Banjul and Bakau
The capital, on an island at the mouth of the river, with Albert Market and Arch 22; in Bakau, the sacred crocodile pool of Kachikally.
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Destination guide
The Gambia
The river, the birds and the Atlantic, a few hours from Dakar.
The Gambia follows the course of its river. The smallest country on mainland Africa, surrounded by Senegal, it stretches along both banks of the River Gambia, from the Atlantic beaches to the forests and rice fields of the interior.
It is known as the Smiling Coast. People come for its gentle beaches, for a memory inscribed on the World Heritage List at Kunta Kinteh Island, and for the birds: more than 500 species have been recorded here, making it one of the most renowned birdwatching destinations in West Africa.
As Senegal's immediate neighbour, The Gambia lends itself as well to a short break from Dakar as to a trip combined with the Sine-Saloum or Casamance. Tukkiji arranges these tailor-made stays, from transport to accommodation.
Practical information
The essentials before you go.
- Capital
- Banjul
- Languages
- English (official language), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola and other local languages
- Currency
- Dalasi (GMD), variable rate; euros and CFA francs are easy to exchange locally
- Flights
- No regular direct flights from Paris (connections via Brussels, Casablanca or Dakar); from Dakar, about 1 h by air or 6 to 8 h by road
- Time difference
- GMT all year round, like Dakar: 1 hour behind Paris in winter, 2 hours behind in summer
- Entry requirements
- ECOWAS nationals, including Senegalese: free movement, no visa. EU citizens: passport valid for 6 months, visa rules depend on nationality, check before you travel
- Health
- Antimalarial treatment advised; yellow fever vaccination recommended, certificate required if arriving from a country at risk
- Electricity
- 230 V, type G sockets (British-style): adaptor needed
When to go
The best time to travel, month by month.
Like neighbouring Senegal, The Gambia has two main seasons: a sunny dry season from November to June, and a hot, humid rainy season from July to October.
- Jan31 °CIdeal time
- Feb32 °CIdeal time
- Mar32 °CIdeal time
- Apr31 °CIdeal time
- May31 °CGood time
- Jun31 °CGood time
- Jul30 °CRainy season
- Aug29 °CRainy season
- Sept30 °CRainy season
- Oct31 °CRainy season
- Nov31 °CIdeal time
- Dec31 °CIdeal time
- Ideal time
- Good time
- Rainy season
Average daytime temperatures on the coast, around Banjul. The interior, along the river, is markedly hotter, especially from April to June. From November to March, migratory birds draw birdwatchers; the rainy season brings green landscapes and great tranquillity, though some tracks become difficult.
Must-sees
The places not to miss.
The Atlantic coast
The Atlantic coast
From Kololi to Kartong: palm-fringed beaches, the fish market of Tanji and its colourful pirogues, and villages that remain peaceful further south.
Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh
The former James Island and its related sites, a World Heritage Site bearing witness to the Atlantic slave trade, reached by boat on the river.
Abuko and Makasutu
Abuko and Makasutu
Abuko Nature Reserve, with its monkeys and birds, and Makasutu forest, explored by pirogue along the bolongs, less than an hour from the coast.
The river and Janjanbureh
The river and Janjanbureh
Upriver, Janjanbureh Island and River Gambia National Park, home to chimpanzees that can be observed from the boat.
The Wassu stone circles
The Wassu stone circles
Standing stones, some raised more than a thousand years ago, inscribed on the World Heritage List together with the circles of neighbouring Senegal.
Frequently asked questions
What travellers often ask us.
Do I need a visa for The Gambia?
Nationals of ECOWAS countries, including Senegal, enter The Gambia freely with an ECOWAS identity card or a passport. For European travellers, requirements depend on nationality: some are exempt for short stays, others need a visa. A passport valid for at least 6 months is recommended; check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
When is the best time to visit The Gambia?
From November to May, during the dry season: skies are clear, the heat is bearable on the coast and the tracks are passable. From November to March, it is also the best season for birdwatching, migratory species included.
How many days do you need in The Gambia?
Three or four days are enough for the coast, Banjul, Abuko and Kunta Kinteh Island. Allow a week to travel upriver to Janjanbureh and the Wassu stone circles. From Dakar, The Gambia also combines easily with the Sine-Saloum or Casamance.
Is The Gambia safe to visit?
The Gambia is a calm and welcoming country. The usual precautions apply, and you may be approached on the tourist beaches: a polite refusal is enough. Check your government's travel advice before you leave; Tukkiji remains reachable throughout your stay during the opening hours of our Dakar head office, and beyond them in exceptional circumstances.
What currency is used in The Gambia and how do I pay?
The currency is the dalasi (GMD). Euros, pounds sterling and CFA francs are easy to exchange at bureaux de change along the coast. ATMs are found mainly around Serrekunda and Kololi, and bank cards are rarely accepted outside the large hotels: bring cash.
How do I get to The Gambia from Dakar?
By road, allow 6 to 8 hours via Kaolack and the Karang border post, then the Barra–Banjul ferry, where waiting times vary. The Senegambia Bridge at Farafenni lets you cross the river without the ferry, at the cost of a detour inland. Flights also link the two capitals in about an hour, depending on the routes currently operating.
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