Best things to do in Banjul
Find out more about those top places in Banjul
Banjul: Gambia's Groovy Capital Where the River Hugs the Ocean (and the Weather Hugs You Back!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Yo, sunshine seekers and culture vultures! If you're looking for a West African city with a pulse that's livelier than a drumming circle at sunset, then point your compass towards Banjul! Perched right on an island where the mighty Gambia River gives the Atlantic Ocean a big watery high-five, Banjul is the main squeeze in Gambia, home to a cool 31,301 awesome people.
Forget those stuffy, predictable capitals! Banjul is your quintessential West African experience served with a smile. Think glorious weather that feels like a warm embrace, important colonial buildings whispering tales of a bygone era, exciting wildlife reserves where you might just spot a cheeky monkey, and a culture so vibrant it'll make your soul sing. Trust us, there's absolutely no shortage of things to do in Banjul from the moment you make your grand entrance through the monumental Arch 22 (seriously, you can't miss it!). This city is definitely worth adding to your "places I've conquered with my awesome travel spirit" list.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best top attractions and uncover the most exciting things to do in Banjul. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring historical landmarks to getting up close and personal with Gambian wildlife, all while soaking in the infectious energy of this captivating city.
Top Attractions: From Monumental Arches to Monkey Business!
Banjul offers a fantastic mix of history, nature, and culture. Here are some of the top places to visit that will make your trip memorable:
Arch 22: Your Grand Welcome (and a Killer View!)
You can't miss Arch 22, a towering monument that marks the entrance to Banjul. Not only is it a striking landmark, but you can also ascend to the top for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. It's a fantastic first stop for your Banjul sightseeing.
Albert Market: A Sensory Explosion of Local Life
Dive headfirst into the vibrant chaos of Albert Market, Banjul's bustling central market. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and colorful fabrics to traditional crafts and local snacks. It's a sensory explosion and a fantastic place to interact with locals and experience the true energy of the city. Exploring the market is definitely one of the top things to do for an authentic Banjul experience.
Abuko Nature Reserve: Get Wild with Gambian Wildlife!
Just a short drive from Banjul, the Abuko Nature Reserve is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. This lush reserve is home to a variety of monkeys, baboons, colorful birds, and even crocodiles. It's a fantastic opportunity for some incredible wildlife sightseeing and a chance to escape the city bustle.
National Museum of Gambia: Unraveling the Nation's History and Culture
Delve into the fascinating history and cultural heritage of Gambia at the National Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing traditional artifacts, historical documents, and insights into the country's rich past. It's a great place to visit to deepen your understanding of Gambian culture.
Things to Do Beyond the Main Sights: Beaches, Birdwatching, and Cultural Immersion!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Banjul vibe:
- Relax on the Beaches: While Banjul itself is on an island where the river meets the ocean, you can find beautiful beaches a short drive away along the Atlantic coast. Enjoy the sunshine and the ocean breeze!
- Go Birdwatching: Gambia is a birdwatcher's paradise, and the areas around Banjul are teeming with colorful and exotic species. Grab your binoculars and prepare to be amazed.
- Take a Boat Trip on the Gambia River: Explore the waterways and witness the local life along the Gambia River. You might even spot some wildlife from the boat.
- Visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool: Get up close (but not too close!) to the sacred crocodiles at the Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau, just outside Banjul. Legend has it that the crocodiles have special powers.
- Immerse Yourself in Local Culture: Attend a traditional music or dance performance, try some delicious Gambian cuisine (like Domoda or Yassa!), and chat with the friendly locals to truly experience the warmth of Gambian culture.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in West Africa that offer a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, Banjul in Gambia is a fantastic choice! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with captivating sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared for sunshine, friendly faces, and a city that will leave a lasting impression long after you've said "Baadamaa" (goodbye)!
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Arch 22
The Arch 22 was built to commemorate the military coup d’état of July 22, 1994, when the democratically elected Gambian government were overthrown by Yahya Jammeh and his Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council. The Arch has a neoclassical style and was designed by Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby, it is one of the tallest structures in Banjul at 35 meters tall.
At the base of the Arch 22 is a statue of an unknown soldier carrying a baby in one hand and making a V sign (victory sign) with the other. The monument is on the back of the Gambian 100-dalasis banknote.
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Gambia National Museum
Established in 1985 the Gambia Museum was set up for collection and preservation of artifacts documenting the material culture of Gambia and also to educate visitors and Gambian citizens who may not be familiar with the country’s history. The museum has three floors, each showing the political and cultural history of Gambia. The museum has a very sound educational system in place, with short art classes and history videos shown to visitors.
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Banjul Demba Cultural Festival
There are several festivals that happen in Banjul, one of them is Banjul Demba Cultural Festival. It was established 13 years ago and it has been happening every year since then. The festival which starts on the first week of January, affords visitors and guests the opportunity to see the various display of art, music and dance performance of the Gambians.
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River Gambia
The River Gambia formerly known as the River Gambra, is where the country gets its name from. The River Gambia which is a major river in West Africa is about 1,1200 km long, it starts from the Futa Jallon, passes through several countries (Guinea, Senegal and Gambia) before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the river on a boat; spotting hippos, pelicans and crocodiles.
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Abuko Nature Reserve
One of the primary reasons why tourists flock to Banjul is because of its wildlife. The number one destination to visit searching for wildlife is the country’s first designated wildlife reserve, Abuko Nature Reserve. Established in 1968, it covers an area of about 2 square kilometers. The Nature Reserve is a mix of fauna and flora, it has different species of plants and animals.
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International Roots Festival
Another festival that should not be missed on your visit to Gambia is the international Roots Festival, set up to commemorate the forced enslavement and shipment of millions of Africans to the Caribbean and the Americas. The festival which happens bi-annually features workshops, traditional dances, carnival parades and visits to historical sites like the Kinta Kinteh Island and Fort Albreda.