Banjul is the capital of Gambia and is located on the south bank of River Gambia. Banjul lies at the border of Gambia River and the Atlantic Ocean. The land of this place is wet and is connected by a bridge to the mainland. You can reach here through the Banjul International Airport that is located at the southern direction in Yundum and covers 24 kilometres of distance.
Gambia is a well-known travel destination where tourists throng from all over the world during winter to make their holidays special. Gambia is a perfect place for tourists who can enjoy the sparks of sun and sea. This is a true African experience with attractive site like Banjul Beach that offers many activities to the tourists.
Banjul Beach was found in the year 1816 by the British and situated at the mouth of River Gambia. You can experience numerous markets at this place and just chat with the locals here who are very friendly and will give you information related to this place. You will get a fishing harbour at this place and you can also have a chat with the colourful fisherman. At this beach you will get few bars and restaurants. Markets remain packed with stalls like fruits, fishes and textiles.
You will get two major hotels in Banjul that caters the purpose of business travellers and tourists. Hotels like the Atlantic on Marina Parade and the Palm Grove on the Banjul-Serrekunda Highway will be the best hotels for you. Apart from this, you have other hotels in Banjul like Hotel Sheraton Gambia Resort & Spa, Hotel Golden Beach Resort, Hotel Coconut Residence and many others where you can stay and enjoy. Travellers can also rest at the guesthouse in Banjul. Feel the life of Gambian through various activities and sighseeing. Though Gambia is rich in Beaches, so you can hang on and try sun bathing at Bakau, Bijilo Beach, Cape Point, Kololi, Kotu and many other exotic sites.
Banjul has tropical climate. So you can enjoy two seasons that is wet and dry. To experience this place during rainy season come at the month of June to October and for dry season you can reach here during the month of November to May. The temperatures of this place always remain warm for the entire year with average temperature of 26°C. SO just plan your trip to enjoy the attractions of this place during your favorite season.
For relaxation you have the best site which is a man-made beach at the Atlantic Ocean known as Marine Parade and tourists come here to enjoy the site by resting in the hotels near it. Rest of the beaches in the city is usually a place of work for fishermen, boat-builders and river-ferry operators. Before exploring the city you should know that Banjul has a mind blowing attraction called Arch 22 where you will find monument. It was commissioned by the President Jammeh. It celebrated the 1994 coup that brought the president’s government to power. From the top floor balconies you can have a spectacular glance of the city.
Besides this, you can also visit the National Museum on Independence drive is an attractive one where you can explore the cultural artifacts like musical instruments and ritual objects. Also you can enjoy fishing and bird watching at the mangrove creeks that is situated on the border of the town. Here you can spend holidays with your family as major hotels in Gambia offers basic childcare facilities. No wonder, youngsters will be fascinated by the place where it offers wildlife, exotic sites, activities, shopping and much more things. Gambians never lose a chance to greet people who come from every single corner of the world. So without hesitating you can explore the life here with Gambians.
You can also explore or buy something in the Albert Market of Banjul that is situated in the Russell Street. Here you can get easily accessed than the rest of the markets at this place. You can find many locals who come here to buy spices, bonga fish, mangoes, bitter tomatoes but tourists have a number of craft stalls where the can buy something. To buy something which is best will be the musical instruments that are made by the locals and also the dress fabric. Fabulous prints are available at this market so just go and watch. If you like some then do not hesitate to purchase them.
A night in Banjul will make you feel excellent. Once it gets dark, tourists, civil servants and visiting businessmen could be found at the bar in the Atlantic Hotel which is situated in Marine Parade. This hotel is the busiest meeting place. During night, you will find people enjoying their sleep and few of the restaurants and backstreet bars remain open. Most of the locals enjoy hanging around with friends or play table football. They could be even found having a glass of attaya which is actually the green tea.
To enjoy eating out you have Atlantic and Palm Grove hotels that serves international food and sometimes provides local dishes. You can also enjoy Gambian meal in the market like rice and sauce. You can also have snacks, fruits, nuts and fritters in the market.
As Banjul is a small city you can explore it without traveling. So just walk around and experience this city. You can also hire a tourist taxi and explore the city. Local taxis and buses are also available. Also explore the north bank by taking a river ferry to Barra from the port. Top beaches that are located at Cape Point, Kotu and Kololi lies at a distance of 15 to 25 minutes away the road. Enjoy few activities here like getting chilled on the sand, try swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy having fresh fruit cocktails. After this do not miss to explore the south where you will get attractive beaches close to Gunjar, Sayang and also at kartong. You should also explore the James Island and Juffureh where you can enjoy sightseeing as well as enjoy the birdwatching areas like Abuko, Tanbi Wetlands and Makasutu Culture Forest.
Once you explored all these places just feel the pleasant wind blowing around by reserving a table at Ngala Lodge which is at Atlantic Boulevard in Fajara or at Coconut Residence situated at Kerr Serign in Kololi and enjoy your night. These are some of the Gambia’s finest restaurants lies at a distance of 15 to 20 minutes with a ride of taxi out of the town. Also you can get frest by moving ahead of the city and book a luxury accommodation at Mandina Lodge situated close to Brikama or at Sandele near Kartong. Just move around the city, experience the beauty of every site and make you time memorable for the rest of your life.
