Your Last BordersTHINGS TO DO IN THE GAMBIA
The Gambia is a tiny country in West Africa surrounded by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s so tiny it makes the smallest country in mainland Africa, with 11,000km2 and 2.6 million inhabitants. Yet, it offers 80km of unspoilt sunny beaches that delight holidaymakers all year round. Despite its limited size, there’s lots of interesting things to do in The Gambia. Especially for those who love the ocean, wildlife, and experiencing new cultures.
Keep this post handy when preparing your trip to the Gambia. This ultimate guide on the best things to do in The Gambia contains everything you need for a perfect trip. Book those flights or overland from Senegal and enjoy a vibrant West African adventure on an English-speaking nation spread along river Gambia.
Things to do in The Gambia by the beach
The most common answer to ‘what to do in The Gambia’ is ‘go to the beach’. The country offers 80km of unspoilt beaches, affordable resorts, and good weather all year round. Thus, everyday makes the best time to visit The Gambia. The following are the best things to do in The Gambia beaches.
1. Swim and sunbathe by the Atlantic
Many agree that enjoying its unspoilt beaches is reason enough for traveling to The Gambia. Indeed, beaches in Gambia are the highlight of Gambia tourism as they are beautiful, warm, and accessible. To the point the best beaches in The Gambia are only a few steps away from any hotel room. Therefore, the ultimate best thing to do during your The Gambia holiday is enjoying some sunshine.
Some of the most well known among The Gambia beaches are Kotu beach, Bakau, Cape Point, Sangyang, and Kombo. They all have plenty of amenities and feature sun beds, restaurants, and bars. It’s rue that beaches in West Africa are not as wonderful as those in Kenya or Zanzibar. Nevertheless, they make some of the most beautiful places on Gambia. Make sure to enjoy some swimming and sunbathing when in Gambia Africa.
2. Enjoy a meal on the sand
One of the best things to do in The Gambia is enjoying the country’s cool yet inexpensive beach clubs and restaurants. Many beach hotels in Gambia serve food and drinks right on the sand. Additionally, there’s plenty of restaurants by the beach where to refresh savouring local and international dishes. My favourite are beach restaurants in The Gambia are: Calypso, Solomon’s Beach, Kunta Kinteh, and Poco Loco.
Additionally, as The Gambia is facing West its beaches are ideal to watch the sun set over the ocean. And there’s no better way to do it than by a bonfire and with a tropical drink. Plenty of beach clubs and bars set up their own bonfires and offer delicious fish barbecues every night. Enjoying them was one of my favourite things to do in The Gambia.
3. Listen to the Gambian drums
Traditional drumming is one of the best things to experience when visiting Gambia. Local drums or djembes are an integral part of life in The Gambia since the 13th century. These are made of tree trunks and goat skin and their sound encourages some dancing under the stars.
There’s Djembes performances at important life events such as births, weddings, and funerals. And also by the beach every evening, as locals hang out and share stories of their days. Some of the best resorts in Gambia also hire local groups to perform for their guests. Thus, if you get a chance, make sure to attend a show as this is one of the best things to do in The Gambia. And if you love music, consider taking a drumming lesson.
Top wildlife things to do in The Gambia
Besides its beaches, the top tourist attractions in Gambia have lots to do with animals. Indeed, meating the local fauna is a highlight of every Gabia visit. Reptiles, mammals, and bird await anyone who visit Gambia. Among them, the following are the best wildlife things to do in The Gambia.
4. Meet the crocodiles
Kachikally is an ancient sacred pool inhabited by crocodiles. Locals believe its waters aid women’s fertility, so many travel from afar to take a bath in its mud hoping to conceive. And tourists visit it to hang out with the crocodiles, which are no longer that wild as they are used to being fed by the guards.
Visiting the Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool is one of the best things to do in the Gambia as it provides unreal photo opportunities. Just make sure to follow the paths and never touch a crocodile without the guards permission, as they know when and how to do it best.
You’ll find it in Bakau, quite close to the touristic area in Senegambia. The pool is open daily and there’s an entrance fee below $1. There’s also a small onsite museum on the pool’s history also featuring photographies, customs, and amulets.
5. Hang out with the monkeys
Looking for some nature during your Gambia visit? Head to Bijilo Forest Park for a relaxing walk. Here you’ll find high trees, plenty of shade, and monkeys. Several green velvets and red colobus monkeys inhabit this forest and enjoy spending time with locals and tourists alike. The forest is close to the touristic area, open all day, and the entrance fee is below $1.
Be conscious about feeding though. Guards will encourage tourists to purchase some peanuts to give to the monkeys. By offering food, visitors can interact closer with the monkeys and take cool photographs while the guards make an extra income. However, this is in detriment of monkey’s ability to feed themselves. Moreover, monkeys carry diseases that can be passed on to humans.
6. Feed the vultures
This is a controversial one among the best things to do in The Gambia. Feeding wild animals as disruptive, no matter how great of a photo opportunity it provides. Yet, hooded vultures are an endangered species in The Gambia and having them feed actually aids their preservation. Additionally, it provides work opportunities for locals who may otherwise not have a source of income.
Therefore, if you’d like to see some vulture feeding during your holidays in The Gambia, head to the gardens of the Senegambia Hotel every morning at 11am. or to Kotu Bridge right afterwards. The feeding is free to attend, yet donations are welcome and so is further hiring of a guide for birdwatching.
7. Go Birdwatching
The Gambia is one of the best places in the world to go birdwatching. This tiny country features several habitats among coastline,k wetlands, mangroves, and forests that host over 500 bird species.
If you’d like to give it a try, ask your local hotel or head to the Tanji Bird Reserve. Expert birdwatchers will have an enhanced experience hiring an expert local guide and heading to bigger conservation areas on a day tour.
8. Take a Gambia River Cruise
The Gambia owns its name and very own existence to river Gambia. A 1,120 metre long river beginning in Guinea and flowing into the Atlantic ocean. Therefore, enjoying a cruise over this very special river is one of the best things to do in The Gambia.
Expect moderate luxury though, as most cruises use local pirogues. You can check them out here. Floating on the Gambia river allows fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying wildlife. It’s a great way to spot some wild crocs and monkeys as well.
Best cultural things to do in The Gambia
9. Experience Tanji fishmarket
Tanji fish market is the ultimate Gambian experience. If you could only visit one market, talk to one local person, or shoot one photograph while in The Gambia, I would 100% do it in Tanji fish market. Undoubtedly my favourite among things to do in The Gambia, check out my Instagram to find out why we loved it so much.
Despite the Tanji’s market is very similar to that of M’bour in Senegal, it’s still one of the most unique places to see in West Africa. Particularly in the afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. This is when fishermen return from the sea on their colourful traditional boats and unload their daily catch. Meanwhile, the women clean, cut and sell it in countless stands on the beach.
It’s such a vibrant and overwhelming place. Yet, it’s completely safe for tourists and their is no need to hire a guide. Perhaps cover up a little bit and leave your nicest shoes at home. And always ask for permission before taking close videos and photographs. As this is the largest fish market in The Gambia, it also features stalls where fish are smoked and dried. This preserved fish is then sold to landlocked African countries.
10. Go sightseeing in Banjul
Banjul, located on an island over the river, is The Gambia’s capital city. Banjul is home to a busy harbour and sand-covered streets where kids play all day long. Must see Banjul attractions include Arch 22, Albert Market, National Museum of the Gambia, and King Fahad Mosque.
Arch 22 is a 36-metre tall arch built in 1996 to commemorate the military coup on 22 July 1994. The National Museum of The Gambia, open Monday-friday from 7am to 6pm, hosts plenty photographs, historical documents, and ethnographic items on the country’s history and culture.
King Fahad Mosque, Banjul’s biggest, is from 1988 and features a beautiful double-minaret. Last but not least, Albert Market, honouring Queen Victoria’s husband, is the main shopping area in Banjul and the perfect spot to bargain and people-watch.
11. Shop at Serrekunda market
Serekunda is the largest city in The Gambia, with over 340,000 inhabitants. And all of them need food so Serekunda features the largest food market in The Gambia. A vibrant and bustling one with endless stalls selling everything you can think of. The market is open all day long, yet busier in the mornings. Visitors do not need a guide to wander around. Make sure to dress appropriately as you’ll be on sandy streets under the heat surrounded by fully-covered locals and do not take people’s portraits without permission.
Exploring this market is a great way to dive into day-to-day Gambian life. Here you’ll see all sorts of animal parts on sale. Including, hearts, kidneys, livers, and lungs. Right by the all sorts of fruits and vegetables, insects, and fish. Along with souvenirs, crafts, woodcarvings, jewelry, and textiles. yet, what surprised me the most where the large portions of palm oil on sale, as this is the most common cooking oil in The Gambia.
12. Party in Senegambia
Spending a night in Senegambia is one of the most memorable things to do in The Gambia. This is the most touristic part of the country, right at the beach and by the best hotels in The Gambia. Here you’ll find lots of traditional and international restaurants, bars, and clubs. If you would like to experience some night fun in The Gambia, there’s no better place to go.
You won’t only find tourists here though. Many young locals also visit this street when hanging out with their friends. Thus, it’s a great place to mingle and people watch. Africa Queen Restaurant, Al Terrace, and The Green Mamba Garden are some of the most well known restaurants in the area. While Aquarius Night Lub and Wow are great places to dance the night away.
13. Visit the Wassu Stone Circles
There’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site in The Gambia: the Wassu Stone Circles. However, it’s far from Banjul and the touristic area of Senegambia. The drive would take at least 5 hours each way. Therefore, despite being the greatest historical site to visit in The Gambia not many tourists add it to their Gambia itinerary.
Still curious about the Wassu Stone Circles? It a megalithic circle made of 11 stones of almost three metres. It dates back over 1,200 years and was once used as burial site for the elites. The place is open daily from 8am to 6pm.
14. Explore Kunta Kinteh Island
Kunta Kinteh Island is an island on river Gambia home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s accessible by boat through a river cruise, or on a 40 km drive from Banjul followed by a short sail. As in Zanzibar and Senegal, the island hosts a prison and a slave market. For many African slaves, this was the last spot on the continent they stood ahead of sailing to America. Nowadays, visitors can explore the ruins of this old prison and a British fort.
Back in the days it was known as St James island. It was renamed Kunta Kinteh Island to honour the African-American writer Alex Haley. He traced his ancestors back to this very island, including a man named Kunta Kinteh born in The Gambia and sold into slavery in the 1750s. The writer turned his story into a novel and then a TV series. Certainly a thought provoking one among the best places to visit in The Gambia.
15. Take a day trip to Senegal
Some say The Gambia is the smiley mouth of Senegal. Others say it’s a splinter stuck in Senegal. Either way, or none indeed, since The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal almost in its entirety, it makes a great base from where to explore Senegal. Especially it’s souther part as it’s quite far from Dakar.
Most hotels and tour operators offer day trips to Senegal. And every taxi driver you meet on the streets will be glad to take you too. Just make sure you are eligible for / not require a visa to enter the country. And bring plenty of water and snacks for the road.
Recap on the best things to do in The Gambia
The Gambia is a small yet wonderful country to visit in West Africa. A land famous for its sunshine and ocean breeze. The Gambia beaches welcome tourists everyday and they are indeed the main Gambia tourist attractions. Yet, there’s many more cool and fun things to do in The Gambia thank soaking in the beachlife.
Nature lovers will enjoy taking a cruise along Gambia river, birdwatching, and visiting sanctuaries such as the Kachikally pool and the Bijilo forest. For the best people watching, head to Tanji fish market and Serekund Market. There’s also some sightseeing to do in the country’s capital, Banjul. And some vibrant cultural sites to visit, like the Stone Circle or Kunta Kinteh Island. Finish off the day with a fresh fish barbecue at sunset and I can guarantee you won’t want to leave The Gambia anytime soon.
If you have any additional questions on The Gambia or Senegal, please leave comment below or reach out through my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages. From “is Gambia safe for tourists’ to “what to eat in The Gambia”, there’s no question too small nor too big ahead of preparing a trip. Happy and safe travels everyone.
