Information:
Anyone
who lives in the Gambia would be somewhat bemused to read the description
of the country's nightlife that appears in many of the tourist brochures.
It describes a hotel based social scene comprising '... stage shows
and dance', no doubt intended to entertain the tourist once they have
enjoyed a civilised evening drink after a pleasant dinner.' The implication
being that there is little to interest the party animal outside of the
immediate hotel area - how wrong!
Most Gambians would be surprised by the sedentary nature of the nightlife
around the main tourist area and any visitors who do venture away from
the hotels are delighted to discover the
Gambia's fast paced, hectic and exciting local
night clubs scene.
The unique mixture of African, European and South American influences
makes a night in the town a memorable experience for the visitor and
resident alike. The wide variety of clubs, bars and restaurants means
that even the most dedicated night clubber can enjoy a different venue
on each night of their holiday.
The following is a selection of some favourite nightspots. Highly recommended
is "Jokor",
located at Westfield Junction (where Kairaba Avenue meets the Banjul
Highway). Ideal in terms of accessibility as it is within walking distance
of all the major bush taxi routes and private taxis are always available
outside. As well as being a top dance club with 2 outdoor dance floors
and an excellent sound system, Jokor also has 3 bars (2 outdoors) and
a good restaurant serving African and European style food at reasonable
prices. Don't go hungry though service can be slow! Jokor is open 7
days a week, all day and into the early hours.
For
hardened clubbers, the night starts and finishes late. The dance floors
will be heaving from 12 to 4am on Friday and Saturday nights. In terms
of dress code, Jokor is the same as any venue in the Gambia, casual
gear (shorts, beach wear etc.) is definitely out. You will stick out
like a sore thumb, and when you see the other revellers in their finery
regret that you didn't liberate your party gear from the back of the
closet.
Further
a field but definitely worth the trip is "Willy's" in Lamin
(about 2km from the airport). A Bantaba style building with a huge dance
floor and serious sounds, Willy's is the perfect place to dance the
night away to a variety of music from West Africa and further afield.
The club seriously' kicks off at around midnight and is open every Saturday
night and some Fridays and Sundays. It is worth checking the dates of
public holidays as there is always a "programme" on those
nights, often featuring live music. Willy's is closed during Ramadam,
the Muslim fast month. There are generally plenty of taxis outside after
closing (about 4 am) as most of the customers travel from Serrekunda
or even Banjul.
Near the hotels there are a few fairly good local venues including including
the gigantic complex entertainment venue called Duplex
near the Seaview Gardens Hotel. It is truly a one-stop entertainment
centre fit enough to match many of the clubs in Europe or the US.
Jakarlo in
Kololi, "Wow"
in the Senegambia area, and "Tam Tam 2000" next door to Badala
Park Hotel. Again, you will find a good mixture of music
and the opportunity for some serious dance floor activity. However,
they do lack the unique atmosphere of Jokor and Willy's. Maybe it's
the air conditioning! Expect a more expensive night also as you will
pay about a higher entrance fee and hotel prices for your drinks.
For a quieter night on the town there is a fairly good selection of
pubs and bar restaurants
around Serrekunda,
Bakau and Fajara
to chose from.
So put on your dancing shoes, hop in a taxi
and get out and explore the "real" Gambia. For anyone looking
for a taste of Gambian night life an evening excursion on the town is
an unparalleled experience.
|