Banjul Gambia
Gambia
14
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Holland America Line (2 Cruises)
Oceania Cruises (4 Cruises)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (6 Cruises)
Silversea Cruises (2 Cruises)
Frequently Asked Questions
At the port, immediately beside the city. Banjul occupies a flat island at the mouth of the Gambia River, and it is one of Africa's smallest capitals: the entire centre is walkable from the quay.
Albert Market, about a kilometre from the quay, Arch 22 up toward the island entrance, and the National Museum a few streets away. Allow three hours for all three at a relaxed pace. A pirogue trip into the mangroves, by contrast, takes a half-day.
A labyrinth of stalls under corrugated roofs and parasols, about fifteen minutes' walk from the quay. It sells mangoes and peanuts, smoked fish, brightly coloured wax cloth, silver jewellery, indigo-dyed fabric, carvings and drums. In the tailors' section, a made-to-measure shirt can be ready before you head back aboard if you order early.
The traders call out, joke and bargain: that is the custom, not aggression. English dominates, but a smile does most of the work. Bring small denominations and some patience: nothing is ever really in a hurry here.
A monumental arch spanning the main avenue, erected to commemorate the 1994 change of government. It houses a small exhibition space, and its terrace, when open, offers the best view in the city: tin roofs, the port, the mangroves and the estuary stretching away.
Yes, especially early in the call. The building is modest but the interpretation is careful: the country's history from precolonial kingdoms to independence, musical instruments, masks and period photographs. The visit fits easily into an hour and gives useful context for the rest of the day.
Yes, and Gambia ranks among Africa's best-known birdwatching destinations. Even a short outing turns up hornbills, sunbirds and fish eagles. Local guides identify by ear what the eye has not yet found, and their enthusiasm is contagious.
Mangrove channels where herons and kingfishers fish, explored by pirogue on excursions. The whole country stretches along its river, so wide at the mouth that the far bank is barely visible.
Yes, the coast south of the capital is lined with sand beaches, reachable by excursion. The city itself, on its flat island, has no swimming beach: getting to one means a drive, which eats a good part of the call.
The Gambian dalasi, with English as the official language and Mandinka and Wolof heard on the street. Bring cash in small denominations: cards are rarely accepted outside the large hotels, and the market runs on cash.
