Thinking about taking a trip to The Gambia and not sure which places you shouldn’t miss?
Despite being Africa’s smallest country, The Gambia packs a punch with its charming destinations and diverse landscapes. Covering just 11,295 km² and being less than 50 km wide at its broadest point, this tiny nation is a favorite getaway spot for Northern and Western Europeans, especially those from Britain, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany. It’s an awesome place to soak up some winter sun, offering pleasant weather, sunny skies, and tranquil beach resorts. It’s the ideal spot to escape those harsh winter chills!
Even though The Gambia is small, it boasts a variety of landscapes and a bounty of tourist attractions. You’ll come across golden beaches lined with palm trees, laid-back fishing villages, eco-friendly lodges, and nature parks and reserves.
Intrigued? Then get ready to pack for The Gambia! Before you go, here’s a list of the top things to do to help you plan the perfect trip.
The capital city, Banjul, is a must-visit destination in The Gambia. It’s located on St Mary’s Island (also called Banjul Island), where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. While Banjul might not be overflowing with landmarks, there are still some amazing things to do. Taking a guided tour around Banjul and the surrounding areas is a great way to dive into the local history and culture.
Make your way to Albert Market, one of the largest markets in the country. Here, you can buy souvenirs, carved wooden masks, vibrant fabrics, jewelry, food, and a variety of fresh produce. For a deeper taste of local life, why not take a cooking class and learn to make Gambian dishes? Don’t forget to visit the National Museum, where cultural and historical artifacts like clothing, musical instruments, weapons, and different tools are displayed.
Not far from Banjul, about 12 km away, is the sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool. This popular tourist spot gives you the chance to touch West African Nile Crocodiles. Though it’s a small area with only a few crocodiles, it remains a favorite among travelers and is considered one of the top places to visit.
Abuko National Park might be small, but it offers a great glimpse into The Gambia’s wildlife. It is one of the smallest protected areas in Africa, and within the reserve, you can spot various primate species, crocodiles, lizards, and more than 200 types of birds.
The Gambia River is a key waterway in West Africa, flowing through the heart of the country. A cruise along this river is one of the top activities in The Gambia. The River Gambia National Park, also known as Baboon Island, is the best spot to do this. It’s a stunning nature reserve teeming with primates, reptiles, and birds. Here, you’ll find the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project (CRP), established in 1979, where around 100 chimpanzees live freely on three of the park’s islands. Join an organized boat tour to see these chimps in their natural habitat.
In Eastern Gambia, you’ll discover the impressive Wassu Stone Circles, a group of 11 stones with the tallest standing 2.59 meters high. These ancient stone structures are believed to mark the burial sites of kings. The Wassu Stone Circles belong to the larger Senegambian stone circle group, which is the world’s largest concentration of stone circles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some can also be found in central Senegal.
The Gambia might only have an 80 km coastline, but its beaches are beautiful. With palm-backed shores, golden sands, and clear waters, there are several lovely beaches to choose from.
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is located on the north bank of the River Gambia and covers 220 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in the country. It’s a top spot for wildlife and bird watching, offering rich flora and fauna across its mangroves, salt marshes, and savannah ecosystems. Exploring the park by boat is particularly enjoyable, allowing you to cruise through its creeks and dense mangroves.