Visit The Gambia: beaches, the river and what to do in a week

The smallest country on mainland Africa, The Gambia follows the bends of its river for several hundred kilometres, surrounded by Senegal. Travellers come for its mild winter beaches, the wealth of its birdlife and the memory of the Atlantic slave trade.

Why choose The Gambia for a winter break?

From November to May, The Gambia offers dry skies and summer temperatures about six hours' flight from Paris. Its narrow territory lets you combine beach time, birding trips and a river cruise without long transfers, and extend the trip easily into Senegal.

What to discover in The Gambia?

The Atlantic coast, from Banjul to Kartong

Almost all hotels lie along a coast of about 80 kilometres. Kololi and its Senegambia strip concentrate restaurants and nightlife, Bakau is home to the sacred Kachikally crocodile pool, and Banjul can be seen in half a day around Arch 22 and Albert Market. Further south, Sanyang, Tanji and its late afternoon fish market, then Kartong, on the border, offer quieter beaches. A week on the coast is enough to enjoy it.

The river and the memory of Kunta Kinteh

Across from Banjul, the ferry then the road lead to Albreda and Juffureh, from where a boat reaches Kunta Kinteh Island, a former slave trading post listed by UNESCO. The day, often sold as an excursion from the coast, takes six to eight hours. Further inland, about five hours by road, Janjanbureh is the base for the Wassu stone circles, sites shared with Senegal, and for watching the chimpanzees of the Baboon Islands by boat, without landing.

Forests and reserves for birdwatching

The Gambia has several hundred bird species in a tiny territory, making it a favourite of European birdwatchers. Abuko Nature Reserve, half an hour from the coast, is explored on a two-hour shaded trail. Makasutu forest offers canoe trips through the bolongs, the mangrove creeks. The best sightings are from November to March, early in the morning, with a local guide who knows the calls. Nearby Cape Verde draws a similar winter beach crowd.

Cities to visit in Gambia

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Unmissable in The Gambia

Four experiences to capture the spirit of the country.

Kunta Kinteh Island

Ruins of a colonial fort in the middle of the river, a memorial site of the slave trade linked to Alex Haley's novel Roots.

Tanji fish market

Colourful canoes return in the late afternoon, fish is landed on the beach and smoked in artisanal kilns amid a lively atmosphere.

Wassu stone circles

Rows of standing stones more than a thousand years old, with a small museum that explains their funerary role.

Kachikally crocodile pool

A sacred pool in Bakau home to dozens of crocodiles, still visited by Gambians for fertility prayers.

Frequently asked questions about The Gambia

Kololi, Kotu or Sanyang: where to stay in The Gambia?
Kololi and Kotu concentrate hotels, restaurants and nightlife, convenient for a first stay without a car. Sanyang and Kartong, in the south, suit those looking for quiet beaches and eco-lodges. Distances remain short, rarely more than an hour's drive.
How do you cross the Gambia River between Banjul and Barra?
The ferry links Banjul to Barra in under an hour of crossing, but waits can be long and breakdowns frequent. Motorised canoes also make the crossing, faster but less safe. Inland, the Farafenni bridge makes road crossings easier.
Can you combine The Gambia with Casamance in Senegal?
Yes, Casamance lies just south of the border and can be reached by road from the Gambian coast. Check the official travel advice map for the region before leaving and plan for the entry rules of both countries.
When is the best time for birdwatching in The Gambia?
From November to March, the dry season brings together resident species and migrants from Europe, and trails are passable. Sightings are best early in the morning. The rainy season, June to October, makes some sites muddy and malaria is more active.
Are direct flights to The Gambia seasonal?
A large share of connections from Europe are charter flights operated during the tourist season, from autumn to spring. The rest of the year, you often have to fly via Dakar, Brussels or another hub. Book early for the Christmas holidays.

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