THE  MAJESTIC RIVER GAMBIA

This is the dominant feature of the country and is the major method of irrigation, as well as providing opportunities for fishing, boating and sailing. It is possible to take boat trips up the river. Most remarkable is the abundance and variety of birdlife along the shores.It is often said that The river Gambia is the Gambia and the Gambia is the river Gambia. No wonder the country is named after this majestic river. The river Gambia is the major attraction and the dominant feature of the country.

This great river rises in the Futa Jallon highlands in the Republic of Guinea to it's mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. In a serene and tranquil way, the river meanders majestically along the entire length and breadth of the country.

The numerous bolongs or Creeks adjoining the river provide sanctuaries for treasured birds and fish species, which are highly coveted by bird watchers and students of nature.

The tranquil waters of the majestic River Gambia also provide habitation for a lot of the country's wild life such as the hippopotamus and crocodiles. This exotic wildlife is a source of attraction for the eco- minded tourist.

Some Famous excursions on The River  are:

"Champagne & Caviar"
This British run excursion provides a delightful day afloat. After casting off from Denton Bridge, a morning coffee is served while you peacefully cruising through the creeks to see some the wide variety of birds.

After lunch, the guests try a little fishing, sunbathe, or sample a nice cold beer for a reasonable price.Being a British run excursion, the day wouldn't be complete without a nice cup of tea which is served with biscuits on the return journey.


WILDLIFE PARKS: The Abuko Nature Reserve, which has crocodiles, monkeys, birds and antelopes, is worth a visit. Details of cruises can be found on hotel noticeboards. The Kiang West National Park also has a rich birdlife as well as other animal species; tourist facilities in the park are well developed. Banjul is the starting point for coach and river trips to all parts of the country and coastline. The whole river and the numerous creeks (known locally as bolongs) which join it, are fascinating to the bird lover and the student of nature.

THE RIVERMOUTH: Fort Bullen at Barra Point was built by the British 200 years ago to cover the approaches to Banjul and the river, succeeding James Island Fortress (destroyed by the French) as the main point of defence in the colony. It can be reached by direct ferry from the capital. Oyster Creek is the centre of an area of creeks and waterways which can be visited from Banjul.

UPRIVER FROM BANJUL: Albreda was the main French trading post before they withdrew from The Gambia. Nearby is the village of Juffure, the alleged home of the ancestors of black American writer Alex Haley, author of Roots. However, the authenticity of his account has been questioned over the years. Visitors who want to see more of the countryside may cross by ferry from Banjul to Barra and travel by road to Juffure and Albreda (the journey lasts about 50 minutes), and then by canoe to James Island in the calm waters of the River Gambia. The popular tourist destination of Tendaba is 160km (100 miles) from Banjul by river or road. Further upriver, the fascinating circles of standing stones around Wassau have now been identified as burial grounds more than 1200 years old. Georgetown was the 'second city' of colonial days, and is still the administrative and trading centre of the region. Basse Santa Su is the major trading centre for the upper reaches of the Gambia River. Handsome trading houses built at the turn of the century can be seen there. By the riverside at Perai Tenda can be found a multitude of abandoned shops formerly operated by European, Gambian and Lebanese merchants in the days when up-river commerce offered substantial profits for private traders.

The river is "The Gambia", quite literally, the country exists as a small land area to either side of the river.

There are boat trips and fishing excursions, but too little is now made of the river in tourist terms, there are moves at the end of 1999 to increase the river's profile. Once, it was the means of transport for 200 miles, and along its length there are deserted buildings where trading once thrived.

There are boat trips organised for parties, The Gambia Experience run some costing around £30 you get a lunch as well. Smaller groups not wanting to be in a crowd can get a paddled pirogue for less than £5 an hour.