Introduction
Gambia is a variety of landscapes and attractions, ranging from wide sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast through lush tropical forests, swamps and marshes up to endless wooded savannas.
Banjul & The Coast
The River Gambia is at the mouth near Cape St. Mary about 10 km wide, in Banjul, but it narrows to 5 km. The city, the seat of government and only major city in the country, lies on a deep, protected harbor at St. Mary’s Iceland. The area around MacCarthy Square has a colonial atmosphere with beautiful buildings from the 19th Century. Close by is the craft market.
The National Museum is also worth a visit. Souvenirs can also be on the Bengdulalu (singular: Bengdula) Buy at Wadner Beach, in front of the Sunwing Hotel, Fajara and the Senegambia and Kotu Beach. Bengdula called Manding and meeting place on offer is a collection of stalls selling traditional African style, the arts and crafts and souvenirs of all kinds.
South of Banjul, the Atlantic coast offers some of the best beaches in Africa. There are many hotels in the area around Banjul, Kombo and St Mary.
The Gambia
The river dominates the landscape, is the main artery serving the irrigation and offers fishing and sailing. The extensive river and estuary system (Bolong) is a veritable paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Of interest is the Abuko Nature Reserve, in which one monkey can observe crocodiles, antelopes and birds up close. The Kiang West National Park also offers a variety of birds and other animals. The tourist facilities in this park are very good.
THE RIVER ESTUARY: Fort Bullen at Barra Point, is located was built 200 years ago by the British. This fort replaced the fort on James Iceland (destroyed by the French) as the main point of defense of the colony.
Oyster Creek is located in one of several rivers traversed area and is easily reached from Banjul.
UPSTREAM OF BANJUL: Before the French left the country, was Albreda an important trading post. Nearby is Juffure, home of the ancestors of the American writer Alex Haley, who wrote the novel Roots. Who wants to see more sets on the ferry from Banjul to Barra, and goes on to Juffure Albreda (journey time approx 50 min) and then uses a canoe to Fort James Iceland. The fort is built in 1651 by the Germans and ten years later was conquered by the British.
Tendaba is a new holiday center, situated 160 km from Banjul, and by land and by river is reached. Further upstream near Wassu fascinating stone circles are over 1200 years old burial grounds, which are UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Not far from Wassu is the Baboon Islands National Park.
Georgetown was during the colonial period, the second largest city in the country and remains the commercial and administrative center of this region.
Basse Santa Su is an important trading center on the upper reaches of the Gambia with beautiful buildings from the turn of the century.
By the riverside at Perai Tenda one comes across many abandoned stores that were formerly operated by European, indigenous and Lebanese traders.
Sutukoba was once a busy commercial city, and Portuguese trading center for goods from the interior.
