The Gambia Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(The Gambia, GM, Western Africa)

Whilst The Gambia might only be a tiny sliver of a country, there are still a decent number of tourist attractions that are worth visiting. Some of these are historic sites which date back to the slave trade and the country's colonial heritage.

Other attractions are markets and craft centres showcasing The Gambia's cultural traditions. Visitors can watch demonstrations of woodcarving or browse the colourful batik fabrics that grace market stalls throughout the country. However, for most tourists and holiday makers, it is the glorious sandy beaches that beckon first.

Beaches

Address: The Gambia, GM, Africa
The beaches and related attractions in The Gambia are one of the main reasons that so many people come to this part of Africa, looking for some sunshine when the weather at home is cold and less reliable. Do bear in mind that if you are planning to wear revealing swimwear, you should try to choose a discreet place if possible, so that you avoid offending local residents. Many beaches are gathered around the main resorts towns, as follows:

• Bakau / Fajara - known for its stunning red rock cliffs and charming secluded spots. Swimming conditions here can be hazaroudous at times.
• Bijilo Beach - a beautiful natural stretch of unspoiled golden sand, with just a couple of small hotels and little in the way of facilities.
• Brufut - a charming southern beach, home to the luxurious Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort, which is widely regarded as the finest hotel in The Gambia.
• Cape Point - a gorgeous beach and perfect for families on holiday simply looking to relax in the African sunshine. Groynes have been constructed here to protect the sand from being gradually washed away.
• Gunjur - a pleasant coastal retreat, where you can enjoy the sun whilst watching the local fisherman unload their daily catch.
• Kololi - conveniently located next to the Senegambia and Kairaba hotels.
• Kotu - a wide and flat expanse of fine sand serving as a hugely important centre for Gambian tourism.
• Sanyang - a sheltered spot, with plenty of beachfront bars scattered along the bay.
• South Gambia and Kartong (Kartung) - offering more deserted and quite beaches, away from the more usual crowds of holiaymakers.

Open hours: daily
Admission: free

River Cruises and Boat Trips

Address: The Gambia, GM, Africa
One thing that simply everyone should pencil in during their holiday is a trip up the River Gambia. Regular leisurely cruises transport passengers upriver, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of more than 300 different species of wildlife. Many visitors choose to ride in traditional flat-bottomed boats, which are known locally as 'pirogues'. Experienced guides will lead you through the beautiful mangroves, rice paddies and wetlands, and point out various birds along the way, which will undoubtedly include myriads of flamingos and pelicans. There is also the likelihood of seeing antelopes, baboons, hippos, warthogs and even possibly dolphins. African pirogues often depart from Denton Bridge, close to Banjul and Bakau, and spend several days travelling to attractions such as the Bintang Bolong, the Tendaba Camp and the Kiang National Park. Shorter packages are available, suiting those who fancy an afternoon of crocodile spotting. Whatever you choose, be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Albert Market

Address: Russell Street, Banjul, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Albert Market is everything you'd expect from a traditional African market. From batik fabrics and handbags hanging from street stalls, to pyramids of citrus fruit balanced precariously on the pavement, it is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and pick up a bargain at the same time. Don't be afraid to haggle if the price is too high!
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Juffure Village (Jufureh / Juffureh)

Address: Juffure Village, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Juffure was made famous during the 1970s when author Alex Hailey published the story of his ancestors under the title 'Roots'. The village was the location of Kunta Kinte's capture by slave traders some 200 years ago. Today, visitors can follow a 'Roots Heritage Tour' around the village, as well as visit the nearby Museum of Slavery at Albreda.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Brikama Woodcarving Centre

Address: Brikama, The Gambia, GM, Africa
The Brikama Woodcarving Centre has become a popular stop-off point for a number of tour companies in The Gambia. Indeed, Brikama and its plentiful woodcarving attractions has become known as the centre of The Gambian woodcarving trade. The centre offers local craftsmen and their apprentices an opportunity to show off their woodcarving skills, from roughly shaping the wood through to finishing and polishing. Visitors are also able to browse the stalls outside the centre and pick up a souvenir or two.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Serekunda Market (Serrekunda Market)

Address: Sukuta Road / Mosque Road, Serekunda, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Serekunda Market is an even livelier version of it is Banjul counterpart, Albert Market. If you want to experience urban African life at first hand, then this is the place to come. It takes a little way to get used to the hectic mix of cars, street traders and crowds of people, but well worth it if you're looking for something special or just want to browse the huge and colourful assortment of goods on offer.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Bakau Botanical Gardens

Address: Cape Point Road, Bakau, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Tel: +00 220 449 7354
Bougainvillea, tropical palms and indigenous plants jostle for place in this beautiful green space perched atop cliffs on Bakau's Cape Point Road. The botanical gardens are a peaceful and shady alternative to lounging on the nearby beach. If you fancy a stroll, the garden also offers a nature trail with the prospect of spotting some of the area's more exotic bird species.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge