Best Tourist Places to Visit in Banjul, Gambia, Banjul, Western Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Banjul, Gambia, Banjul, Western Africa, Africa

Banjul is the capital city of the Gambia, located on the Banjul Island at 13°27′11″ N 16°34′39″ W. It is linked to the mainland Gambia via bridges and by ferries. Banjul is also the economic capital of Gambia, holding the Central Bank of the Gambia, the Gambia Technical Training Institute and all the important administrative offices of the country.

The climate of Banjul is classified as a tropical wet and dry, which comes under the Köppen climate classification. Generally Banjul experiences a very warm climate throughout the year. The geographical coordinates of Banjul are 13°27′11″ N 16°34′39″ W and the city covers a total area of 12 sq. km.

History of Banjul:

The name Banjul is a combined modified form of the two Mandinka language words, bang and julo, which means ‘rope fibre’. The history of Banjul begins with its foundation as a trading post, made by the British in the year 1816. Banjul was formerly called Bathurst, named after Henry Bathurst and gained its current name in 1973.

How to reach Banjul?

Banjul holds the only airport of the country, the Banjul International Airport, is situated around 30 km southwest of the city centre of Banjul. The airport operates flights from and to London, Amsterdam, Freetown, Lagos, Brussels, Conakry, Copenhagen, Oslo, Barcelona, Stockholm, Dakar, Dakar and Madrid.

There is a selection of green taxis available for local travel in Banjul and rental cars can be accessed from Avis and AB, which are located at SeneGambia Hotel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Banjul:

Banjul has a rich heritage of arts and culture throughout the city that continues to amuse and enthuse all who experience it.

The Albert Market on Liberation Avenue is a right choice for traditional shopping in Banjul and the products range from handicraft items to traditional clothes.

Some modernized restaurants in Banjul include:

Sea Shells Bar & Restaurant
Nefertiti Beach Bar & Restaurant
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant
Paradise Beach Bar & Restaurant

Things to do in Banjul:

Beach exploration
Shopping
Day tours

What to see in Banjul?

Gambian National Museum:

Established in 1985, the Gambian National Museum is concentrated on exhibiting the majestic history, natural history and culture of Gambia with well showcased historical objects and documents. Exhibits are shared between 3 floors of the museum.

Albert Market:

The Albert Market is a famous street market, situated on Liberation Avenue in Banjul. The market got its name from Albert, Prince Consort. It is thoroughly traditional market with a great range of locally produced colorful handicraft products like dolls, potteries and baskets.

Arch 22:

Situated at the gateway of Banjul, Arch 22 commemorates the event of the current President Yahya Jammeh became the country’s president by overthrowing the former President Dawda Jawara in 1994. There is also a textile museum, for which GMD 50 is fixed as an entrance.

African Heritage Museum:

Formerly in Banjul, the African Heritage Museum is currently in Bakau, around 10 km west of Banjul. It houses a great collection of African art and statues, which are also available to purchase for visitors at reasonable prices.

Serrekunda:

Serrekunda is the largest city of Gambia, situated around 12 km southwest of Banjul. The town is renowned among visitors for its market, wrestling filed and silk cotton tree.

List of other places of interest in and around Banjul includes:

Gambia River National Park
Sanyang Beach
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Abuko Nature Reserve
Kunta Kinteh Island
Gambia River
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
Kiang West National Park
MacCarthy Island

When to visit Banjul?

Banjul sees a long dry season, from November to June and the remaining months of the year forms a short wet season. The best time to visit Banjul is from December to March.

Where to stay in Banjul?

Hotels in Banjul range from family owned rustic resorts to luxurious, award winning hotels with a wide range of upgraded amenities, and from scenic campgrounds to midrange BBs and inns. The prominent hotels in Banjul are as follows: