The Gambia - DESTINATIONS & HOTELS

• Introduction
• Destinations & Hotels
• Info & facts
• Itinerary Ideas
• Oasis Highlights
• Price Guide
• Themes

Banjul

It's hard to consider a more ignored capital city than the tiny seaport of Banjul. It sits on its island brooding, crossed by sand-blown streets and dotted with fading colonial structures. It's also the least-populated capital on the African mainland. 

In the city visit the National Museum, which has some unusual ethnographic displays. There's an interesting archaeological section reconstructing some of the earliest periods of human habitation of the region, and a history floor with photographs that lead up to the present. 

Then take a stroll to admire the colonial architecture. Go west from the ferry terminal towards a compilation of decrepit colonial buildings and steep-roofed structures, all with wrought-iron balconies.

The quadrangular apply named, July, 22 Square contains a World War I memorial and a fountain dating from the 1930s,  and then make time to climb to the top of Arch 22, built to celebrate the military coup of 22nd July 1994. Be amazed at the outstanding views over the city’s skyline. 

Shop in Royal Albert’s Market the city’s open bazaar, for an illuminating view of Gambia’s daily life.  You will discover stalls stacked with glittering fabrics, shoes, household and electrical wares and a myriad of colours and flavours on the fruit and vegetable market.