Banjul

Ships berth in a largely featureless area, around 1-1.5 km from Albert Market. If you decide to visit, go with a guide to see the point where Black African and Arab trading traditions meet. Taxis can usually be found nearby.

The Gambia remains remarkable, retaining much of the character the British encountered 150 yrs ago and left behind.

Banjul can feel untidy and has limited visitor interest, so it does not represent the wider Gambia.

The capital of The Gambia occupies a sandy peninsula at the end of Banjul Island, formerly St Mary’s Island, and follows a modern grid layout. Principal industries include processing peanuts and fish, alongside filigree jewellery and woven textiles for the growing visitor trade. Walk through the historic quarters to see the State House and the minarets of King Fuad Mosque; local people are notably welcoming towards overseas visitors.

An organised excursion is often the simplest choice: the South Gambia itinerary, a 4WD Truck trip or a River outing are all possibilities. Alternatively, hire a taxi for a circular drive to the Kairaba and Senegambia 4 star Tourist Hotels and spend some time there. Outside the secure hotel area, The Strip has straightforward cafés, bars and shops plus a small, good-value local market, offering a taste of Gambian atmosphere.

Ask your driver to travel through Serrakunda and follow the old colonial Fajarrah road past the British Embassy. Brikama is an authentic craft village worth seeing, while reasonably adventurous visitors can walk through Serrakunda Market with a dependable guide.

Tour companies provide comfortable air-conditioned coaches for transfers and 4-wheel drives for excursions. Independent travellers and small parties can choose among three taxi services in The Gambia. Tourist Taxis are generally green, carry a tourist taxi sign and are licensed by the Gambia Tourism Authority specifically to serve visitors. They wait outside resort-area hotels, use a queue and publish fares for journeys both within and beyond The Gambia; confirm the price before setting off...

Thick mangrove forest surrounds Banjul. Excursions include Katchikally’s sacred crocodile pool, whose water is traditionally believed to encourage fertility. Visitors can also board simple roofless boats through Makasutu Nature Reserve, drawing closer to the secrets of the mangroves and learning local folklore at Camp Makasutu.

Albert Market and the adjoining craft market, 1 km from the port, sell tie-dye cloth, batik, antique masks, wood carvings, leatherware, jewellery, sand paintings and basketry among a vast selection of goods. Shopkeepers and stalls seem to carry almost everything. Bargain thoughtfully and rely on your judgement to reach a fair price. Avoid paying by credit card anywhere except resort hotels.

Workers support 10 -15 relatives, so discreet generosity is sincerely valued. People are genuinely friendly; attention can initially feel unusually enthusiastic, but this warmth is part of Gambian culture.

The Gambian currency is the dalasi, split into 100 bututs.

The Gambia is poor, and a modest donation can make a genuine difference. Overseas coins cannot be used; 50 Dalasi is £1, and discreetly offering 25-50D notes may be appreciated. Old clothing, T-shirts, medicines, pens and footballs can be given to an orphanage or to someone who clearly needs them.

A money changer is available when you leave the ship. Use credit cards only at resort hotels.

English is widely spoken.

Most shops open from 9.00am. Some shut at 5.00 pm, while others continue until 12 midnight; the majority remain closed on Sunday.