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

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

The Gambia is a Western African country located within Senegal, at 13.5000° N, 15.5000° W. Banjul is the capital and Serekunda is the largest city of Gambia. The Government of Gambia follows the presidential republic system. The western part of Gambia faces towards the Atlantic Ocean, where the Gambia River flows into the ocean. Gambia covers an area of 10,689 sq. km, making it the mainland Africa’s smallest country. In terms of population, Gambia is the 74^th largest country in the world, housing a population of 1,882,450 people (as of the 2013 census). Dalasi is the currency used in Gambia.

History of Gambia:

Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the mid-fifteenth century, the whole Gambia was part of the Mali Empire. Gambia was a disputed region for very long period between the British Empire and the French Empire and finally Gambia came under the British rule in 1758 except enclave at Albreda, which also became the part of the British in 1856. Gambia got emancipation from the British rule 18 February 1965.

Getting Gambia:

The Banjul International Airport is the gateway for Gambia, handling flights from Madrid, Dakar, Freetown, Lagos, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Conakry, Copenhagen, Oslo, Barcelona, Stockholm, Dakar and many other prime European cities.

The local transportation of Gambia is catered by buses, bikes, rental cars and taxis.

Gambia is also home to travel companies that offer guided tour for both national and international tourists.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Gambia:

Although English is the official language, Gambia comprises many national languages like Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Serer and Jola which belong to different ethnic groups in the country with same names.

Some popular dishes practiced in Gambia include Benachin, Domoda, Chicken Yassa and Julbrew. Kora is a typical music instrument available to purchase and other purchasable items in Gambia are wooden masks, wood carvings and African drums.

Things to do in Gambia:

Day tours
Hiking
Visiting nature reserves
Boat tours

Tourist Attractions in Gambia:

Gambia National Museum:

The Gambia National Museum is situated in the national capital, Banjul, describing the culture and history of the country with historical documents and objects. It was established in 1985.

Abuko Nature Reserve:

The Abuko Nature Reserve is open for visitors from 8AM – 6.30PM every day. It is an ideal place to meet the Gambian wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles and around 300 bird species. The reserve is located near the village of Lamin, around 25 km from Banjul. Entrance fee is GMD 35.

Kachikally Crocodile Pool:

The Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a great site for those who have strong heart and loves animals, especially crocodiles. One can find different kinds of crocodiles including famous West African Nile Crocodiles. Admission fee is GMD 50.

Sanyang Beach:

The Sanyang Beach is one of the top tourist attractions of Gambia, situated in the Kombo South district, around 30 km from Serrakunda. Other than beach beauty, the site is also famous for Rainbow Beach Bar.

Gambia River National Park:

The Gambia River National Park is a paradise of nature and animal lovers, situated near the town of Janjanbureh. By boat tours, visitors can be spotted baboons, monkeys, crocodiles, chimpanzees and many other interesting animals. Worth a money.

Other places of interest in and around Gambia include:

Kunta Kinteh Island
Gambia River
Kiang West National Park
MacCarthy Island
Arch 22
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
Albert Market

Ideal time to visit Gambia:

Gambia generally experiences a tropical climate and the best time to visit Gambia is from December to May.

Accommodation options in Gambia:

Being a tourist favor country, Gambia houses all sorts of accommodation centres including 4 and 5 star resorts. Eco camps and lodges are usually located around the natural tourist destinations of the country. Here are some top hotels in Banjul in Gambia: