Western AfricaThe Gambia is a small, narrow country along the Gambia River in West Africa, almost surrounded by Senegal. Known as the Smiling Coast, it has Atlantic beaches, wildlife and river scenery.
Why go
Relax on Atlantic beaches, including Sanyang Beach.
See monkeys, crocodiles and birds in nature reserves.
Explore the Gambia River and its riverside villages.
Visit Juffureh, made famous by Alex Haley’s Roots.
Best time to go: November to May is the cooler, dry season. June to November is hot and rainy.
Getting there
By air
- Banjul (BJL) is the country’s only international airport.
- The source lists flights from Barcelona, Casablanca, Brussels, Accra, Lagos, Istanbul, Dakar, Freetown and Lomé.
- During the October to April tourist season, direct flights also serve several European cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
By land
- Shared bush taxis run from Dakar to the Gambian border. Continue by taxi to Barra, then take a ferry to Banjul, a journey of about 30 minutes.
- You can drive from Senegal through Amdalli, just north of Barra. Bring your vehicle registration document, called a V5 logbook in the source.
- The road approaching the border from Senegal is in very poor condition. Check whether you can bring a right-hand-drive vehicle before travelling.
By sea
- Small fishing boats can be privately hired from Dakar and nearby areas. This can be expensive and slow, especially if you are not comfortable bargaining.
Getting around
Bus
The Gambia Transportation Service Company runs buses along the main highways. They stop frequently and have no fixed timetable. Buses generally have no air conditioning or toilets. The first eastbound bus from Barra usually leaves between 7 and 9 in the morning, once enough passengers have boarded. Barra buses park beside the ferry entrance. The eastbound journey includes a 10–20 minute stop at Farafenni.
Car
Drive on the right. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for car hire because roads are often poor and few are paved.
Boat
The Gambia River can be travelled by boat along the full length of the country. The ferry between Barra and Banjul takes about 30 minutes.
Public transport and taxis
Public transport regularly serves Sanyang Beach from Serekunda and Brikama. Private taxis can also be hired for day trips to Sanyang Beach.
What to see and do
Abuko Nature Reserve
Near Lamin and Yundum, this reserve offers an introduction to Gambian wildlife. It has monkeys, crocodiles and about 300 bird species.
Bijilo Forest Park
This park at Kokoli has birds and monkeys.
Makasutu Culture Forest
This 1,000-hectare reserve in Brikama has mangroves, palm groves and savannah. Wildlife includes baboons, monkeys, birds and monitor lizards.
Sanyang Beach
North of Gunjur, this is described as one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
Take a Roots tour
Visit Kunta Kinteh Island, Albreda and Juffureh to explore places connected with Roots and the slave trade. Travel options include a river cruise or a road journey followed by a small boat from Juffureh.
Join a four-wheel-drive tour
These tours visit schools, local homes and distilleries.
Food and drink
Benachin or jollof rice
A West African rice dish with onions, spices and tomatoes or tomato paste. It can include meat, fish or vegetables.
Chicken yassa
Chicken cooked with onion, black pepper and lime or lemon.
Domoda
A meat stew served with rice and peanut butter sauce.
Peanuts
Peanuts are the country’s main crop and are widely eaten.
Fish and international food
The source praises the fish and describes a wide choice of international restaurants. Options include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Lebanese, German, Dutch, Mexican and British food.
Julbrew
A local lager made by Banjul Breweries. It is sold in bottles and on draught.
Money
Gambian dalasi (GMD), written as D. One dalasi is divided into 100 bututs.
- The source recommends bringing CFA francs, euros or US dollars.
- Banknotes come in values of D5, D10, D20, D50, D100 and D200.
- D0.25, D0.50 and D1 coins may be in circulation.
- The source identifies the larger GT Bank in Banjul as an option for Visa cardholders without their personal identification number (PIN). It says to bring your card and passport and provide a signature.
Typical costs
- In April 2023, a 1 gigabyte mobile data card cost D450.
- In April 2023, Banjul airport charged a US$20 development tax before check-in.
Language
- English is the official language and is widely used at tourist venues.
- Wolof is widely spoken in major cities.
- Mandinka, Fula, Sarrancule and other local languages are also spoken.
Staying safe
- Atlantic currents can be strong. Look for beach flags showing danger levels on a red, yellow and green scale.
- Keep your guard up around unwanted approaches and offers of help. Refuse politely, then firmly if necessary.
- The source warns that criticism of the government is treated as a crime.
- The source warns that people engaging in same-sex sexual activity may face extreme danger, including arrest or killing.
Local customs
Do
- Always ask permission before photographing someone. Some people have beliefs about being photographed, especially by strangers.
- Expect changes during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Many restaurants close until dusk, and working hours are shorter.
Don't
- Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan. This is considered very impolite, even for visitors who are not Muslim.
Staying healthy
- The source strongly recommends yellow fever vaccination and also recommends meningitis vaccination.
- The source says malaria prevention tablets are necessary. Most malaria cases occur between June and December.
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and other health supplies from home, as they can be hard to find in some areas.
- Drink bottled or boiled water. The source warns that tap water may make travellers ill.
Phone and internet
- Africell is the main operator for fourth-generation mobile service, usually called 4G. Its sales points are found almost everywhere.
- Bring your passport to buy a local mobile phone SIM card. Sales staff can activate it within minutes.
- In April 2023, a 1 gigabyte data card cost D450.
- Africell’s mobile connection is usually good in Banjul and the Senegambia beach area.
Where to stay
- The Atlantic coast has many luxury four- and five-star resorts.
- Inland eco camps and lodges offer basic accommodation, usually in natural surroundings.
Outdoor adventures in Gambia
The Gambia offers Atlantic beaches, river trips and wildlife reserves with monkeys, crocodiles and many birds. Its landscape is mostly river flood plain and low hills. November to May is the cooler, dry season; June to November is hot and rainy.
Abuko Nature Reserve
Wildlifenear Lamin
Visit the reserve outside the village of Lamin, near Yundum.
Gambia River National Park boat tours
WildlifeGambia River, below Janjanburehnear Janjanbureh
Arrange a wildlife boat tour through the park's camp.
Bijilo Forest Park
WildlifeKokoli
Visit the forest park at Kokoli.
Sanyang Beach
BeacheNorth of Gunjur
Take regular public transport from Serekunda or Brikama, or hire a private taxi for a day trip.
- Atlantic currents can be strong.
- Check beach warning flags, which show danger on a red, yellow and green scale.
Makasutu Culture Forest
WildlifeBrikamanear Brikama
Visit the reserve in Brikama.
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
Wildlife
Visit the wetland reserve for wildlife watching among forest and swamp.
Kiang West National Park
Wildlife
Visit Kiang West National Park for its wildlife reserve.
Kunta Kinteh Island Roots river trip
More to doGambia River and North Bank
Join a river cruise towards Albreda and Juffureh. Alternatively, travel by car with an official tourist guide along the North Bank, then take a pirogue, a small boat, from Juffureh.
- Expect persistent requests to buy crafts or give money at stops.
- People may ask for payment to appear in photographs.
Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool
WildlifeBakaunear Bakau
Visit Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool in Bakau.
Banjul beaches
BeacheBanjulnear Banjul
Visit the beaches in Banjul.
- Atlantic currents can be strong.
- Check warning flags on tourist beaches before swimming.
Four Wheel Drive Adventure
More to do
Join a four-wheel-drive tour visiting schools, country homes and distilleries.
Airports, metros and trains in Gambia
Airports with scheduled flights
- BJLBanjul International AirportBanjul (Yundum)Main international airport
People and safety in Gambia
Religion
Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.
- Muslim95%
- Christian5%
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal
- The law allows life imprisonment.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #153 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
39% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 135 of 198 countries can visit Gambia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required134
- Visa on arrival1
- Visa required63
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Africa51 of 53 countries
- Europe38 of 46 countries
- Oceania11 of 14 countries
- Americas19 of 35 countries
- Asia16 of 50 countries
Questions
When is the best time to visit?
November to May is the cooler, dry season. June to November is hot and rainy.
Which airport should I fly to?
Banjul (BJL) is The Gambia’s only international airport.
Can I get around by bus?
Buses run along the main highways, but they stop frequently and have no fixed timetable. They generally have no air conditioning or toilets.
What money should I bring?
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi, written as D. The source recommends bringing CFA francs, euros or US dollars.
Will I be able to use English?
English is the official language and is widely used at tourist venues. Wolof is also widely spoken in major cities.
What local food can I try?
Try jollof rice, chicken yassa or domoda, a meat stew with peanut butter sauce and rice.
What accommodation is available?
The Atlantic coast has luxury four- and five-star resorts. Inland eco camps and lodges usually offer basic stays in natural surroundings.
Can I drink tap water?
The source advises travellers to drink bottled or boiled water because tap water may make them ill.
Can I buy a local mobile phone SIM card?
Africell has sales points almost everywhere. Bring your passport, and staff can sell you an activated SIM card within minutes.
Is swimming in the sea safe?
Atlantic currents can be strong. Check the red, yellow and green warning flags on tourist beaches before swimming.
Reviewed by @snuck