Banjul, The Gambia: Travel Guide to the Smiling Coast of Africa

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, sits on St. Mary's Island at the mouth of the Gambia River, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia, the smallest country on mainland Africa, is known as the "Smiling Coast" thanks to the warmth of its people. With golden beaches, lively markets, sacred crocodile pools, more than 500 bird species and moving sites linked to the history of the slave trade, Banjul and its surroundings offer a rich and easy introduction to West Africa.

🗺️ More tours

More tours in The Gambia

Search hotels in The Gambia →Order an eSIM for your trip

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Banjul

1. Arch 22, Albert Market and the National Museum

Arch 22, a 35-metre-tall arch at the entrance to Banjul, is the city's most striking landmark. Built in the 1990s, it houses a small textile museum, and its viewing gallery offers panoramic views over the city, the river and the ocean. In the city centre, Albert Market, founded in the 19th century, is a bustling maze of stalls selling fabrics, spices, fish, vegetables, wood carvings and jewellery. Nearby, the National Museum displays traditional musical instruments, masks, tools and exhibits on Gambian history and culture.

Booking tip: A guided city tour on GetYourGuide or through a local operator helps you navigate the market and learn about Banjul's history.

2. Kachikally Crocodile Pool

In the coastal town of Bakau, the Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a sacred site where around 100 Nile crocodiles live in a pool surrounded by forest. The crocodiles are considered sacred and are believed to bring fertility and good fortune, and women come to bathe in the water. The crocodiles are well fed and unusually docile, and visitors can even touch some of them under the supervision of guides. A small museum explains the site's history and traditions.

Booking tip: Entry is inexpensive and paid on site. Follow the guides' instructions closely.

3. Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh

Upriver from Banjul, Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a key site in the transatlantic slave trade. The ruins of a colonial fort stand as a reminder of this painful history. The island is named after Kunta Kinteh, the ancestor of American author Alex Haley, whose story was told in the book and TV series Roots. In the nearby village of Juffureh, a museum explains the history of the slave trade.

Booking tip: River trips to Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh can be booked on GetYourGuide or through local operators.

4. Abuko Nature Reserve and Bijilo Forest Park

Abuko Nature Reserve, about 20 kilometres from Banjul, was the country's first protected area. This small but rich gallery forest is home to monkeys, crocodiles, antelopes, monitor lizards and more than 250 bird species, including colourful turacos, kingfishers and sunbirds. Trails lead to hides overlooking a pond, where wildlife comes to drink. Along the coast, Bijilo Forest Park is known for its friendly monkeys, including green vervet and red colobus monkeys, which often approach visitors on the shady walking paths. The Gambia is one of Africa's top birdwatching destinations, with more than 500 species recorded in a remarkably small area.

Booking tip: Birdwatching tours with local guides can be arranged online.

5. Tanji Fishing Village and the Beaches

Tanji is a lively fishing village, where colourful wooden pirogues return in the afternoon with their catch. Women unload baskets of fish on the beach, and smokehouses preserve the catch for markets across the country. Nearby, the Tanji Bird Reserve protects lagoons, dunes and coastal woodland. Further north, the Senegambia area and the beaches of Kololi and Kotu offer golden sand, beach bars, restaurants and nightlife, making them the main base for most visitors.

Booking tip: Visit Tanji in the late afternoon to see the boats arrive.

Practical Travel Tips for Banjul

Getting Around

  • By air: Banjul International Airport is about 25 kilometres from the city, with flights from Europe and West Africa.
  • Taxis: green tourist taxis have fixed fares; yellow shared taxis are cheaper.
  • Ferries: connect Banjul with Barra across the river.
  • River cruises: a relaxing way to explore the Gambia River and its birdlife.
  • Beach hustlers: some young men, known locally as "bumsters," approach tourists on beaches; a polite but firm "no, thank you" usually works.
  • Money: the currency is the dalasi. Cash is widely used.
  • Language: English is the official language, and Mandinka and Wolof are widely spoken.

Local Culinary Specialties

  • Domoda: a rich peanut stew with meat or fish, often considered the national dish.
  • Benachin: a flavourful one-pot rice dish with meat or fish and vegetables.
  • Yassa: chicken or fish marinated with onions, lemon and mustard.
  • Superkanja: an okra stew with fish.
  • Wonjo and baobab juice: refreshing drinks made from hibiscus and baobab fruit.
  • Attaya: a sweet green tea, prepared and shared in a social ritual of three rounds.

Best Time to Visit

  • November–May: the dry season and peak birdwatching period.
  • July–October: the rainy season.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Banjul

Banjul combines lively markets, sacred sites, moving history and beautiful beaches. Whether you're exploring Albert Market, visiting Kunta Kinteh Island or watching birds in Abuko, it's a warm and welcoming destination.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide or with local operators, and get ready to discover The Gambia.