Banjul

Banjul, Gambia

The low-rise Gambian capital might not be as advanced of a visitor hub as one would, perhaps, expect from a city of such national significance, but it certainly boasts some raw appeal contained within its pulsating and – at times – rather hectic streets. Beyond Banjul proper lies the sprawling Serekunda – Gambia's most populous area – and the vacationer-favoured coastal settlements of Kololi, Bakau, Koto and Fajara.

Population:

Banjul 34,828
Greater Banjul Area 413,397

Currency:

Gambian dalasi = 100 bututs

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance 16
Police 17
Coast Guard +220 4497426
Banjul Police +220 4227256
Banjul Fire +220 422 8211

Opening Hours:

General opening hours are Mon-Thurs 9am-12am & 2.30pm-6pm, Fri-Sat 9am-12pm. Some businesses (especially during high season) stay open until 10pm.

Newspapers:

Daily Observer
Foroyaa Newspaper
Gambia Daily

The Region

The best time to visit this part of the world is winter, when air humidity drops and temperatures become very bearable. The town of Banjul contains traces of architectural styles dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, brought in by African migrants, Christian settlers, and European merchants from Britain, France, and Portugal.
The outlying settlements of Bakau, Koto, Kololi, and Fajara are where tourist infrastructure has been developed to accommodate international visitors (this includes some rather refined eateries, top-notch accommodation and bars/clubs, in pleasant contrast to Banjul itself, where nightlife and evening entertainment are virtually non-existent).
Apart from the characteristic street life, Gambia is a country of rare natural beauty, where travelers will get the chance to come in close contact with indigenous flora and fauna. There are several locations to explore in the immediate surroundings of Banjul, but true discovery awaits at slightly longer distances – the River Gambia National Park, for example, just under 300km east into the country.

Do & See

The small, gritty port town of Banjul rarely figures as the final destination on visitor itineraries. If a few hours is all you have, explore the Royal Albert Market – the town's busiest commercial grounds – and shop around Ecowas and Liberation Avenues. If time permits, pay a visit to Banjul's most known landmark (Arch 22) – sweeping views unfold from its top floor. For further pursuits, look to nearby settlements, abundant natural parks and the beaches of Gambia's coastline.

Dining

Dining options range widely by cuisine type and service quality, from cheap roadside eateries to fancier, upscale restaurants geared primarily at international visitors. Some traditional local dishes include the domada (a variety of peanut-based stew made with vegetables of the cook's choice, served on rice), benechin (or Jollof rice) — a one-pot rice dish made with meat or fish, chili, and various vegetables, and yassa (a simple chicken or fish dish with a side of rice).

Quick bites and cafes

Banjul proper only has a couple of eateries to speak of. These are the Ali Baba Snack Bar (the town's most popular, where live entertainment sometimes takes place in the evenings) and King of Shawarma cafe. In the more touristy areas to the west, cafes are much easier to come upon and the selection is certainly wider. For non-alcoholic drinks, try the health-boosting baobab juice or wonjo juice, made from antioxidant-rich hibiscus.