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 Banjul
is the capital of Gambia, West Africa (former name Bathurst), as well
as the administrative
city of the country & seat of government. The capital is one of the
smallest cities in Africa, and is situated on an island at the
mouth of the River Gambia called St. Mary's Island. The small port city has a sleepy ambience
reminiscent of a large village. (Geographical co-ordinates 13°27'N,
16°33'W).
Places to See:
Many imported goods find their way to the bustling heart of
Banjul is
Albert Market and its surrounding roads, a great place to
start leisurely walking and shopping for local crafts, batiks, silver
jewellery clothes, shoes, fruits and vegetables, and household goods.
You can find many goods often sold in Europe at high prices a lot
cheaper in Banjul. Remember to always haggle down prices by at least
50 per cent of the asking price.
While in Banjul look out for the War Memorial
& Fountain, near
MacCarthy Square, erected to commemorate the coronation of Britain's
King George VI in 1937. MacCarthy Square
has a colonial atmosphere, with pleasant 19th-century architecture.
There is also a children's playground with a modern play area.
Another place well worth looking at is the African Heritage Centre
displaying and selling objects of art from all round the Gambia.
The skyline of Banjul is also graced by the twin minarets of the King Fahad
Mosque and the State House, built by the Portuguese.
Other places worth visiting are the National
Museum  of the Gambia. The Museum is located around half way down
Independence Drive, the main thoroughfare skirting the north of
the capital, from July, 22 Arch towards Banjul centre you will
find the museum on the left side of the road. There are plenty
of exhibits to see and much of it of interest.
 Another place on Independence Drive is the
July 22 Arch.
Standing high at 35m it offers great views over the city and
coastal areas. The Arch was built to commemorate the July 22
1994 bloodless coup when a young army officer Yahya Jammeh took
control of the country ousting President Jawara.
Whenever you have had enough of the hustle and bustle local
pirogues (skinny wooden boats with an outboard motor) ferry
 visitors on the quiet waterways of Oyster Creek, the main
waterway separating Banjul island and the mainland. The creek is
a popular destination for bird-watchers, anglers and anyone keen
to just laze around on a boat. The dense mangroves are
particularly interesting and home to a variety of fish and other
wildlife.
For those wishing to cross over the estuary to Barra Point you
need to get to the Banjul Ferry Terminal.
Travel Information:
To get to the
capital from the resorts just takes about 20 minutes by car from the
main resorts of Kololi and Kotu. The cost of a typical taxi fare for
such a trip is around £4
or $8.
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Attractions / Excursions
Nature Reserves
Resorts
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