Surrounded by Senegal and nestled on the west coast of Africa, The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in the world. But what it lacks in size it makes up for with its immense tourist offering.
The Gambia is dripping in natural splendour and fascinating traditions. The golden beaches draw in countless visitors and the wonderful wildlife peacefully coexists with the spirited locals. It’s a dream destination that offers a welcome respite from the stresses of everyday life.
In this article, we’ll discuss the 9 best things to do in The Gambia. From the cultural sights of Banjul, the unspoilt beaches and the various wildlife experiences, there is so much to see in this compact country. Read on to discover the amazing opportunities that you can have as we showcase what to do in the Gambia.
Banjul is The Gambia’s capital city and played a significant role during the colonial period. It is situated on St Mary’s Island and the mouth of the Gambia River and is the country’s economic and administrative centre. It’s a great place to kick off your adventure in The Gambia and is filled with cultural and historical sights that shed light on the country’s diverse history.
Below, we list some of the top attractions in Banjul that you definitely want to see. You can also explore Banjul on a guided tour that will take you all through the mesmerising city, but you don’t want to miss these tourist hotspots.
One of the top tourist attractions in The Gambia is Arch 22, a major landmark in Banjul. The Arch was constructed to commemorate the 1994 military coup and change of central government. Arch 22 stands as a national symbol of the Gambia, representing the country’s history and political developments.
It’s one of the best places to visit in the Gambia for exceptional views. Arch 22 towers above the city skyline at an impressive 35 metres. There is an observation deck at the top of the arch which provides panoramic views of Banjul, the Gambia River and the surrounding environment.
If you’re a traveller who loves wandering around local markets and taking in the bustling energy of local traders, then Albert Market is a great place to visit. The market is a central feature of Banjul and is easily accessible by walking, taxis or public transport. Albert Market dates back to the colonial period and is named after Prince Albert. Even after centuries, it has retained its historical charm and importance.
Albert Market is known for its lively and bustling atmosphere, with vendors selling a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, textiles, crafts, clothing, jewellery, spices and souvenirs. Visiting the market offers an authentic Gambia experience, allowing tourists to interact with local sellers and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the country.
Whilst visiting Albert Market it is encouraged that you practise haggling and bargaining, it’s common practice and part of the overall experience. If you are eager to explore the bustling stalls, be sure to visit in the morning as it is much quieter and the weather will be more appealing.
Exploring the cultural heritage of The Gambia is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local experience and learn more about the complex history of the country. One of the best places in Banjul to discover more about The Gambia’s turbulent history is the National Museum of The Gambia. Established in 1985, the museum was founded with the goal of preserving, documenting and showcasing the fascinating heritage and history of The Gambia.
The museum is housed in an old colonial building, which itself has a diverse history having once been the Bathurst Club and later the British Council. It houses a vast collection of artefacts from The Gambia and stands as the centre for preserving the country’s heritage and historical sites.
On your visit, you can also enjoy the resplendent gardens that border the building. It is one of the few open green spaces in Banjul and is a great place for a midday stroll after exploring the different exhibits and displays.
The Gambia is famous for its pristine beaches and inviting coastline that draws in countless tourists. Spending time on the golden sands is one of the best things to do in The Gambia as the beaches are teeming with activities and exploration opportunities. While there are plenty of gorgeous beaches across Africa, none are as tranquil as The Gambia’s Atlantic shores.
If spending time on the sunny shores sounds like your idea of paradise, we’ve listed some of the best beaches in The Gambia below.
This golden stretch of coastline sits at the tip of the Banjul Peninsula, just a short drive away from the capital. It is a hotspot for hotels and resorts, but they are set back far from the shore, giving beachgoers plenty of space to spread out and find a serene sunbathing spot.
From Cape Point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as unparalleled sunset vistas. The beach features sun loungers and thatched parasols which offer a comfortable setting to take in the refreshing ocean breeze and gorgeous horizon.
There are also many local fishing villages dotted around Cape Point. This is a great way to explore and interact with local communities for more cultural insight. What’s more, the markets supply the beach’s restaurants and eateries with fresh seafood, so you can enjoy some delicious catch of the day on your beach visit.
Though it is one of the more touristy beaches in The Gambia, Kotu Beach is a great place for some seaside fun. Located just south of Serrekunda, the beach is characterised by powdery white sand azure lagoons.
Kotu Beach is a great place to go swimming in the sapphire waters. The currents can get quite strong here, so it is more suitable for confident swimmers and may not be the best place for travellers with children. However, the vast stretches of sand make it a great place for leisurely strolls, a game of frisbee or building sandcastles.
Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy this beach as it is very close to Kotu Creek, an area home to various colourful bird species. It’s a unique beach activity that is perfect for a daytime visit. But come the evening, Kotu Beach burst into life with vibrant beach bars, live music and cultural performances, making it a top spot for travellers looking for nightlife in The Gambia.
If you’re seeking a more secluded beach for your trip to The Gambia, Sanyang Beach is the place to go. Located about 30 km south of Banjul, this serene stretch of shore is one of the most beautiful beaches in The Gambia, so much so that it is often referred to as ‘Paradise Beach’. Its pristine beauty is largely due to efforts to keep the beach clean of litter, which adds a great deal to the visitor experience.
The beach is a great place to spend a day relaxing. There are a handful of beach bars and eco-lodges where you can find snacks and refreshments on your visit. The beach also includes deckchairs, hammocks and wooden parasols, providing ample amenities that will ensure you have the most tranquil time at Sanyang Beach.
The beach is quite popular with tourists and locals alike, especially on weekends. On Sundays, traditional West African wrestling is held on the beach which is thrilling to watch and offers a unique cultural experience on the warm sands. Likewise, the beach has moderate waves which has made it a popular spot for surfers and you can watch them glide along the waters as you bask in the warm African sun.
Africa has some of the most miraculous wildlife in the world and seeing these creatures thrive in their natural habitat is one of the best things to do in the Gambia. There are a variety of parks and reserves where you can observe these astonishing animals and even get up close with them.
If your trip is predicated on seeing The Gambia wildlife, then the sites below are absolute must-dos.
Situated about 11 kilometres west of Banjul, the 51-hectare Bijilo Forest Park is a miraculous reserve that allows travellers to experience the abundant nature and wildlife of The Gambia. This natural haven is filled with well-maintained walking trails that will suit travellers seeking outdoor adventures. From verdant canopy forests to coastal scrubland, the park contains a variety of environments which makes it one of the top tourist attractions in The Gambia.
Bijilo Forest Park is home to a variety of native wildlife that will delight animal enthusiasts. In the trees, you can watch Red Columbus and Green Vervet monkeys swinging through the canopy. These curious creatures may even come up to you and investigate, but avoid feeding them as this only encourages them to interact with humans.
On the forest floor, keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards and bush-tailed porcupines. If you want to see the spectacular array of over 133 bird species in the park, head to the coastal side where many of them reside. Birdwatchers will be amazed at the sight of stunning avians like ospreys, hornbills and sunbirds.
One of the best places to visit in The Gambia is the River Gambia National Park. This sweeping verdant forest is the main hub for the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, an organisation that works to protect over 100 chimps who live on an island in the park.
You can choose to stay in safari tents on raised platforms and spend a night or two surrounded by the cacophony of birdsong and monkey calls. You can also opt to visit on a day trip, in which you will explore the different islands on the river by boat and watch the daily lives of local animals like chimpanzees, hippos and crocodiles.
There are also night walks where visitors can see bushbabies and early morning birdwatching tours, making the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project one of the best things to do in The Gambia for wildlife encounters.
The first ever wildlife reserve that was established in The Gambia was Abuko Nature Reserve. Opened in 1968, the reserve covers over 106 hectares of lush forest and crooked bush trails. It is situated near the town of Abuko, which is just a short drive from Banjul making it very accessible to visitors.
Within the park, visitors can walk over 5 kilometres of well-signposted trails that will guide them through a range of environments. Walking these trails with an experienced guide is a great way to learn more about the indigenous flora and fauna as they will be able to convey detailed information about the diverse wildlife.
The park is renowned for its avian population, which exceeds 270 distinct species. The exotic birds are just one of the highlights as the reserve also includes a range of snakes, Nile crocodiles and a fabulous array of interesting insects. The reserve also features a museum and picnic area, which makes it a great place for a day trip in The Gambia as you can eat lunch while observing the fascinating animals that call the park home.
There are so many more things to do in The Gambia and we encourage you to explore this untouched paradise to experience its splendour. Whether you seek cultural immersion in the capital of Banjul, pristine picture-perfect beaches or unique wildlife encounters, the resplendent offering of The Gambia promises to amaze. A trip to the Gambia is one you’ll not soon forget and will leave you with delightful memories of charming locals and unblemished natural beauty.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, be sure to browse our other Africa travel articles, like The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and A Guide to Visiting Victoria Falls
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