The Gambia travel guide
The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, a narrow strip of land along the River Gambia, surrounded by Senegal except for a short Atlantic coastline. Nicknamed the Smiling Coast, it offers sunny beaches, outstanding birdwatching, river trips and a history closely tied to the Atlantic slave trade. It suits winter-sun seekers, birdwatchers and travellers interested in West African culture, with most facilities along the coast near Banjul.
Places worth the trip
Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh
A small island in the River Gambia, formerly called James Island, with the ruins of a fort used in the slave trade. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the nearby village of Juffureh is linked to the story of Kunta Kinte in Alex Haley's book Roots.
Birdwatching
More than five hundred bird species have been recorded in this small country. Abuko Nature Reserve, Tanji Bird Reserve, the Kotu Creek area and the riverbanks inland are popular with birders, and local bird guides are excellent.
Abuko Nature Reserve
A small forest reserve close to the coast, with walking trails, monkeys, monitor lizards and crocodiles in its pools, and plenty of birdlife. It is one of the oldest protected areas in the country.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Bakau
A sacred pool in Bakau where many Nile crocodiles live and where local people come to pray for fertility and good fortune. Visitors can see the crocodiles at close range under the eye of the keepers.
The Atlantic beaches
The coast from Bakau to Kotu, Kololi and further south to Sanyang and Kartong has wide sandy beaches. The southern beaches are quieter, with fishing villages and fewer hotels.
Tanji fishing village
Colourful wooden fishing boats land their catch on the beach in the afternoon, and fish is smoked in large smokehouses nearby, a lively scene of daily coastal life.
River Gambia National Park and Janjanbureh
Upriver, a national park protects the Baboon Islands, where chimpanzees have been rehabilitated, along with hippos and birds. Janjanbureh, on an island in the river, is a base for river trips and has colonial-era buildings.
Wassu stone circles
Circles of standing stones in the central river region, part of the Senegambian stone circles UNESCO World Heritage site, which is shared with Senegal.
Interesting facts about The Gambia
- The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, and at its widest it is only around 50 kilometres across.
- Apart from its Atlantic coastline, the country is entirely surrounded by Senegal.
- The Gambia's borders roughly follow the course of the River Gambia, which runs through the full length of the country.
- Kunta Kinteh Island was renamed in 2011 after the character in Alex Haley's Roots, whose ancestors Haley traced to Juffureh.
- English is the official language, a legacy of British colonial rule, while Mandinka, Wolof and Fula are widely spoken.
Best time to visit The Gambia
The dry season, from roughly November to May, is the main tourist season, with sunny, warm days and low humidity, and it is the best time for birdwatching. Winter months are especially popular with visitors from Europe. The rainy season, from about June to October, is hotter and more humid, with heavy storms, but landscapes turn green and there are fewer visitors. Some hotels close or reduce services during the rains.
Getting around
Along the coast, tourist taxis, painted green, operate from hotels and have set fares, while yellow taxis and shared minibuses are cheaper for local trips. Upriver, roads run along both banks of the River Gambia, and bridges and ferries cross it. River excursions to Kunta Kinteh Island and upriver to Janjanbureh are usually organised by boat. Hiring a car with a driver is a common option for day trips.
Practical details
- Capital
- Banjul
- Currency
- Gambian dalasi (GMD)
- Languages
- English
- Plug types
- G
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 117 police, 116 ambulance, 118 fire
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Tipping is customary in restaurants and hotels, and for guides, drivers and boat crews.
Staying online in The Gambia
Mobile coverage is good in Banjul and along the coastal resort area, with 4G available, and generally reasonable in towns along the main roads. Coverage weakens in rural areas upriver, in some national parks and on the river itself. Hotels, cafés and guesthouses on the coast usually have Wi-Fi, though it can be slow, and power cuts happen. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
The Gambia eSIM plans
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Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Gambia
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Unlimited eSIM Data for 3 Days for Gambia
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Unlimited eSIM Data for 5 Days for Gambia
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Unlimited eSIM Data for 7 Days for Gambia
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Directions along the coast; download offline maps for trips upriver.
- WhatsApp: The usual way to contact guides, drivers and hotels.
- Merlin Bird ID: Identify the hundreds of bird species you'll see along the coast and the river.
- XE Currency: Convert dalasi prices to your home currency.
The Gambia travel FAQs
Yes. The dry season brings reliable sunshine and warm temperatures, and the flight from Europe is relatively short, which makes it popular for winter sun.
Yes. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants on the coast, but cash in dalasi is needed for taxis, markets and tips. ATMs are found in the coastal towns.
Yes, coverage is good along the coast and in towns, and weaker upriver. A travel eSIM gives you local data while your home number stays active for calls and texts.
Unofficial guides, sometimes called 'bumsters', may approach visitors on beaches. A polite but firm 'no, thank you' usually works. Use official guides arranged through your hotel or recognised associations.