This guide may contain affiliate links. At no cost to you, they allow me to provide these free and, even if I do say so myself, expert guides based on almost two years of travel in Africa. For a broader view, don’t miss my complete guide to travel in Africa.
There’s an element of blink-and-you-miss-it to The Gambia. Mainland Africa’s smallest state, it isn’t even 50 kilometres (30 miles) wide at its broadest. Lying wholly surrounded by Senegal, like the most beautiful of splinters wedged into its neighbour from west Africa’s Atlantic Ocean coast, for the most part its borders extend no more than 16 km (10 miles) either side of the river sharing the country’s name.
All of which may have you wondering what tiny Gambia offers tourists. But just like the country, which manages to span three climatic zones, there’s a whole host of potential attractions for visitors. These are the nine best things to do in The Gambia.
1. Hit the beach
If The Gambia already rings a bell, it’s probably as a winter destination for sunburnt Brits. For decades now tour operators have offered cheap all-inclusive deals to resorts mimicking those of Spain or the Caribbean.
Although this may not be my personal choice of holiday, it does indicate the beauty of The Gambia’s short Atlantic coastline. My personal pick of the best beaches would be Cape Point Beach in Bakau. A short drive away from Banjul, Bakau is the location of several high-end hotels, although the 500-metre beach is a public one.
Nearby Kotu Beach is a little more on the tourist radar, which can actually be a comfort. Meanwhile, Kololi Beach is another with a great reputation for soft sand, if you don’t mind passing through the Senegambia Beach or Kairaba Beach hotels to reach it.
2. Explore Kunta Kinteh Island
An island in the River Gambia a few kilometres from its mouth, Kunta Kinteh Island is the location of Fort James, one of west Africa’s historic sites of the transatlantic slave trade.
Tours are heavily based on the goings-on in Alex Haley’s book Roots – the island was renamed Kunta Kinteh after its main character in 2011.
In addition to exploring the ruins of the buildings where enslaved people were held before being moved to ocean-going ships, visitors can delve into the slavery museum in Albreda village. Its exhibits include a variety of items from the era, including chains.
Tours generally also stop at Juffureh, where the historic figure of Kinteh was born in around 1750.
3. Visit Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Back in Bakau, oral tradition has Kachikally Crocodile Pool dating back several hundred years. Protected by guardians of the Bojang clan, its status as sacred pool has been somewhat overtaken by its status as a tourist attraction.
That said, women struggling to become pregnant continue to visit in order to douse themselves in the pool’s water. This is because the pool’s crocs act as an intermediary to the spirit Kachikally, who has the power to help.
The best time to visit the pool is during the dry season, which coincides with the best time to visit Gambia. At this time of year, the pool’s water cabbage-covered surface provides much-needed habitats for the crocs. When they’re soaking up the sun on the pool’s edge, you’ll be pressed to touch them on their back, or even pose with them for a selfie.
4. Drop by the National Museum
Banjul, The Gambia’s capital, sits on the hook-shaped peninsula which forms the southern portion of the River Gambia’s mouth. Its size means it reminded me more of a small county town, but it still contains one of the best things to do in The Gambia.
Ignore Arch 22, which is ugly on the outside and all but empty internally, and head instead to the National Museum. Here, across three floors, you’ll find just the right level of dustiness to make it a treasure-trove of bizarre objects.
Its basement has the pre-requisite collection of regional musical instruments. The entrance level is focussed on the cultural and political history of Banjul, while the upper floor has a whirlwind tour spanning from pre-history to the 1990s dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh.
If you’re not keen on exploring the city on your own, this half-day private tour of Banjul includes a museum visit, alongside stopping at the city’s Albert Market, a batik factory, and Kachikally Crocodile Pool.
5. Meet the monkeys of Bijilo Forest Park
Sometimes just called Monkey Park, Bijilo Forest Park protects one of coastal Gambia’s last remaining areas of forest. Its 126 acres is primary made up of close canopy tree species, including large numbers of palms.
A 4.5 km path winds its way among the trees, scrub, and sand dunes. From it, you’ve got an excellent chance to come into close contact with the troops of green, red colobus, mona, and patas monkeys.
Lizards are also prevalent, although you’ll have to have a keen eye to spot nocturnal Senegal bushbabies or brush-tailed porcupines.
If birds are your thing, there’s an additional ‘ornithological path’ running close to the beach. It’s used by those looking to tick off the 133 recorded species of avian, including the stunning bearded barbet and red-billed hornbill. Alternatively, consider this fully-customisable half-day bird watching tour.
6. Shop for bargains at Serrekunda Market
Gambia has no shortage of markets. They are, after all, where most people still do their weekly shopping. Serrekunda Market is one of the best things to do in The Gambia because of its blend of goods. If you’re after toothpaste or freshly-butchered meat, you’ll find it in this one-hundred-year-old market.
However, you’ll also find a good pick of cloths – some local, some imported – and a range of handicrafts which make ideal souvenirs.
Serrekunda Market is roughly opposite Bijilo Forest Park, but if you can’t find it among the warren of streets, ask anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction.
7. Float down the River Gambia
The River Gambia can rightly be called the lifeblood of the country. It flows where roads just don’t go, and provides employment for innumerable people. Taking to the waters of the river is therefore something of a must when visiting Gambia.
I got my first experience of the river on the slow-going ferry between Barra and Banjul. But should you miss the ferry’s joys because you’re flying in, there are still a good number of options.
It’s possible to negotiate with a local pirogue owner pretty much anywhere along the river. However, it’s undoubtedly easier to stick with organized river cruises, which can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.
Drifting towards the mangroves which provide habitat for an impressive array of species, just be sure to have plenty of water and sun protection to hand.
8. Check out the Stone Circles of Gambia
The Stone Circles of Gambia are in the country’s rarely visited far east, yet are almost certainly one of the best things about Gambia.
Also known as the Wassu stone circles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises 11 individual stone circles dating from between AD 975 and 1300. Together with other stone circles in Senegal, they form the largest collection of such structures worldwide.
Some mystery is added from the fact no one is entirely sure who put weeks of effort into erecting these megaliths. The Jola, Wolof, and Serer have all been suggested. Nor is anyone sure of the stone circles’ purpose, though burials have been found among standing stones reaching heights of 2.5 metres.
Either way, the Stone Circles of Gambia are a majestic sight. Their gateway is the city of Janjanbureh.
9. Discover tradition at Tanji Village Museum
Tanji Village Museum is more than your average exhibition space. Instead of grand halls, its collection of ethnographic items is housed within reconstructions of traditional homes. This gives a better sense of tribal life.
It includes the recreation of a Mandinka compound, consisting of several mud-and-stick built roundhouses roofed with thatch. Their interiors are decked out with authentically-styled beds and stools, alongside displays of weaponry, cooking utensils, and the region’s natural history.
At busier times, the museum grounds also feature a plethora of craftspeople, from blacksmiths to weavers each demonstrating their specific talents.
The best things to do in The Gambia
It may be small, but there’s no doubt Gambia is a good place to visit. While Gambia is mainly famous for its all-inclusive beach escapes, there are plenty of other attractions to keep the inquisitive visitor busy. Add to this the fact Gambia is incredibly safe, and you’ll be wondering why you’ve delayed ticking off the best things to do in The Gambia until now!
