Banjul
Temperature
23°
Time
4:41 AM
Banjul
The low-rise Gambian capital might not be as advanced of a visitor hub as one would, perhaps, expect from a city of such national significance, but it certainly boasts some raw appeal contained within its pulsating and – at times – rather hectic streets. Beyond Banjul proper lies the sprawling Serekunda – Gambia's most populous area – and the vacationer-favoured coastal settlements of Kololi, Bakau, Koto and Fajara.Find your trip
Built to commemorate the coup of 1994, the unmissable cream-colored structure is a great vantage point from which to take in Banjul in its entirety. There is a small museum on its second floor, containing traditional Gambian crafts, artwork, clothing, and even historic weaponry.
The busy market is one of Banjul's primary attractions, a vibrant kaleidoscope of multi-colored peppers, all manner of foodstuffs (from rather standard fruit and vegetables to salted fish and even dried sea snails), fabrics, jewellery, and beauty products such as wonder-working shea butter.
The local institution has supported disadvantaged women for decades now, offering training in fabric processing, craft-making, sewing, and other practical skills. Hand-made products created by learners and graduates may be purchased at the adjacent shop at very reasonable prices.
The National Museum of Gambia contains a vast collection of artifacts dating back to various points in the nation's past - from prehistoric and pre-colonial times to the most recent era. Items on display range from folk culture pieces to historic documents and maps of the region.
The Bijilo Forest Park is most known for its inhabitants - it is home to a large population of monkeys, many of which do not mind interacting with visitors. Beware of unsolicited offers of being guided through the park, as the premises are safe and rather easy to navigate. Remember to bring peanuts, the monkeys' preferred treats (these may also be purchased on-site).
The River Gambia National Park (or Baboon Island) is a collection of 5 river islands inhabited by all manner of indigenous animal species, from the endangered hippopotamus to omnipresent primates - bonobos and chimpanzees. The best way to experience this natural reserve is to stay overnight - the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project Camp (Badi Mayo) offers all-inclusive stays in safari tents on the water.
The natural environment of coastal Gambia is very favourable fishing grounds - local waters contain a plethora of marine treasures, including dozens of species of fish, crabs, oysters, shrimp, and many other. Some local companies that offer guided fishing tours on board a traditional pirogue are: Paradise Fishing Gambia Denton Bridge Harbour, Banjul +316 28 21 34 32 www.paradisefishinggambia.com Pa's Fishing Company 49 Gloucester Street, Banjul +220 729 3785
Gambia is home to multiple bird species, many of which are present in the wetlands down Kankujereh Road. To make the most of your bird-sighting, join a guided tour or start by taking a trip to Bijilo Forest Park & Nature Trail, known for its abundant fauna.
Built to commemorate the coup of 1994, the unmissable cream-colored structure is a great vantage point from which to take in Banjul in its entirety. There is a small museum on its second floor, containing traditional Gambian crafts, artwork, clothing, and even historic weaponry.
The busy market is one of Banjul's primary attractions, a vibrant kaleidoscope of multi-colored peppers, all manner of foodstuffs (from rather standard fruit and vegetables to salted fish and even dried sea snails), fabrics, jewellery, and beauty products such as wonder-working shea butter.
Cabana's is an all-round excellent choice for day-time and evening dining. The restaurant serves a great dish selection of Gambian and International cuisines, and offers customers the option of using the establishment's own sunbeds out front. At sundown, Cabana's is well-fit for an evening drink.
There is something going on at New Domino's on most nights (from live music to dance shows), and the establishment's popularity in the area really speaks for itself. Sunbeds are available to customers. Get here early for the traditional "buffet night" on Wednesdays.
Although slightly more pricey than your average Gambian eatery, Butcher's Shop brings quality to show for its ambition - the menu is varied (with a Moroccan touch - the star head chef comes from Morocco himself), with meats and fish cooked to perfection.
The superb Ngala Lodge (located at the namesake upscale hotel) delivers excellent food and service in an incredible setting with front-row sea views from the dining area. Serves refined, beautifully presented dishes made with fresh locally-sourced ingredients.
Do not be turned away by Sea Shells' seemingly unfavourable setting in close proximity to a busy road - the restaurant enjoys a good reputation with locals and visitors alike, and serves some excellent dishes unique to the establishment, featuring locally-sourced greens, meats, and seafood.
Heralded as one of the best eateries in the area, El Sol leans heavily towards Mexican flavours, featuring dishes such as well-expected enchiladas and fajitas on its extensive menu. The selection extends beyond just Mexican to further local and international offerings.
Beyond doubt one of the best eateries in Senegambia, La Scala is a restaurant whose (comparatively) elevated pricing is more than justified — food quality is superb and the menu rather varied (order lobster a day in advance, however). To ensure being seated, remember to book in advance.
This exceptional restaurant is set next to a crocodile pond (no worries — the crocks are all very well-behaved), in a natural environment where bird-watching and animal-spotting are easily done from where you're dining. Serves dishes of regional and international cuisine.
Cabana's is an all-round excellent choice for day-time and evening dining. The restaurant serves a great dish selection of Gambian and International cuisines, and offers customers the option of using the establishment's own sunbeds out front. At sundown, Cabana's is well-fit for an evening drink.
There is something going on at New Domino's on most nights (from live music to dance shows), and the establishment's popularity in the area really speaks for itself. Sunbeds are available to customers. Get here early for the traditional "buffet night" on Wednesdays.
The busy market is one of Banjul's primary attractions, a vibrant kaleidoscope of multi-colored peppers, all manner of foodstuffs (from rather standard fruit and vegetables to salted fish and even dried sea snails), fabrics, jewellery, and beauty products such as wonder-working shea butter.
Contained inside the unmissable Albert Market, this compact sub-section specializes in items primarily geared at visitor shoppers - these include textiles and batiks, silver jewellery, traditional crafts (woven baskets and woodwork, especially masks), and more.
In and around Liberation Avenue is one of Banjul's busiest commercial areas, where multiple small stores and vendors are concentrated. Quality of goods is hit or miss, but it is very possible to find some worthy pieces at prices significantly lower than Western. Remember to haggle.
The local institution has supported disadvantaged women for decades now, offering training in fabric processing, craft-making, sewing, and other practical skills. Hand-made products created by learners and graduates may be purchased at the adjacent shop at very reasonable prices.
At around 4pm every day, fishing boats that sail out to sea in the morning come back with the catch of the day. Watching locals trade is an experience in itself, even if you yourself aren't exactly looking to stock up on raw seafood (although it certainly is recommended - bring your fish of chice back to the hotel and have the chef cook it for you at a moderate fee).
The small craft market of Bakau might not be enough for a separate trip, but is certainly worth a visit if you happen to be in the area. Expect to find sand art creations, wood carvings, statues, masks, and various traditional knick knack perfectly fit to become lasting souvenirs.
Do not hesitate to haggle at this tourist-geared craft market – prices here tend to be higher than elsewhere (like Serekunda) but may be significantly brought down with the right amount of negotiation. Items on sale range from traditional jewellery to wood carvings, woven baskets, and other knick knacks.
If you're looking to familiarize yourself with West African literary tradition, look no further - the Fajara-based Timbooktoo book shop stocks a good selection of African literature (and music), and even houses a pleasant upstairs cafe to be made use of for the reading.
The busy market is one of Banjul's primary attractions, a vibrant kaleidoscope of multi-colored peppers, all manner of foodstuffs (from rather standard fruit and vegetables to salted fish and even dried sea snails), fabrics, jewellery, and beauty products such as wonder-working shea butter.
Contained inside the unmissable Albert Market, this compact sub-section specializes in items primarily geared at visitor shoppers - these include textiles and batiks, silver jewellery, traditional crafts (woven baskets and woodwork, especially masks), and more.
If no pre-arranged transfer awaits you upon arrival, use one of the car hire or taxi companies available at the airport. Taxi fares to most resorts and nearby locations are fixed. The distance between the airport and Banjul is approximately 20km.
There are a few ways visitors to Gambia may choose to get around. These include green tourist taxis, regular yellow taxis for longer distances, rickshaw (a budget option for those in no rush), and even quad bike rentals. All of the above are readily available in coastal resort areas and next to major hotels. Inexpensive ferry transfers across the River Gambia and to nearby islands are available, and so are smaller (manned) boats for hire.
Green taxis are the designated tourist taxis, easily available for hire and allowed direct access to areas most popular with visitors to Gambia (coastal resort settlements such as Kololi, Bakau, etc.), unlike their regular yellow counterparts. Prices for these green taxis are, however, significantly higher.
There are post office branches in most major settlements. The main post office is located at: 4 Liberation Avenue, Banjul +220 4226114 info@gampost.gm Mon-Thurs 8:30am - 12.15pm & 2pm-4pm Fri 8.30am - 12.15pm & 2.30pm - 4pm Saturday 8.30am - 12pm
Banjul Pharmacy Westfield Junction/Liberation Avenue (Banjul)/London Corner (Serrekunda) +220 4393344 info@mfhgroup.com Stop Step Pharmacy 11 Kairaba Avenue, Serekunda +220 4371344 www.stopsteppharmacy.com
+220 Banjul 422
220-240 V, 50 Hz Three-pin plug type G
If no pre-arranged transfer awaits you upon arrival, use one of the car hire or taxi companies available at the airport. Taxi fares to most resorts and nearby locations are fixed. The distance between the airport and Banjul is approximately 20km.
There are a few ways visitors to Gambia may choose to get around. These include green tourist taxis, regular yellow taxis for longer distances, rickshaw (a budget option for those in no rush), and even quad bike rentals. All of the above are readily available in coastal resort areas and next to major hotels. Inexpensive ferry transfers across the River Gambia and to nearby islands are available, and so are smaller (manned) boats for hire.
