Gambia Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Abuko Nature Reserve
Walk through the tropical forest of the Abuko Nature Reserve, which is within easy reach of the main resort areas and has crocodiles, monkeys, reptiles and a host of bird species. It is best early in the morning.

Albreda, Jufureh and James Island
Upriver from Banjul, explore Gambian colonial history by visiting the Exhibition of the Slave Trade at Albreda and Jufureh - twin villages that were made famous by Alex Haley's novel Roots - then cross to James Island, mid-river, to see its ruined fort.

Banjul
In the capital, visit the National Museum, which has some interesting ethnographic displays, then admire the colonial architecture in the area near July 22nd Square and climb to the top of Arch 22 for great views over the city.

Janjanbureh Island
Enjoy the beautiful mid-river location of Janjanbureh Island in eastern Gambia, an excellent spot to unwind in an unspoiled rustic environment, with plenty of good places to walk or birdwatch in the vicinity.

Katchikali Crocodile Pool
Meet a friendly croc at this ancient site, sacred to the Mandinka tribe, in the coastal village of Bakau. The crocs, though wild, are well fed and docile. Fertility rites are sometimes held here.

Makasutu Culture Forest
Join a tour of this beautiful forest park, learning about local medicinal plants and woodland fauna, then take a boat trip by dugout canoe and enjoy a spirited display of local-style music and dance.

Wassu stone circles
In eastern Gambia, catch sight of the fascinating circles of standing stones around Wassu. Their origin is shrouded in mystery but they are thought to mark prehistoric burial grounds.

Top Things to Do

Beaches
In the resort area near Banjul, friendly beach bars and restaurants are never more than a short stroll away. If you head further south to the wild stretches of Atlantic coast, you can walk for miles along empty sand.

Birdwatching
Take a boat into the mangrove creeks of the Tanbi Wetlands around the mouth of the River Gambia, head south to the Tanji Reserve, or travel up-country to the Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve to spot some of the country’s many resident and migrant species.

Fishing
Spend a day either sea-angling in the Atlantic, creek-fishing inland near Banjul, or line-fishing from one of the beaches and hook a marlin, barracuda, ladyfish or snapper.

Live music
Go to a live session from one of The Gambia's many excellent local bands, or a concert featuring stars from neighboring Senegal, home of Youssou N'Dour, Baaba Maal and many other West African greats.

Microlighting
Soar over the fields, villages, creeks and beaches of the coastal region in a microlight. Short airborne tours and longer trips can be arranged from the microlight base at the airport.

Music and dance lessons
Book a few lessons with a dance teacher, a master of the kora (The Gambia's national instrument) or with a drumming teacher who may help commission a djembé (drum) from a local craftsman.

River trips
Take a long-distance boat trip on the River Gambia, the dominant feature of the country. Look out for monkeys leaping through the riverside foliage, spot pelicans and hippos, or just relax and enjoy the peace of the wilderness.

Shoppping
Hunt down souvenirs and local handicrafts such as batiks, beads, jewelry and woodcarvings in the various bengdulas, or Africa-style craft markets, dotted around Banjul and the resort areas. Banjul's Albert Market and the sprawling commercial heart of the busy town of Serrekunda are particularly colorful places to browse.