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How do I get there?
By Air
The International Airport at Banjul is 20km from
the city centre. Taxis are available to the city. There’re several
airlines that fly between Europe and Banjul. There are also numerous
cheap charter flights, as Gambia is popular with European package
tourists. The national airline flies to and from Ghana, Nigeria,
Guinea, Senegal and Bissau.
By Road
Dakar (Senegal) has a direct connection to
Banjul via the Trans Gambia Highway. There are other entry routes from
Senegal, but only the vehicles using the highway are allowed a direct
entry. Others need to stop at the border and passengers have to change
transport. Bush taxis, mini-buses and buses will get you from Dakar to
Banjul.
Most of the main towns and cities in The Gambia
are connected by road to Banjul by buses, share-taxis and mini-buses.
Rent-a-car facilities outside the main cities is, however, almost
impossible
By Sea
If you are daring and adventurous enough, you
can get a ride on ocean-going "pirogues" (open wooden boats) from Dakar
and Ziguinchor in Senegal to Banjul. This option is reportedly unsafe
and prices tend to fluctuate.
Getting Around
By Road
Taxis are the best forms of transportation for
short distances and are available outside most hotels. They, however,
do not have meters and it is best to negotiate prices before you
commence the journey. The roads can be very difficult in the rainy
season that is between July and October. At the moment, there are very
few self-drive cars available for hire. Traffic drives on the right in
Gambia. Cars, taxis and 4WDs can be rented at hotels and it is
suggested that you rent a chauffer-driven vehicle because of the lack
of adequate traffic signs and good road surfaces. If you are dining
out, it is advised that you retain your taxi, as they are not always
available outside restaurants late in the evening. Check to see that
the tariff includes 2 hours waiting time and the return journey. Local
buses, mini buses and share taxis also operate within Banjul. The buses
are very efficient but can get a trifle crowded.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Tourism and Culture
The Quadrange, Banjul, The Gambia.
Tel: (220) 227881, 229563, 227593, 228496,
223186.
Fax: (220) 227753, 227034
When to Go
November to April is the best time to visit
Banjul. The heat and humidity come down significantly, with the
Harmattan winds blowing in from the Sahara. Although it tends to get a
little dusty, winter is characterised by glorious sunshine and nippy
evenings. Temperatures can dip to 7°C, so carry woollens for this
season.
Where
do I Stay?
Accommodation to suit every pocket and taste is
available in Banjul. If you seek the exotic, check out Barra, across
the river from Banjul, where you can stay in traditional grass tents or
dormitories. You can take lessons in drumming and dance, eat in
communal bowls, all for the price of your stay.
What to bring
Lightweight clothing, with emphasis on casual
and beachwear, and rainwear is recommended for summer. Although dress
code at the beach hotels is pretty informal, it is suggested that women
avoid shorts, skirts and strappy tops outside hotel grounds. During
winter, it tends to get cold in the evenings and woollen jackets and
jumpers need to be taken along. Winter is also the ideal time for
sunbathing; so do carry your sunscreen.
Medicines are not readily available in Banjul.
If you are on prescription medicines, it is best to take enough along
to last the duration of your stay. Apart from this, general medicines
for small ailments, dehydration, stomach upsets, insect bites and cuts,
along with mosquito repellent and suntan creams are suggested. And,
don’t forget those binoculars for your visit to the Game Reserve!
Things to Do
Sights to see
The National Museum in Banjul is
well worth a visit for the historical and ethnological exhibits, which
are well labeled and explained in detail. The museum is open 4 days a
week (Monday to Thursday). The swamps and mangroves of Banjul also
offer interesting boat rides. You can ask at the riverbank
along Wellington Street between Albert Market and the ferry pier, or at
Denton Bridge.
Abuko Nature Reserve is just 20km away
from Banjul and is easily accessible unlike most African wildlife
reserves. It is well geared up for the tourist and offers a spectacular
diversity of flora and fauna. Among the rare animals that can be
spotted are the sitatunga, green vervet, duiker and red colobus monkey.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in this Reserve. In
winter, many species migrate here from Europe. The most well known
birds you may see here are the Senegal Parrot, lily trotter, pied
kingfisher, pelican, glossy starling and several varieties of colourful
flycatchers, turacos and sunbirds. The reserve is open everyday from
0800-1800 hours and the entrance fee is minimal.
Dining & Entertainment
Restaurants are usually attached to hotels and
there are many others in the city centre ranging from luxury to small
eating joints (chophouses). Outside the main town, you’ll find a lot of
mid-range restaurants and chophouses catering to the tourist trade. You
can opt for Gambian dishes or grilled chicken and chips even at the
smallest restaurants. Vegetarians are not very well catered for,
although buffets in many hotels serve a variety of local fruits and
vegetables. Most hotels serve European cuisine and food is inexpensive
compared to European standards. However, most European products are
imported and sometimes there may be a shortage of supplies. Beer is
reasonably priced but wines aren’t. Soft drinks and juices are readily
available.
There aren’t too many nightclubs in Banjul and
discotheques and entertainment are confined to hotels. If you are
thinking of visiting the few nightclubs, it is best to take a Gambian
friend along to avoid being harassed.
Shopping
One of the most popular purchases is the
Gambishirt, made of "batik" prints and embroidered cotton cloth, very
brightly coloured. Woodcarvings, beaded belts, silver and gold
jewellery and ladies handbags are also popular items. Buy jewellery
with extreme caution because fakes are common. Other West African
handicrafts made of straw, beads, leather, cloth or metal can also be
purchased at several craft markets near hotels set up by the
"Bengdulalu". The Albert Market in Banjul is a fascinating maze of
covered stalls where you can get everything.
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