Bradt's The Gambia reveals all the background and practical information needed to explore arguably Africa's most welcoming and safest country with its plethora of beach resorts catering to all tastes and budgets that line the 80km stretch of tropical coastline running from the capital Banjul to the remote southern border. Small in size but rich in African character, The Gambia offers perhaps the closest English-speaking 'winter sun' destination from Europe. Justifiably popular with birdwatchers, the lush mangrove and jungle fringed river is also home to crocodiles, hippos, chimpanzees and a variety of monkeys. Historic attractions include the mysterious megalithic stone circles at Wassu and Ker Batch, and the fortified James Island and former slave-trading village of Juffureh (to where Alex Haley traced his ancestry in the book and TV programme Roots) – all of which form part of the country's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offer rich pickings to moderately adventurous travellers. All in all, Bradt's The Gambia is the perfect companion for discovering this safe, welcoming and decidedly tourist-friendly English-speaking country which makes for an ideal short-stay introduction to the unique atmosphere of Africa.