Gambia
Nationwide coverage
Data across The Gambia — the Kombo beaches, the river cruises upstream, the birdwatching at Abuko and the markets at Serrekunda. A long-standing UK winter-sun favourite.
- 5G where available
- No roaming charges
- Instant eSIM delivery
- Keep your number
eSIM + QR code emailed instantly · no physical SIM
A familiar destination for British travellers
The Gambia has been a UK winter-sun staple for decades — a six-hour flight, English-speaking, and warm when Britain isn't. Most visitors stay along the Kombo coast at Kotu, Kololi or Bijilo.
That familiarity is worth noting because it shapes what people expect. The resorts are well established and almost all include Wi-Fi, so mobile data is for the days out rather than the whole stay.
Africell coverage, and the cost
Your eSIM connects to Africell on 5G. The Kombo coastal strip, Banjul, Serrekunda and Brikama are all well covered. Upriver toward Janjanbureh and Basse the network thins considerably.
The Gambia is expensive per gigabyte — small market, limited competition. We'd rather flag that than have you find out at checkout. Buy the smallest plan that covers your excursions.
River trips and birdwatching
The river is the country, and the trips upstream — to Kunta Kinteh Island, the chimp rehabilitation project at Baboon Islands, or simply birdwatching — take you out of coverage fairly quickly.
The Gambia is one of the great birding destinations, with several hundred species in a small area. If you're using an identification app, download the offline packs before you go upriver.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Why is data expensive here?+
Small market, limited competition, and wholesale rates to match. It's not our markup. Given resort Wi-Fi is standard along the Kombo coast, buying the smallest plan for your excursions usually makes sense.
Will I have signal on a river trip upstream?+
Not for long. Coverage thins quickly beyond the coastal strip and the upriver stretches toward Janjanbureh have little. Download offline maps and any birding apps before you set off.
How do I install it?+
After checkout we email your eSIM and a QR code. Scan it in your phone's settings, switch the line on, and you're ready — do it before you fly and it activates when you land.
Will it work on my phone?+
Most phones from the last few years support eSIM (iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung/Pixel). Check your phone in Settings, or use our compatibility checker.
When does my plan start?+
Validity counts from first connection in the destination, not from purchase — so you can buy and install early without wasting days.
Can I keep using my normal number?+
Yes. The eSIM is data-only and runs alongside your usual SIM, so calls and texts on your main number still work.
Networks
Your eSIM hops onto the strongest of Gambia’s local networks automatically — no setup, no choosing.
Coverage
Full nationwide data across Gambia on tier-1 partner networks.