to visit yours!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@malangmendy3416 I love travelling to Africa. It's such a vast continent that's rich in culture. Ah the Caucuses mountains look beautiful! I need to explore Eastern Europe :)

[@muhammad_5334]

Ella in Wanderlust that’s my country. I’m from Busumbala

[@michellepreston2634]

Just back from The Gambia yesterday. Such beautiful people live in this country. It’s the friendliest place I have ever been in my life

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I agree, the people are so friendly! Definitely one of the friendliest places I've been to as well.

[@hisexcellencypresidentofre4118]

Really???🤣😂

[@moonlitm3285]

I thought it was one of the more shitty countries in Africa.

[@Lycheeeeeeeeeeee]

@@moonlitm3285 it is lmao, its awful try living there u get non stop abuse

[@justicejay8937]

@@Lycheeeeeeeeeeee such,a liar

[@kailajai6098]

As a British-born Gambian, I’ve been there almost as many times as my age and yet there’s parts that you’ve showed me that I’ve never been to or experienced. Thank you for baring our raw culture ❤️

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad I could show you something new. The Gambia just has so much to offer :)

[@keepcreationprocess]

You never fully discover a place or its people let alone a country you are never born to or grew up......Often it is a total mistery.....It has multiple layers.

[@EscoSar]

I can't wait to get back home for Tobaski. Gambia Refet Toruuup ❤❤❤

[@bakarykujabi4721]

Welcome back

[@nasimvaiya6410]

I thank you from the bottom of my heart Gambia. Other countries need to learn from you that when it is time to stand against a wrong, that is the time to prove who you are and how brave you are! The Al-Mighty Bless you Gambia!

[@ramdomguyfiftychars]

Been going to The Gambia for about 5 years now, and it's a really lovely place. It always makes me smile to see others' experiences and how they come to love this small country. One thing that struck me on my last trip though, is how hard these people have been hit by the decline in tourism due to Covid and the rise of inflation. Rice, oil and fuel are double what they used to be and although it's still the smiling coast of Africa, that smile sometimes feels heavy now. God I feel like a mangrove growing new roots there and it saddens me sometimes but the Gambians themselves also fill me with hope for a better future to come. Bless this lovely nation. Anyone reading this who hasn't been there, I definitely recommend going there as it's a great introduction to this magnificent continent.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for sharing you experience! It is so sad what the world is currently going through. It seems no country is immune from the effects. You'd have hoped there would be some stability after COVID as we all needed it. Alas... I also think about how much of an impact the current cost of living crisis will have for people travelling overseas and whether it will hinder tourism's bounce-back after COVID. The Gambia is such an incredible country, made special by it's amazing people.

[@overcomingdarkness2585]

The Gambia is full of love. Beautiful people. I visited in 2016 and out of all of the countries I've visited so far The Gambia showed me the most love. I will be returning in 9 weeks, 1 day and 19 hours!! Yes I am counting lol!! SO EXCITED!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So lucky you are returning soon! I'm excited for you. I agree! The people are so incredibly friendly. Love them!

[@richelletvforyou8324]

This was so tastefully done! And I love that you used African music for your soundtrack. This is how you visit and report on someone else's country/culture!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video. Yeah, I do like to match the music as much to a country as possible and I'm happy you appreciated that :) Have a great day!

[@jannatultaiba8582]

Love u Gambia From Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩

[@davidboyd4617]

I first came to The Gambia 3 years ago. I relocated here 14 months ago from the US. If your thinking about traveling here make plans. You will enjoy the people and culture. When I first came I had some safety concerns. By the next day, I was convinced that all my fears were unwarranted. If you're in The Gambia contact me. There are many great beach bar and other establishments I wasn't aware of my first visit. I will gladly point you in the right direction. Ella great video

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! I felt the same as you. I was nervous arriving in The Gambia but as soon as I met the locals, I realised how wrong I'd been. I felt very safe!

[@genessejones7524]

How easy is it to relocate there?

[@genessejones7524]

What made you move there?

[@alieuojawo2674]

@@genessejones7524 hi u welcome to find out

[@elnorarobinson8408]

I enjoyed my 2 week visit there as well, very beautiful country and such friendly ppl. I had so much fun I am planning to return next year. 😁

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's amazing! Yes, The Gambia is such an incredible country and I can't wait to return either 🤗

[@fatou8011]

Watching vlogs made by tourists is soo interesting to me, cause i used to live in The Gambia but i was lived quite... 'privileged' (to say the least) my lifestyle and views are completely different. Usually tourists capture the world i didn't fully get to experience. Interesting nevertheless 💕 happy yall enjoyed the smiling coast

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Glad you enjoyed watching! It's always interesting to see your country through the eyes of someone else I find :)

[@gringa4914]

I’m actually from Gambia (my dad was born and raised there but my mum is from Senegal) and I honestly love it so much. If anyone wants to go there I highly recommend it, you’ll love it

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's amazing! I agree with you - I'd highly recommend it too!

[@Samsam-vq4se]

two beautiful countries

[@gringa4914]

Sam Mo truly

[@gringa4914]

Ella in Wanderlust I hope you enjoyed your time there! 💕

[@ThyOmon]

Hey guys am a new KZbinr and my KZbin channel name ThyOmon pleased subscribe to my KZbin channel to support me please link is bitlylink.com/eBgki

[@kumbisnj6858]

I’m a Gambian and I really love this video so thanks much making & showing the world the beauty in Gambia 😘❤️🥰

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for watching! I loved exploring your beautiful country :)

[@alimblog11]

i love gambia from Bangladesh

[@mukhtarrsanneh3244]

This makes me feel soo nostalgic... I'm Gambian born and raised inside the country but I'm currently outside

[@EllaMcKendrick]

What a wonderful country to be able to call your home 💕 I hope you visit soon

[@tonyreilly9255]

arent u lucky i have friends there just cant wate to get out of there

[@levelup9273]

This was a beautifully edited and very informative travel vlog. Thank you for taking us with you on your journey through this wondrous country.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to watch and comment! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it :)

[@shiponkhondokaremonkhondok5838]

I am Bangladeshi, Love you Gambia...

[@sulaymanjabbie4082]

Waw am blessed to watch this video.. the smiling coast of Africa...

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching! Your comment made me smile. I love The Gambia. I hope to make it back to the smiling coast of Africa soon.

[@sulaymanjabbie4082]

@@EllaMcKendrick you'll be always welcome to the smiling coast of West Africa... Appreciate 👐

[@annemariestrehl]

Wow, that dramatic intro and narrative beginning totally had me hooked rightaway. Very poetic.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much!

[@chriper77]

I've always loved out-of-the-way destinations. Tonight I've been all over The Gambia and Senegal via Google Maps. A couple of hours later I checked for KZbin vids. Great job with the footage and commentary. How lucky you are to be able to travel there for under £200. Unfortunately I'm in Australia and The Gambia is about as far as you can get from my country. As a result, it's extremely expensive - the cheapest flight being around $4,000 . It's still nice to experience it vicariously through videos such as yours!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad you enjoyed watching! Wow, you're right, those flights are very expensive 🥺

[@stiffggamer2074]

Love You ❤️ Thanks For Making this Amazing Documentary , Proudly Gambian 🇬🇲

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! I cannot wait to return to Gambia in future :)

[@edemanwanakpan4807]

I have lived and worked there! My family still there.

[@raymondjatta6779]

Your view about my country makes me love my country more thanks for your nice compliments😊😊😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm so happy you liked them! You have a wonderful country 🤗

[@juri1073]

Best ever holiday of mine spent in the Gambia!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Amazing! Which part did you visit?

[@MariamaSonko]

Wow it’s unbelievable💋💋.I am from The Gambia and love now in Holland.Love to-came across your blog and am from The Gambia.You definetly got a sub

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching and your support! What a wonderful country to be from 🤗

[@tijansowe9070]

You are welcome to the smiling cost of Africa the Gambia 🇬🇲🇬🇲🇬🇲😍😍😍😍😍✌

[@Somedayilllearn]

Such a great video! Makes me want to start planning a trip to Africa! My travel list is always growing, there are just SO many amazing places in this wide world that I want to see!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Sounds like my list! It's overflowing 😂

[@Mtanda.]

Plan to visit our great and beautiful Tanzania in East africa with Ngorongoro creture zanzibar and many parks

[@bakarykujabi4721]

You are welcome and wish to see you soon

[@kidchris]

Gambia is a beautiful country. Been there a couple of times. Love your video!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Such a beautiful country indeed! I definitely have to make a return visit.

[@claudiobari722]

Jes but gay people dont have a chance to survife there !!!!!

[@jermarwilliamson8165]

They need to come in numbers to the u s and invest in the stock market, take the money back to their homeland and rebuild from all their true resources that was taken from them such as gold, diamonds, etc. look into Africas true history, they where once the richest people on the face of the Earth, the very first people to build great kingdoms older than all kingdoms across the globe filled with gold, diamonds and scrolls but then just like the European Nations fort against each other so did the African nations, there kings became to greedy and was fooled by the Europeans. The leaders in such poor countries are funded money to keep filthy things like prostitution legal when they should be using that money to build greater schools, colleges, libraries, international banks, medical centers and investment firms which teach how to invest in cryptocurrency world wide and help build up more self made businesses. Most of these men and women who sell themselves don't enjoy what their doing their just looking for a way out of poverty but poverty is just a mind set and the ones preying on them knows that's true but could just care less. The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer because the rich has it set up like that, place one group in a certain area and fix it up less while the others in the other area get treated a lot better. Only God can free these people from poverty, Jesus has already came back and he's in the mind of the poor, greater is he in us. >>>>>> Leviticus 19:29 kjv “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” King James Version (KJV) Job 9:24 24The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he? King James Bible Exodus 15:3 3The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. King James Bible Ecclesiastes 3:8 8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. King James Bible 1 John 2:15-16 King James Version (KJV) 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ECCLESIASTICUS 12:6 KJV "For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against..." Ecclesiasticus 12:6 “For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment.” King James Version (KJV)

[@mimlamia8420]

Gambia people excellent. love u gambia

[@TheJourneyest2016]

The people there are so beautiful! You made a masterpiece with the different edit and shots you got. I never even thought about visiting The Gambia but it looks beautiful with a lot to offer!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Spot on about the people! They're truly incredible! I barely scraped the surface of what The Gambia has to offer. I am glad I could add it to your list :)

[@francoisjnr6208]

Try and visit. You'll love it.

[@amadouceesay4648]

Yet to visit the most beautiful places in The Gambia

[@SumaH]

Aww this is amazing, loved it. So glad you enjoyed getting to know the Gambia. 🥰✨

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching! 🤗

[@jermarwilliamson8165]

They need to come in numbers to the u s and invest in the stock market, take the money back to their homeland and rebuild from all their true resources that was taken from them such as gold, diamonds, etc. look into Africas true history, they where once the richest people on the face of the Earth, the very first people to build great kingdoms older than all kingdoms across the globe filled with gold, diamonds and scrolls but then just like the European Nations fort against each other so did the African nations, there kings became to greedy and was fooled by the Europeans. The leaders in such poor countries are funded money to keep filthy things like prostitution legal when they should be using that money to build greater schools, colleges, libraries, international banks, medical centers and investment firms which teach how to invest in cryptocurrency world wide and help build up more self made businesses. Most of these men and women who sell themselves don't enjoy what their doing their just looking for a way out of poverty but poverty is just a mind set and the ones preying on them knows that's true but could just care less. The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer because the rich has it set up like that, place one group in a certain area and fix it up less while the others in the other area get treated a lot better. Only God can free these people from poverty, Jesus has already came back and he's in the mind of the poor, greater is he in us. >>>>>> Leviticus 19:29 kjv “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” King James Version (KJV) Job 9:24 24The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he? King James Bible Exodus 15:3 3The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. King James Bible Ecclesiastes 3:8 8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. King James Bible 1 John 2:15-16 King James Version (KJV) 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ECCLESIASTICUS 12:6 KJV "For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against..." Ecclesiasticus 12:6 “For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment.” King James Version (KJV)

[@keepcreationprocess]

@@jermarwilliamson8165 In your dreams. Africa is having bond age, the same way you are in bond age now in 2020,with fire, stock market, pension plummet, covid, marriage problems, unemployment, rising prices, depression, fights, divorce, diseases. Maybe you have to pray and understand the whole Bible and God wish and purposes for us Christians. You are the salt of this earth....only Jesus and a new mind can help Americans and Africans.

[@nicolafigini784]

Really enjoyed this video. I went to The Gambia ten years ago, after seeing and hearing a musician play the kora at the WOMAD festival, and feeling that I just had to go and hear the instrument being played on home soil. For anyone thinking of going to Africa, but who may be nervous, The Gambia is a very safe country.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That does sound like an amazing experience! Thanks for watching :)

[@WhisperWanderlust]

The only country I've been to in Africa is Egypt, and I will visit Morocco at the end of this month but visiting the Gambia would definitely be a whole different kind of experience. Loved your vlog and the way you presented everything. Really glad I discovered your channel

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Oh yes, sub-Saharan Africa is a unique experience and totally different from Saharan Africa :) Thank you for watching!

[@Samsam-vq4se]

You should visit more of Africa, you’ll get a true sense in Non North African countries... Visit The Gambia, Cape Verde, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and many more... our continent isn’t like what the media portrays “huts and safaris” and there’s gems across the continent. I highly recommend you travel more of it, if you’d like of course.

[@GoYvon]

170 pounds isn't a bad price at all for a flight! And hey you got to explore a completely new destination for that. I really like your ecolodge with the water bottles and the composting toilet. There was so much to see along the road, I can imagine you were getting distracted. It was so lively!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yup, £170 to Africa was a bargain! I think normally it's like £500 per person. Thanks so much!

[@assansanneh8847]

Hi

[@assansanneh8847]

[phone]

[@md.masudurrahman3367]

love and respect from Bangladesh.

[@verynicetravel]

Wow! Amazing video! Looks like you had a great time. I really enjoyed watching. Thank you for taking us along with you!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment! The Gambia was a great country to visit as it is so different to anywhere I have been before. New experiences are always exciting :)

[@keepinspirationalivepreque6]

It is my dream and goal to make it to The Gambia. So happy I stumbled upon your video. Thank you for posting this. 😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm sure you'll love it there :)

[@keepinspirationalivepreque6]

Thank you. :)

[@TheBest-lx4jq]

Just to even watch the video and imagine being there stirs up a million emotions ❤️

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-kv8uw9tx6g]

Gambia our Gambia 🇬🇲 smelling coast of Africa ❤❤ we love our culture and traditions

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Such a wonderful country ❤️

[@Historyexplorebd]

Love Gambia from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇬🇲

[@LozsLeisure]

Brilliant video! Would LOVE to visit and this only made me want to more. Thanks so much for putting this together, beautifully shot and edited ☀️👌

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's amazing! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video and I hope you make it to The Gambia soon! 🤗

[@latonyacampbell5574]

AWESOME I LOVE YOUR VIDEO I WAS IN GAMBIA 🇬🇲 FOR TWO WEEKS IN MARCH I LOVE IT THERE VERY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY ❤️

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's amazing! Where did you stay in The Gambia?

[@latonyacampbell5574]

Ella in Wanderlust ACTUALLY I STAYED IN BRUFUT GAMBIA WITH MY FIANCÉ ITS CLOSE TO SENEGAMBIA❤️

[@karynjanetravels9573]

The eco lodge looks awesome! It really does look beautiful in that morning light. I love that they have a compostable toilet and all the other eco friendly touches. This looks like such a fascinating country. Yes, very conflicting feelings about expansion. Very interesting too that flights in and out all take place after dark to avoid the vultures. Well, you are officially the first person I follow to go to The Gambia! So thank you for introducing me to it! 😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Glad I could introduce you to The Gambia! I knew nothing about it before I visited :)

[@paulmcnicholas9663]

I'm pleased you enjoyed your visit to Gambia. Its a beautiful country. Footsteps is an amazing place to stay. It was nice to see Yoga & Seven again as well

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I really loved my time at Footsteps. A beautiful lodge! I miss Yoga and Seven too!

[@JoshEdwardsFilms]

Whaaattt! That intro was bloody good haha, felt like I was tuning in to a TV show! You've improved so much over the past year. You've become so good at storytelling and painting a picture through narration and pieces to camera...you add real depth to the visuals that makes the audience feel like we're there on the journey. Keep going please :) KZbin needs more storytellers and travellers like yourself, sharing places like this that are off the beaten track. Also, Skyscanner is the one ;) inspired me to have a look myself. How many days before the flight did you book them?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! I'm really happy you liked it. It certainly took me a lot of time to put together. I love travelling to places not many people go to. It's exciting! I actually only booked it a week before. Last minute deals are out there ;)

[@JoshEdwardsFilms]

@@EllaMcKendrick jeeez one week...I'm on it! I love the spontaneity of it all haha. Where's next!?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@JoshEdwardsFilms A surprise! Well truth be told I don't know as everywhere is booked spontaneously, haha.

[@CalmChords]

Thank you for sharing this, you have inspired me to make it to Africa before I die. Just subscribed, looking forward to more travel videos!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for your support! Oh yes, I'd definitely recommend Africa. It's a continent that keeps calling me back time and time again. It has so much to offer!

[@sulaymanjabbie4082]

Calm chords you'll be welcome in any part of Africa...

[@Mtanda.]

We welcome you to Tanzania a lovely country.

[@wewew9783]

I'm a white Brit who fell in love with The Gambia many years ago.... I love the people there and the country itself. I now have a 3 bed apartment in Sukuta where 3 local lads live and look after it when I'm back in Blighty.... Are you intending to return there? Thanks for uploading this film.

[@wodenoftheangles3339]

Being an Islamic country - are there bars to drinking alcohol? And are there poor woman's rights there? We're interested in visiting but not if Islam is a problem there..

[@lightningbbee8646]

@@wodenoftheangles3339 Yes there are bars let me tell this about Gambia there may be anything you might need., Gambia keep surprising people, Best tourist center awarded from Germany go there you will never regret it.

[@antukartoos2422]

Mashallah nice country, love from Bangladesh. ♥

[@goldphinger7785]

Lovely country the Gambia landed of happens the people's are sure beautiful and lovely I love Gambia 😎!!!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, so much beauty in The Gambia and amazing people! Thanks for watching :)

[@assansanneh8847]

Hi

[@dark_matter718]

Love Gambia From Bangladesh 🇧🇩❤️💙

[@RealBMK]

Gambia is best country in Africa for tourists. So try to go there

[@EllaMcKendrick]

The Gambia is a wonderful country indeed!

[@ladoshawright]

I'm going to Banjul to teach at a cosmetology school this year and I'm so excited. I've never been out of America.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm excited for you! I hope you enjoy your time there :)

[@RealBMK]

@@EllaMcKendrick yes I did

[@Historyexplorebd]

🇧🇩🇬🇲💙

[@AlexSimeon]

wow what a wonderful video. that looks like a really nice place especially in daylight just being surrounded with nature. watching this made me include this on my travel bucketlist now. aside from that, this was the first video that i watched on the travel youtube community that featured Gambia so thank you for sharing this! looking forward to more videos from Gambia!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for your kind words! Yes, I like to travel to places that aren't travelled to so often. I find them the most interesting as you don't know what to expect so it's like a really new experience!

[@FoodRavel]

This is my first video that I have seen on this place... The village area just gave me the vibes of the villages we have here in India...

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm glad I could put The Gambia on your radar. That's interesting to know. I'd love to visit India myself one day :)

[@FoodRavel]

@@EllaMcKendrick Sure India is waiting for you...

[@sajibhossain9687]

Love from Bangladesh

[@SC-uv5le]

Thanks for the video! As a Gambian, this gave me goosebumps but at some points, I had to giggle and smile. Yeah, Hustle and Bustle!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm so glad you liked it! Your country is extremely beautiful. I was very sad to have to leave and am keen to come back again. I was only there for a few days and barely scraped the surface of what The Gambia has to offer.

[@SC-uv5le]

Happy you liked it The Gambia. You are always welcome to visit. :D

[@OneShotAdventures]

Amazing job with this Ella! You had me hooked right from the intro (dem transitions and slow mo'sss). The lodge looks awesome and its so interesting to see the views as you drive through the country. Looking forward to more of your videos from The Gambia, I really know nothing about it!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much Ryan! I'm so pleased you liked it. Who can resist a good slow mo? 😝 I knew nothing about The Gambia either which was one of the reasons why it was so fun to visit! You just never know what to expect.

[@MrAfricaMan44]

Great video. It's been a few years since I went to the Gambia and this brought back a few memories. Subbed

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for watching and for the support! The Gambia is a wonderful place and definitely leaves an impression with you :)

[@TheTravelBugBite]

What an amazing video! I love the cinematic feel and all the great shots and the narration. I've always wanted to visit Gambia. It was so amazing to experience a bit of it through your video! I loved the stray doggos :) I also loved all the exciting shots of the locals and their lifestyles.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I love taking candid shots of the locals. I'm just fascinated by their lives!

[@Hotmamatravel]

Looks like you are about to start a great adventure. I know nothing about Gambia either, so I am excited to see more.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching!

[@taffpro8364]

Live Senegal

[@bakarykujabi4721]

Gambia is one of the most lovely countries in west Africa and the people are friendly and welcoming

[@zigomceesayceesay2581]

Beautiful country in Africa

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It is indeed a spectacular country

[@RudyVisuals]

Welcome back to YT Ella, you've been gone too long! Awesome video as always worth the wait!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! That's really kind of you and has made me smile. Hopefully there won't be a huge gap again! I need to get on the road more often to film :)

[@seedyconteh3607]

I am a gambian but am living in Dubai now I love your video you are making me to come back home and and spend lots of millions just for holidays thanks for taking our country outside the world

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching! I can see why you'd want to return. The Gambia is such a wonderful country. I am sad that I didn't get to see more of it and stay for longer. But hopefully the world will open up again soon and we can travel once more.

[@HappyHourWithMatt]

Great video as always, Ella! Looks amazing there!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@mairakuper4701]

this was so much fun to watch :) loved the see some impressions of The Gambia

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much for watching! I had a lot of fun putting this one together.

[@bugsandbears]

Oh wow, haven't heard of anyone who's been to The Gambia before... it looks like a very interesting, beautiful country to visit 😀! Thanks for taking us, can't wait to watch the other videos of this series!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

The Gambia is such a unique and interesting country. Definitely worth looking into!

[@TravellersRelish]

I love your storytelling. Seconds in and I was seated upright so attentive. You got an awesome deal on the flights. Excited to see the rest of your Gambia vlogs.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yay, so glad you liked it! I'd love to hear what you think of the rest of the series 🤗

[@ChrisandBrenda]

Such beautiful, fascinating, and exotic place!! the resort (?) looks awesome, the toilet is certainly interesting, how was driving around? I assume it was safe until the last moment.. We always wanted to visit Africa, and this makes us want to visit even more!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Driving around was challenging especially in the cities as they were just so busy! Cars like to pull into the road without letting you know so you just have to be careful. Otherwise, it was quite peaceful :) Ah yes, Africa is my favourite continent! There are so many beautiful countries there to explore.

[@kebzjarjusey9778]

Fins & Passports Well I am lamin am from the Gambia. I will be lookin forward to see you here next season it's a great time to spend in the Gambia for holidays everywhere is fine with lovely people an smiling faces nobody attacks you or nobody disturbs you in what you want an people of the Gambia are all having smiling faces with big hearts for humanity. An it has the lowest crime rate in the whole Africa .so that's why we call it the smiling coast of West Africa. It's nice here will be looking forward to hear from you an see you here one day

[@RobsQuest]

second! Love the variation of the B-Roll and the effort you put in with the background sounds. Give's the video so much depth. Gambia looks very interesting & the toilet... well you have to adapt, right? :D Love it, great work! Can't wait for vlog 2!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! I'm glad the 10 layers of sound effects didn't go unnoticed 😂 Yeah the toilet was a tad strange, I must admit. Although I did get used to it after a day or so, haha. Thanks so much for watching and for your continued support!

[@uzzalachol2212]

I love Gambia. From Bangladesh

[@sweetboy365]

Love from Bangladesh!

[@SenjaAldee]

First like and so nice intro, wnjoy watching

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching! I appreciate your comment :)

[@TheWorldnUs]

Very interesting! An old housemate of mine is from The Gambia so I’ve always had an interest in the country.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Oh that's so interesting! You should definitely consider visiting. It really did blow my mind! A real hidden gem :)

[@lightningbbee8646]

Watch wode Maya video tour in Gambia very nice

[@MastMaulaPuran]

Awesome video. You are doing fabulous work. Sorry I miss some of your video I was busy traveling past one and half months with limited Internet access. thumbs up!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for your comment! Not to worry. I've not been really active here either. I hope you had an amazing trip! Where did you go?

[@baboucarrjoof44]

Best experiences you can get is in the coast of the west coast of Africa the smiling coast best in the west. Shoutout from deutschland

[@EllaMcKendrick]

The Smiling Coast is a great experience!

[@jermarwilliamson8165]

They need to come in numbers to the u s and invest in the stock market, take the money back to their homeland and rebuild from all their true resources that was taken from them such as gold, diamonds, etc. look into Africas true history, they where once the richest people on the face of the Earth, the very first people to build great kingdoms older than all kingdoms across the globe filled with gold, diamonds and scrolls but then just like the European Nations fort against each other so did the African nations, there kings became to greedy and was fooled by the Europeans. The leaders in such poor countries are funded money to keep filthy things like prostitution legal when they should be using that money to build greater schools, colleges, libraries, international banks, medical centers and investment firms which teach how to invest in cryptocurrency world wide and help build up more self made businesses. Most of these men and women who sell themselves don't enjoy what their doing their just looking for a way out of poverty but poverty is just a mind set and the ones preying on them knows that's true but could just care less. The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer because the rich has it set up like that, place one group in a certain area and fix it up less while the others in the other area get treated a lot better. Only God can free these people from poverty, Jesus has already came back and he's in the mind of the poor, greater is he in us. >>>>>> Leviticus 19:29 kjv “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” King James Version (KJV) Job 9:24 24The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he? King James Bible Exodus 15:3 3The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. King James Bible Ecclesiastes 3:8 8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. King James Bible 1 John 2:15-16 King James Version (KJV) 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ECCLESIASTICUS 12:6 KJV "For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against..." Ecclesiasticus 12:6 “For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment.” King James Version (KJV)

[@SuperStevok]

This was soo good I didn’t want it to end. Very well documented and the music is 👍

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I am so glad you enjoyed watching! I have 3 more videos on The Gambia for you to watch. The story doesn't end here! 🤗

[@SaravanaKumar-dx4dk]

First time I'm exploring Africa through this vlog thanks to Ella😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoyed what you saw :)

[@misssarr7534]

You went through the modern side of town but didn’t show that bit. You just decided to show the slums and villages. Lol. Nice

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Nope, I filmed everything I saw. Right in the heart of Serrakunda I was focusing on my map to direct us to the rental place so couldn't film but otherwise I captured everything I saw and compiled it into a video. There's some large houses in here too...

[@dasenegambiandish6557]

My homeland 🇬🇲😭❤️

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I hope you enjoyed! I loved visiting your homeland and would love to return again 💕

[@mimlamia8420]

Tnx

[@saduddinmasud4828]

I love Gambia from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@RuhulAmin-dq2zy]

Thank you....from bangladesh

[@yaayaa2557]

I love gambia from Bangladesh

[@JamesBTravel]

This was so good Ella! Loved your music choices and your narration was really well written - the storytelling in in this video was 👌 looking forward to the next episode!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much James! I tried something different with the music here. I wanted to give it more of a documentary feel than just using banging tracks 😝 I'm glad you thought that worked well! Thanks for your lovely comment! I gotta catch up with your series now I'm home!

[@JamesBTravel]

@@EllaMcKendrickYeah, it definitely had a documentary feel to it! I need to get out and travel a bit more soon - I've been so busy with work recently I've hardly had a chance to get away - Gambia looked epic!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I know the feeling! I felt like I hadn't been away for ages before I went to The Gambia. The travel bug can be annoying!

[@saiidyy1008]

Wonderful video with great narrative! I'm very glad for u visiting my country and having a great time there. U hv shown places and great things which myself hv never seen In my country. Liked d video and u gat a new subscriber!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

There is just so much to see in your beautiful country! It's interesting that I captured parts you haven't seen. I would have loved to have spent more time there to explore more but I guess that's an adventure for another day. I have some more videos to share from The Gambia. I hope you enjoy them! Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment.

[@jvanimations2847]

Thanks for sharing this great video

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment!

[@GuglielmoBiason]

Really nice video. Pinned down for a potential next destination / travel video. Keep going!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm so glad I could add The Gambia to your list! I highly recommend it, especially if you have never visited Africa before as it's a great start to exploring the wonderful continent.

[@r0Ky23]

Going to Gambia, just like that? Pretty cool :) I really wanted to see that gecko.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yup, last minute is my thing! Ah maybe the gecko will make an appearance later in the series ;)

[@photowalk.podcast]

Really strong travel vlog. Good job. Good job. I've been myself a number of times now working on a film and you've captured the real feeling. :-)

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! Your comment means a lot to me. Good luck with your film! I bet it will be awesome :)

[@frankiefone6259]

This video is elite Gambia is the best country felt like home there can’t wait to go again Great vid

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching!

[@GoTravelOnTheCheap]

I don't think I've ever heard of this African country before. This looks like a once in a lifetime journey; we'll be tuned for more. It's great to see they provided you with a reusable water bottle. About how much did an hour's taxi ride cost? April enjoyed your voice-over...how long did it take you to write it, she wonders?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It was a wonderful country to visit! I'm glad I could add it to your map. It's a country everyone should know about as it's so interesting, beautiful and full of friendly people. The taxi ride cost 1000 dalasis which equates to £15 or $20. It is possible to get it cheaper if you use the local bush taxis. It would then cost more like £3. I'm glad April enjoyed my voiceover! I wrote it in bits. Overall I'd say no more than half an hour. When I watched my footage back, the words would just come to me. Thanks for watching! :)

[@fatoubadjie2207]

Join the group on Facebook call the gambia tourism forum it a reall good group an u an ask lots of questions about the gambia an the ppl will ans it

[@GoTravelOnTheCheap]

The local bush taxis are more sketchy though? That's awesome; you must have a writing background 🙂

[@philosophie7904]

This is so interesting! I have never been to any African country, but seeing videos like this just confirms that I have to go someday!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes! Africa is my favourite continent 💕

[@sesoblade5602]

Thank you Ella for including The Gambia in you channel and i love what i saw is the truth about the Smiling Coast

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for watching! So many people don't know about The Gambia but they really should! The Smiling Coast has so much to offer!

[@OneManWolfPack]

You have an amazing style of story-telling here. Big compliment! Visited the Gambia in late 2018 (various videos on my channel, too), but that one here *is* incredible. Big thumb up, Ella!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's really kind of you to say! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your awesome feedback. You sure have been to a lot of places! Did you enjoy your visit to The Gambia?

[@OneManWolfPack]

@@EllaMcKendrick well deserved, dear. Wait a bit and you'll have 50K subscribers, not 5. Keep the videos coming (whenever traveling is able again)! So yes, Gambia was my favorite in West Africa from 10 countries visited, loved it. Went overland all the way from Mauritania to Ghana back then, what a trip that was. 38 hours in a minivan between Bissau and Conakry... 🤣 TIA.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That sounds amazing (bar the 38 hour minivan ride, haha)! I'd love to visit more of West Africa. Thank you for sharing more about your experience :)

[@OneManWolfPack]

@@EllaMcKendrick Go for it! To me, that was one of the most challenging but rewarding trips ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/boKxZWB4q6aBkNk ) :-)

[@saduddinmasud4828]

I love Gambia. - from Bangladesh 🇧🇩❤

[@hodanmohamud9880]

stay live alive stay like bed home in Africa

[@afrocatalan2465]

Proud to be Gambian 😁🙌🏾🇬🇲

[@EllaMcKendrick]

A truly remarkable country to be able to call your own 💕

[@TheNearAndAway]

Great video…very well done! Gambia isn’t even on our radar, but it’s cool to follow along on your trip! Pretty cool about the flights…it’s almost like throwing a dart at a map! Everything looks so gorgeous…thanks for sharing!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, it is like that! Skyscanner is great to adding new places to your radar!

[@mattymoon7766]

Such a fitting song at the end of the vlog. Lovely vlog.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching :)

[@ultimatemediagambia]

Imazing video and vog

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@AndrewStarlife]

Nice work on the story telling, absolutely loved how you put it together! would love to venture out here and capture a few stories myself

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! Your comment has made my day. Yes, you should definitely pay The Gambia a visit if you can. It's a unique destination :)

[@ghaithe.h.3487]

Lovely country, nice people It is really the smiling coast of Africa

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I agree! The people are lovely!

[@pubggamer5500]

Love gumbhiya from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩

[@Thessy_kings]

Home🥰😍

[@kebbaceesay168]

That’s my mama homeland The GAMBIA 🇬🇲. Thank you Ella for choosing Gambia 🇬🇲 xxx

[@EllaMcKendrick]

What a wonderful country to call your homeland! I loved every second of my time in The Gambia!

[@pranavshekhar9902]

Well KZbin recommended me this video on my online travel journey to every country in the worls. Ella your vlog was surprisingly very good. Hope to see you in India some day. Till then stay safe !! Cheers..🥂

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm so glad KZbin is recommending my content! Thanks so much for your wonderful compliment. I would LOVE to visit India. I have family who live in India. My grandfather was from India 💕 Stay safe too!

[@ItsHollyDayz]

I have to explore Africa more. There is so much to experience. Never thought to visit here, but it looks great.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, Africa should definitely be on your list! The continent is huge with so much to offer.