Top 15 Must-Visit Destinations in The Gambia

What attracts many visitors to The Gambia are the stunning beaches – of which there are numerous options.

Lavish five-star resorts that cater to diverse preferences coexist with vibrant Mediterranean-style areas filled with a multitude of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

There is also ample opportunity for leisurely days and extended strolls along the palm-fringed, unspoiled coast. You may select any experience that suits you. However, there is significantly more to discover in Africa’s smallest nation!

Encircled entirely by Senegal, The Gambia boasts nature reserves, picturesque fishing hamlets, and various historically significant slave trade posts that merit exploration.

If you have an appreciation for ornithology, you are likely aware that this country is home to over 100 bird species observable on a single river tour.

One of the most appealing aspects of The Gambia is the wide range of day excursions that can be arranged during your visit.

Let’s delve into the premier destinations to explore in The Gambia:

1. Abuko Nature Reserve

Established in the early 20th century to safeguard a water catchment area for nearby communities, Abuko Nature Reserve holds the distinction of being The Gambia’s inaugural conservation area, officially established in the 1960s.

This region is abundant in Gambian wildlife and has become the nation’s most frequented tourist destination, attracting over 33,000 visitors annually.

Active conservation initiatives are in progress in this 260-acre reserve, which is home to three primate species, antelope, porcupine, African palm civets, crocodiles, galagos, and nearly 300 bird species.

Interestingly, Abuko is also recognized as the nearest tropical forest to Europe.

2. Banjul

The capital city of The Gambia, Banjul, functions as a port situated on Saint Mary’s Island.

Initially named Bathurst in honor of the Secretary of State for the British Colonies, Banjul serves as the governmental center for the nation.

Despite its significance, many travelers overlook Banjul. Nevertheless, with its bustling harbor, rich historical narrative, colonial architecture, and vibrant urban market, there is much to appreciate in this city.

Experience the street vendors from Senegal and Guinea, and the shop owners operating within historical colonial trading premises, all contributing to the dynamic atmosphere of the commercial district.

Keep an eye out for traditional kirinting houses constructed from bamboo, typically inhabited by the island’s poorer agricultural communities.

3. The Albert Market

Albert Market serves as the bustling core of Banjul.

Established in the mid-19th century and named after Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria, this marketplace has always thrived on bartering, haggling, and a lively atmosphere.

The market is engaging even on its quietest days, which is, in truth, rarely the case!

Here, you will encounter an array of goods including shoes, intricately carved masks, household items, electrical gadgets, vibrant fabrics, fruits, vegetables, beauty products, apparel—you name it.

Allocate ample time to explore and refine your negotiation techniques.

For a taste of local cuisine, various street vendors and beverage stalls are available throughout Albert Market.

4. Old Town

Venture towards the broad and inviting Ma Cumba Jallow Street located just west of the Banjul ferry terminal, where you’ll discover a disordered collection of dilapidated colonial edifices and traditional Krio-style clapboard dwellings.

This area, known as Old Town, closely resembles Freetown in Sierra Leone due to the influx of families from Freetown who settled here in the early 19th century.

There is ample historical significance to appreciate as you traverse through this fascinating aspect of the city.

5. Bijilo Forest Park

Bijilo Forest Park, also referred to as Monkey Park, is positioned within the coastal zone, approximately 11 kilometers from Banjul.

Though relatively modest in size, this reserve is a source of pride for local residents.

The well-kept trails guide you through incredibly lush vegetation, featuring gallery forests, grassland, and low shrubbery, winding your way toward the dunes.

The park is home to three primate species: red colobus, vervet, and patas.

Visitors are advised against feeding the monkeys, as they can become quite mischievous!

Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s rich diversity, boasting over 100 species, including ospreys, bee-eaters, and francolins. Reviews consistently indicate that it is an enchanting reserve that captivates everyone.

6. Brufut Beach

Located between the Kombo South District and the Atlantic Ocean, Brufut includes both a resort and a village.

Situated just 23 kilometers from Banjul, the beach features exquisite golden sands and plenty of seclusion.

Accessing the beach requires descending cliffs via paths that can be moderately steep at points.

Upon arrival and securing your space, you will see local fishermen and women engaging in the sorting of fish, mending nets, and waiting for favorable tides to venture back out to sea.

Thanks to its low visitor volume, it is ideal for sunbathing, engaging in water sports, walking along the shore, and cycling.

Nearby Sannah-Mentering serves as a revered site for Gambian Muslims, where many come to seek blessings.

7. Janjangbureh

Also referred to as Georgetown, Janjangbureh is a historic colonial administrative center located on MacCarthy Island in the Gambia River.

A stroll through the town will introduce you to the historic Commissioner’s Quarter.

This residence, over 200 years old, was once home to freed slaves.

The town offers little in the way of tourist infrastructure, which may render it either appealing or less desirable depending on your holiday preferences; however, the primary attraction for most visitors is birdwatching.

Consider staying at a lodge or resort outside of the city center to spend a few days observing the region’s diverse birdlife.

8. Sanyang Village and Beach

This tranquil beach locale is home to approximately 7,000 residents predominantly from the Wolof, Mandinka, Fula, and Jola ethnic groups. Sanyang Beach, comprised of Paradise, Osprey, and Pelican beaches, is widely regarded as the finest beachfront in The Gambia.

Long before tourism reached its shores, it became a popular destination, featuring an extensive stretch of unoccupied beach bordered by mangroves and lagoons.

This setting is ideal for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots. The local economy largely relies on fishing, and consequently, there exists an impressive fish market within the village.

It is an excellent location for observing daily life and interacting with the local population. Additionally, the area features numerous shaded pathways that are perfect for nature walks.

9. National Museum of Gambia

This historic building, formerly known as the exclusive Bathurst Club, now houses the National Museum of Gambia.

You will discover an extensive array of exhibits and displays, covering traditional Gambian lifestyles, the colonial history of Bathurst, information regarding the Senegambia stone circle sites, as well as music and dance.

Though compact, the museum is well-organized, offering insights into the vibrant culture of this remarkable nation. You will not overlook the prominent Kankurang mask suspended in the main hall.

This significant ritual mask is utilized during rites of passage and coming-of-age ceremonies.

10. Wassu Stone Circles

Situated in the Central River Region, these circles are thought to serve as burial sites for ancient kings and chiefs.

Dating back to between 750 and 1000 AD, the stones and arrangements differ in size from 4 to 6 meters in diameter, with any number of ten to twenty stones comprising each circle.

Each stone averages about six feet high, and many visitors and archaeologists have speculated about their origins and true significance.

While the Wassu area contains the greatest concentration of stone circles, numerous circles can be found throughout the nation.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, local folklore suggests that anyone who disturbs the stones will face a curse—this may explain their long-standing undisturbed condition.

11. The Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Occupying nine acres in Bakau Old Town, the Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a site of local belief regarding the water’s healing properties, attracting many who seek blessings.

Approximately 80 crocodiles inhabit the pool, with about a dozen usually visible upon arrival.

The facility also includes an ethnography museum, souvenir shop, café, and nature trail.

12. Makasutu Culture Forest

This private woodland reserve focuses on ecotourism within the Kombo Central District.

Encompassing over 1,000 acres, this protected area features pristine riverine, palm, and hardwood forests, mangrove creeks, salt flats, and savanna.

During the 1990s, two British individuals initiated conservation projects to revive this nearly barren forest.

This sacred region has since evolved into a sought-after day excursion, offering visitors a chance to witness one of the most picturesque forested regions in The Gambia.

13. The Gambia River

There exists a popular adage that encapsulates the profound connection between the nation and the river: “The Gambia River is the Gambia and the Gambia is the river Gambia.”

The landscape comprises two bands of land flanking the river, which undeniably remains the country’s most significant feature.

This river has become a favored tourist attraction as it allows access to the interior of the country and neighboring Senegal and Guinea.

A riverboat excursion offers encounters with fascinating wildlife, historic slave trade stations, and stunning countryside.

14. Serrekunda

Serrekunda, the largest town in The Gambia, is a market town with a population nearing half a million inhabitants.

This locale is home to the Batik Factory, where meticulously crafted tie-dyed and batik fabrics are produced.

It represents an ideal location for acquiring unique and personal souvenirs for your home.

Wrestling is the regional pastime in the Senegambia area, and Serrekunda takes this tradition seriously.

Each wrestler is accompanied by a small band of drummers who invigorate the audience with lively rhythms ahead of a match. The guidelines are relatively flexible, but intervention may occur if the contest becomes excessively rough.

15. Tanji

The Gambian coastline is populated by numerous fishing villages, with Tanji being the busiest and most renowned.

All activities occur directly on the beach, which, while not suitable for swimming, creates a vibrant environment for observing daily life.

The fish market and fish-smoking center serve as the heart of the village’s activities.

Tanji Village Museum provides insights into Gambian customs and lifestyle.

Bird watchers will delight in the nearby Tanji River Bird Reserve, comprising six square miles of savanna habitats and marine wetlands along the river.

With over 300 bird species, including 34 raptors, as well as sightings of bushbuck, hyena, green monkeys, and red colobus monkeys, this area promises rich biodiversity.

Should you have the opportunity, be sure to explore the Bijol Islands, renowned for hosting more than 20,000 birds, occasionally including seals and whales.