Amid the mangrove swamps,
there are very few villages to be
seen right on the Gambia River’s
banks, but most inland villages
have a wharf (known locally as a
‘tenda’) a short distance away,
from which fishermen and oyster
collectors launch their canoes.
Tendas also make excellent spots
to moor for the night when
navigating the river’s course.
Travellers can disembark and
head into villages to meet the
Alkalo (village chief ), pick up
supplies and, if they’re lucky, be
asked to join a family for a plate
of domada, a peanut stew served
with rice that’s one of the
country’s national dishes.
Jan/Feb 2022 137THE GAMBIA