Must See

Banjul

Banjul, the capital of The Republic of Gambia and the country's only large town, is located on St Mary's Island at the 5 km wide mouth of the River Gambia, within a well protected harbour. Banjul remains a sleepy town by comparison to most, with an atmosphere that may remind some of an older Africa.

Colonial architecture surrounds July 22nd Square (formerly known as MacCarthy Square), and the bustling Albert Market is just around the corner, where the locals shop for fish, vegetables, spices, fabric, clothing and household goods. Visitors can also climb to the top of the 35 meter-high entrance portal to the city (Arch 22) for great views over Banjul.

The National Museum has some interesting ethnographic displays, and traces African Culture and European Colonialism.

River Gambia

The River Gambia is the country's main feature. Travellers may take a long-distance boat trip on the river, where they may spot pelicans and crocodiles, see monkeys leaping through the riverside foliage or simply just relax and enjoy the peace of the wilderness.

Wassau Stone Circles

Over 160 km upriver from the capital, archaeologists have identified a series of standing stone circles built as prehistoric burial sites. The stones vary in height from one metre to two and a half. A museum explains possible reasons for them.

Abuko Nature Reserve

Visitors may walk through the 180 acre tropical forest of the Abuko Nature Reserve, which is within easy reach of the main resort areas and has crocodiles, monkeys, reptiles and up to 250 different species of birds. There is also an animal orphanage with enclosures for hyenas, antelopes, monkeys and lions.

Basse Santa Su

The major trading post of the upper reaches of the River Gambia, far beyond the old colonial trading centre of Georgetown. Fine trading houses, built in a boom at the start of the 20th century, line the streets; however, the old shops once run by Europeans, Gambians, and Lebanese have now been abandoned.

River Gambia National Park

The River Gambia National Park (also known as Baboon Island) is a complex of five islands. All the islands are quite flat and consist mainly of gallery forest with some open swampy or savannah areas. The park is situated about 300 km by road from Banjul in Central River Division (CRD), and forms one of the last refuges for the hippopotamus within The Gambia. There is also a Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project on the islands, which gives visitors the opportunity to observe semi-wild chimps from a safe distance.

Other Activities

Banjul operates a watersports centre, with good waterskiing and windsurfing facilities. Sea and river fishing are good all year - try line fishing at the beach. Fajara is home to an 18-hole golf club. Visitors may also arrange microlight tours and longer trips from the microlight base at the airport.