Banjul.
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Overview

Banjul is the capital of Gambia and its fourth largest city. The city is on an island, which has constrained its size - its population is only 31,000 (2013). Consequently much of the population now is based on the mainland between the airport and the city. The main tourist and business centres are around Bakau, Fajara, Kotu and Serrekunda.

Banjul has become very popular as a package holiday destination with British and other European visitors. Travel company 'The Gambia Experience' has been the market leader, but other operators are increasing their offerings too.

Understand

History Founded by the British in 1816 as a trading post and naval base to suppress the transatlantic slave trade, the settlement was originally named Bathurst after Henry Bathurst, the British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. It was renamed Banjul in 1973, eight years after The Gambia gained independence. Despite its status as the nation's political capital and administrative heart, the city has preserved a quiet, low-rise character marked by colonial-era architecture, traditional trading compounds, and vibrant street markets.

Geography and layout Banjul sits on St Mary's Island (also known as Banjul Island) at the mouth of the Gambia River where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Because the island is hemmed in by mangrove swamps and the ocean, physical expansion has long been restricted, keeping the city's residential population modest (around 31,000). The island connects to the mainland via the Denton Bridge. As a result, much of the region's urban growth, modern commerce, and tourist infrastructure have shifted west to mainland hubs like Serrekunda, Bakau, and the resort areas along the Atlantic coast.

Climate Banjul features a tropical wet-and-dry climate: Dry season (November to May): The most popular time for travelers. Days are consistently sunny and warm with daily highs around 32–34°C (90–93°F), accompanied by lower humidity and negligible rainfall. Cooler evening breezes off the ocean keep nights comfortable (around 18–20°C / 64–68°F). Wet season (June to October): Characterized by high humidity, overcast skies, and heavy tropical downpours—peaking in August. While rain often arrives in intense bursts rather than continuous downpours, coastal roads and low-lying island paths can become muddy or flood-prone.

Culture and atmosphere While most international visitors base themselves in the resort strips along the mainland coast, Banjul itself offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Gambian life. It is bustling during weekday business hours around government offices and the dense lanes of Albert Market, but winds down significantly in the evenings and on weekends into a sleepy, tranquil island town.

Get in

Green taxis are available at the airport, with a table that lists prices to various destinations. D500-700 to hotels in Serekunda.

For the intrepid tourist, the Plymouth - Banjul Challenge also ends here.

Get around

Most hotels will have a selection of green tourist taxis, which have fixed prices to the most popular destinations. Yellow taxis are cheaper and more fun; locals buy a seat in a taxi on a journey from junction to junction for a few dalasi, or pay for a "town trip" to their destination. Minibuses and trucks are colourful, but extremely uncomfortable.

Bicycles are also available for rental. Cycling is popular for young locals, but there is little respect for the safety of cyclists on or near the roads.

Car hire is available from Avis and AB, both of which are based at the SeneGambia Hotel.

Gambians drive mostly on the right. The rules of the road are complex, licences are not common, and there is no test. The majority of roads are sand in the winter, and mud or waterholes for most of the year.

See

Arch 22. Gives good views over Banjul city. The gate is 35 m tall and the centre of an open square. It houses a textile museum.

The Gambia National Museum. Small museum with cultural and historic artifacts

Albert Market Banjul State House Banjul Court House The African Heritage Museum or African Heritage Centre is a museum and art gallery in Banjul, The Gambia. It holds a large collection of African art and statues.

The city has two cathedrals and several major mosques.

Buy

GT Bank. Takes MasterCard at all its ATMs.

Eat

Being on the Atlantic Ocean, Banjul has some excellent and well priced seafood on offer. The locally produced peanuts are also very good and go well with a pint of Julbrew.

Nefertiti. Good buffet, great location on the beach and free WiFi.

Calypso Bar & Restaurant. Watch marsh crocodiles and monkeys while you have a lunch.

Gibbi's on the Beach. Seafood and rice and other edibles on the Cape Point beach.

Smiling Coast Guesthouse Bar & Restaurant.

Splurge There are many good restaurants in the road leading to the hotels at Kololi Beach. This road is also known as the Senegambia Strip.

Drink

Banjul itself is fairly quiet at night, as much of the local nightlife and bar scene is centered around the resort strips on the mainland (particularly the Senegambia strip in Serrekunda). However, you can still find local spots, hotel lounges, and beachside bars to relax with a drink.

Julbrew: The national beer of The Gambia, brewed locally by the Banjul Breweries. It is a crisp, light lager readily available at almost every bar, restaurant, and corner store across the city. Attaya: Strong, sweet green tea brewed over hot coals in a three-stage ritual. It is a major social staple—sharing a glass with locals is a common way to pass the afternoon. Juices: Freshly made, chilled drinks are widely available in street stalls and eateries. Popular options include wonjo (a tart, refreshing sorrel/hibiscus juice) and baobab juice (a creamy, tangy drink made from the fruit of the baobab tree). Palm wine: Known locally as taparo, fresh fermented palm sap is popular in coastal villages and informal local bars.

Sleep

YMCA hostel. The hostel has 34 fan single and double rooms. You can book a room via their web site.

Fajara Guest House. 11 single/double rooms.

Camping Sukuta and Lodge. Camping/single/double.

Sarges Hotel. On the Senegambia strip. This is a basic hotel. Use of safe is extra. Wireless internet is slow and breakfast pretty basic. There is a pool and a bar.

Splurge Most luxury hotels are located along the beaches in nearby Serrekunda.

Laico Atlantic. This is not in the main tourist area, which is further to the west. One of the better hotels with a pool and private beach. Wireless Internet throughout.

Kololi Beach area SeneGambia Hotel. Good beach hotel, which is popular with older travellers. There is no wireless internet, just 2 machines in reception, for which you can buy 1-hour cards at D100. 'The Gambia Experience' tours are based here. The Kairaba Hotel Kololi Beach Club. Luxury accommodation. Has time share and soon accommodation for outright purchase.