The Gambia Things to Do

  Looking south down the beach at Jinack...
by littlebush
 
  • Looking south down the beach at Jinack island
      Looking south down the beach at Jinack...
    by littlebush
  • Looking north on the beach at Jinack
      Looking north on the beach at Jinack
    by littlebush
  • AT the footy game
      AT the footy game
    by littlebush
  • CRocs at the pool
      CRocs at the pool
    by littlebush
  • Sanyang beach
      Sanyang beach
    by littlebush
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Banjul, city park as central landmark

by sachara

The central point of Banjul is the former Mac Cartney Square or nowadays called the July 22 Square. It is the public park of the city.Recently the names of the streets in Banjul have been changed. Many people still use the old names. It can be confusing.The Albert market is east of the central July 22 square. From this square the main streets run south to the southern end of the town and island. To the northwest the mainstreets run out of town in the direction of Serrekunda and the beach resorts.

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Banjul, downtown

by sachara

Except the National Museum and the Albert Market there are hardly any other interesting places downtown.The second time we visited Banjul we strolled around a bit in the towncentre, while waiting for the arranging of the insurance and other papers for the cars.During the daytime the streets are lively with traffic, people, streetstalls, shops, but it is hard to find a place for a drink or meal. There are some restaurants and bars, but you have to know your way. In the evening there is not much to do.

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Banjul, Albert market

by sachara

The famous and colourfull Albert market in Banjul is a real African market, a rich mixture of colours and flavours. You can buy here almost everything ... clothes, beads, tea, vegetables, fruit, medicines, herbs. Artisan goods are sold at the Banjul Craft market, next to the Albert market. We bought here our second djembee.

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To Banjul, scenery Old Cape Road

by sachara

We hired a moped and drove the Atlantic road passing Fajara and Bakau and took the old Cape road to Banjul. The Cape Road is a small and quiet road along the coast. It has a fabulous scenery and ther are some wunderfull baobabs along the road.Seeing baobabs is for me ...... being back in Africa !

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Local village

by grets

Once away from the tourist coast, life couldn't be different. You leave your air conditioned room behind with all its modern trappings - the running hot and cold water, the electicity at the flick of a switch, clean fluffy towels every day, a nice clean cool pool, the waiters and other staff ready to jump at your slightest whim.This is the real Gambia: poverty, hardship, water drawn from a well which may be a mile or more away, no electricty, very little food, clothing is toen and ragged. Welcome to villige life in The Gambia.Just keep this image in mind as you order your next cold beer by the pool.

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Local School

by grets

No visit to the Gambia is complete without seeing a local school. The children looked very sweet in their royal blue uniforms. The classroom was very basic, as were all the facilities. There were little pigs running around the ground. We had brought a whole bag of stationery, which we left behind at the school. Many others had done the same, or they contributed financially. I feel providing an education for these people is a very worthwhile cause.

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The Beach

by grets

The Gambia is blessed with miles of beautiful beaches and some superb resort hotels. You really should at least see the beach while you are here, even if you don't spend the entire holiday with sand between your toes.

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River Cruising

by grets

I would recommend taking a cruise along the Gambia River if you get a chance. From the comfortable wooden boat you will be able to see traditional life alongside the river bank, many birds, and if you are lucky you may be able to spot the odd hippo or crocodile. We did.

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Bird watching

by grets

One of the highlights of our stay in The Gambia was the vast array of birds. Just around the lodges, along the river and on a walking tour, we saw many, many birds, such as these glossy starlings. Unless you are a very experienced birder, it is always worth taking a good guide, both for spotting the birds and identifying them. A pair of binoculars are a must and if you wish to photograph them you will need a lens with at 500mm.

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Fishing village

by grets

All along the river coast from Banjul there are little fishing villages such as these.The village was a hive of activity, as a couple of boats had just arrived back with todays catch. Dozens of locals go our to try and help get the catch ashore, in return for a few fish. It's a very colourful affair with lots of buckets and bright clothing.

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Top 3 Hotels in The Gambia

Kombo Beach Hotel  Banjul

 1 Review and 333 Opinions  The Kombo Beach is the only hotel we have been to in The Gambia, we stayed here the first time and... 

 Hotels in Banjul

Kairaba Beach Hotel  Kololi

 2 Reviews and 283 Opinions  well such an extraordinarily well run venue in Gambia. German influence, very efficient. What... 

 Hotels in Kololi

The Place

 

Questions and Answers

bekahl profile photo

Q:  Hi, we are going to Gambia on the 22nd Feb and our GP has given us a private prescription for Malarone. It's quite expensive and I... 

GrumpyDiver profile photo

A: It's not cheap anywhere as it is a relatively new and very effective anti-malarial drug, but is encumbered by patents, so there is only a single manufacturer, hence the... 

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