Banjul

Banjul is the largest city in and capital of Gambia. The city is on an island, which has constrained its size - population is only 40,000. Consequently much of the population now is based on the mainland between the airport and the city. The main tourist and business centres are around Bakau, Fajara, Kotu and Serrekunda.

Banjul has become very popular as a package holiday destination with British and other European visitors. Travel company 'The Gambia Experience' has been the market leader, but other operators are increasing their offerings too.

Goats on the beach

Get in

Banjul International Airport also known as Yundum International (IATA: BJL, ICAO: GBYD) is the international airport of Banjul. There are many direct flights to Banjul from some parts of Europe and Africa. Direct flights to Conakry, Dakar, Freetown, Amsterdam, Lagos, Brussels, Bissau, London, Accra, Abidjan, etc.

Get around

Most hotels will have a selection of green taxis, which have fixed prices to the most popular destinations. Bicycles are also available for rental. Car hire is available from Avis and AB, both of which are based at the SeneGambia Hotel. Car hire will cost about 1500 Dalasi/day for a small car.

See

Arch 22

• Arch 22, (at the end of Independence Drive). gives good views over Banjul city. GMD 50.
• The Gambia National Museum, Independence Drive, [1]. mo-th: 9am-6pm, fr-su: 9am-5pm. Small museum with cultural and historic artifacts GMD 50.

Do

Go to its wonderful beaches.

Eat

Being on the Atlantic ocean, Banjul has some excellent and well priced seafood on offer. The locally produced peanuts are also very good and go well with a pint of Julbrew.

Mid-range

• Radio Sud Beach bar. This used to be a radio station which started life as a pirate radio on a boat off Sweden. After changes in the law there, it was sailed away and ended up in the Gambia. The ship and radio station have both now gone (the former sank nearby and the latter closed in 2002 when its mast collapsed). It is now a beach bar and restaurant. The original owners are still there and are happy to talk about the history. Located on the beach near Banjul city. Driving away from Banjul city it is on the right after the cemetery.
• Michels seafood bar. Close to the independence arch on Independence Avenue.
• Restaurant at the base of the Independence Arch has good seafood.
• Nefertiti, ☎ 4222400. Good buffet, great location on the beach and free WiFi

Splurge

There are many good restaurants in the road leading to the hotels at Kololi beach. This road is also known as the Senegambia Strip.

Sleep

Splurge

Banjul City Centre

• Corinthia Atlantic Hotel. North of Banjul city centre on the beach. This is not in the main tourist area, which is further to the West. One of the better hotels with a pool and private beach. Wireless Internet throughout.

Kololi Beach area

• SeneGambia Hotel. Good beach hotel, which is popular with older travellers. There is no wireless internet, just 2 machines in reception, for which you can buy 1 hour cards at 100 Dalasi. 'The Gambia Experience' is based here.
• The Kairaba Hotel
• Kololi Beach Club. Luxury accommodation. Has time share and soon accommodation for outright purchase.

Get out

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!