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The Ultimate Banjul Cheat Sheet 2025: A Local’s Guide to Gambia’s Capital

Insider's guide to Banjul, Gambia (2025): local tips, transportation secrets, affordable accommodations, authentic restaurants, and cultural insights from my 7+ visits to West Africa's hidden gem.

Introduction: Why Banjul Should Be On Your 2025 Travel Radar

The first time I stepped off the plane at Banjul International Airport (BJL) back in 2016, I was immediately hit by three things: the wall of humid heat, the brilliant sunshine, and the genuine warmth of the Gambian people. I’d come for a two-week volunteer stint and ended up staying three months. Seven visits later, Banjul feels like my second home in West Africa.

What strikes me most about Gambia’s compact capital isn’t just its colonial architecture or bustling markets, but how it remains refreshingly untouched by mass tourism despite being only a 6-hour flight from major European cities. While neighboring Senegal gets more attention, Banjul offers an authentic slice of West African life without the overwhelming crowds.

This guide isn’t just a collection of tourist spots—it’s everything I wish someone had told me before my first visit, including the mistakes I’ve made (like my embarrassing attempt to haggle at a fixed-price supermarket) and the discoveries that made each trip special (finding the hidden beach spot where local families gather on Sundays).

Whether you’re planning a quick stopover or using Banjul as your base to explore the wider Gambia, this 2025 cheat sheet will help you navigate like a local, save money where it counts, and experience the city’s true character beyond the guidebook basics.

Getting to Know Banjul: Orientation & Basics

Banjul sits on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the Gambia River—a fact that surprised me when I first realized the capital is essentially on an island connected to the mainland by bridges. With a population of around 35,000, it’s one of Africa’s smallest capitals, which makes it wonderfully walkable.

Key Areas to Know

  • Banjul City Center – The administrative heart with government buildings, banks, and the main post office
  • Albert Market – The bustling commercial hub where locals shop
  • July 22nd Square – The main public gathering space (formerly McCarthy Square)
  • Old Town – Colonial-era buildings and quieter residential streets
  • Marina Parade – The waterfront area with views of the port

Essential Gambian Phrases

While English is the official language, learning a few words in Wolof or Mandinka goes a long way:

English Wolof Mandinka
Hello Nanga def I be jamu
Thank you Jerejef Abaraka
How much? Nyata la? A ye jelu le ti?

Climate & When to Visit

I’ve visited during both the dry season (November-May) and rainy season (June-October), and each offers a different experience:

  • Dry Season (Nov-May): My favorite time. Temperatures hover between 24-30°C with minimal rain. December-February is particularly pleasant with cooler evenings.
  • Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Humidity soars, and short but intense rain showers occur regularly. On the plus side, prices drop, landscapes turn lush green, and you’ll have most places to yourself.

Insider Tip: If you’re planning a 2025 visit, aim for late November through early December when the weather is perfect, but you’ll arrive just before the peak tourist season starts, meaning better rates and less crowded experiences.

Navigating from BJL Airport to Banjul

Banjul International Airport (BJL) is actually located in Yundum, about 24km from Banjul proper. This was my first rookie mistake—I thought the airport would be in the city center and didn’t plan for the transfer time!

Airport Transfer Options

  1. Hotel Shuttle: If staying at a larger hotel, ask about their airport pickup service. Prices range from 500-1500 GMD (10-30 USD) depending on the hotel category.
  2. Official Airport Taxi: Yellow taxis operate on fixed prices. Expect to pay around 1,000 GMD (20 USD) to Banjul. Always confirm the price before departing.
  3. Local Transport: For the budget-conscious, walk to the main road (about 10 minutes from the terminal) and catch a green bush taxi. It’s only about 50 GMD (1 USD) but requires changes and takes 1-2 hours.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #1: I’ve discovered that if you exit the airport and walk about 200 meters to the roundabout, you can negotiate with taxi drivers waiting there for nearly half the price of the official airport taxis. They’re still licensed drivers, just not paying the airport tax. I’ve done this on my last three trips with no issues.

Currency & Money Matters

The Gambian Dalasi (GMD) fluctuates quite a bit. As of early 2025, 1 USD is approximately 50 GMD, though this can change quickly.

  • ATMs: Found primarily in Banjul’s center near the banks on Liberation Avenue. Trust Bank and Ecobank have the most reliable machines.
  • Currency Exchange: Better rates are usually found at the foreign exchange bureaus in Albert Market than at the airport.
  • Cash vs. Cards: Banjul remains largely cash-based. Only larger hotels and some restaurants accept cards, often with a 3-5% surcharge.

One mistake I made during my second visit was bringing only new, crisp US dollars. While these are accepted, the exchange offices now take older bills too (as long as they’re not damaged). Euros are equally accepted and sometimes preferred.

Accommodation Options: Where to Stay in Banjul

Banjul proper has limited accommodation options compared to the coastal tourist areas like Kololi or Kotu. However, staying in the capital gives you a more authentic experience and easier access to ferries for day trips.

Recommended Stays for Different Budgets

Category Property Location Price Range (2025) Why I Recommend It
Budget Atlantic B&B Wellington Street 1,200-1,800 GMD/night Simple but clean rooms, incredibly helpful owner (Kebba), and walking distance to everywhere in central Banjul.
Mid-Range Banjul Hotel Near State House 2,500-3,500 GMD/night Colonial building with character, reliable Wi-Fi, and a small but lovely courtyard garden.
Upscale Laissez Faire Hotel Marina Parade 4,500-6,000 GMD/night Waterfront views, excellent restaurant, and the most reliable air conditioning in the city (crucial during hot season).
Local Experience Family Compound Guesthouse Old Town 1,500-2,000 GMD/night Stay with Isatou’s family in their traditional compound with a private room. Home-cooked meals included!

Money-Saving Insider Tip #2: Most Banjul accommodations offer weekly rates with significant discounts. Even if you’re staying just 4-5 nights, ask for the weekly rate anyway—I’ve managed to get it applied for shorter stays twice now, especially during the shoulder seasons.

Neighborhood Guide

If you’re deciding where in Banjul to base yourself:

  • City Center/Liberation Avenue: Most convenient for sightseeing, but noisier during the day
  • Old Town: Quieter, more residential feel with colonial architecture
  • Marina Parade: Pleasant waterfront area, slightly more upscale
  • Near Albert Market: Bustling during the day, quieter at night, very local experience

During my last visit in 2024, I chose to stay near Albert Market and loved the energy during the day, though it gets very quiet after 7 pm when stores close. If you want more evening activity, staying closer to Liberation Avenue is better.

Getting Around Banjul: Transportation Hacks

Banjul’s compact size makes it one of the few African capitals where walking is a viable option for most sightseeing. However, knowing how to use local transport will save you both money and time for longer journeys.

Walking

Most attractions within central Banjul are within a 20-minute walk of each other. The grid layout makes navigation fairly straightforward once you get your bearings. I find early mornings (6-9am) and late afternoons (4-6pm) most pleasant for walking due to lower temperatures.

Personal Experience: During my first visit, I made the mistake of trying to walk everywhere in the midday heat—not fun! Now I plan indoor activities during the hottest hours (12-3pm) and do my walking explorations in the morning or late afternoon.

Local Transport Options

Bush Taxis (Gele Gele)

These green minivans are the backbone of public transportation in Gambia:

  • Cost: 10-25 GMD per journey within Banjul
  • Routes: Semi-fixed routes, but not marked
  • Tips: Stand by the roadside and wave when you see one approaching. Tell the apprentice (assistant) where you’re going before boarding.

Yellow Taxis

Easy to spot with their bright yellow paint:

  • Cost: 150-300 GMD for trips within Banjul
  • Operation: No meters, so negotiate price before entering
  • Shared option: Some operate as shared taxis along main routes for 50 GMD per person

Ferry to Barra

The ferry connecting Banjul to Barra on the north bank is an experience in itself:

  • Cost: 25 GMD for pedestrians
  • Schedule: Departures roughly every 1-2 hours from 7am-7pm
  • Duration: 30-45 minutes (though delays are common)

Money-Saving Insider Tip #3: The local transport card system introduced in 2023 offers significant savings. Purchase a “Gambia Transport Card” from the main office on Liberation Avenue for 200 GMD and get 15% off all bush taxi and ferry rides. The card is valid for 6 months and pays for itself if you’re staying more than a week.

Renting Wheels

For independent exploration beyond Banjul:

  • Scooter Rental: Available from Banj Bike near the craft market (1,000 GMD/day)
  • Bicycle Rental: Eco Tours on Daniel Goddard Street offers decent mountain bikes (500 GMD/day)
  • Car Rental: Only recommended if you’re comfortable with sometimes chaotic driving conditions (3,000-5,000 GMD/day plus fuel)

I’ve tried all three options and found the scooter to be the best balance of flexibility and cost, though be warned that the traffic can be intimidating at first. The new bypass road completed in 2024 makes circumnavigating Banjul much easier now.

Must-See Sights & Experiences in Banjul

While Banjul isn’t packed with traditional tourist attractions, its charm lies in the authentic daily life, colonial history, and serving as a gateway to explore the wider country.

Top Attractions

Albert Market

The beating heart of Banjul, this sprawling market has been operating since the 1800s. I spend at least half a day here on every visit, and still discover new sections:

  • Craft Section: Wood carvings, batik fabrics, and jewelry (best prices in the back stalls)
  • Food Market: Vibrant produce, spices, and local ingredients
  • Textile Area: Stunning wax prints and local tailors who can make custom clothing in 24-48 hours

Visit early morning (8-10am) for the best atmosphere and lower temperatures. The smell of freshly ground peanuts, incense, and tropical fruits creates a sensory overload that I find intoxicating.

Arch 22

This imposing gateway stands at the entry to Banjul from the mainland:

  • Entry fee: 100 GMD (includes museum access)
  • Highlight: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the entire city and the river
  • Museum: Small exhibition on Gambian history on the second floor

National Museum of Gambia

A small but insightful museum covering Gambian history and culture:

  • Location: Independence Drive
  • Entry fee: 100 GMD
  • Highlights: Ethnographic displays, historical photographs, and cultural artifacts

The museum’s collection was expanded in 2023 with new exhibits on Gambia’s role in the Atlantic trade routes, making it worth a return visit even if you’ve been before.

Unique Experiences

Dawn at the Fish Market

One of my favorite Banjul experiences happens between 6-7am at the waterfront fish market. Watch colorfully painted fishing boats arrive with the night’s catch, followed by energetic auctions as restaurant buyers and local sellers haggle over the best specimens. The symphony of voices, the glint of scales in the early morning light, and the salty air create an unforgettable sensory experience.

Sunset Ferry Crossing

Taking the ferry to Barra around 5pm means you’ll be on the water during sunset, offering spectacular views of Banjul from the water as the city is bathed in golden light. I often make this a short round-trip journey just for the photos and atmosphere.

Craft Workshops

Behind Albert Market, several artisans open their workshops to visitors. I’ve spent fascinating hours watching batik fabric being made, wood carvers creating intricate designs, and silversmiths crafting filigree jewelry. Most are happy to demonstrate their craft if you show genuine interest (and perhaps purchase something small).

Cultural Note: When photographing people or their work, always ask permission first. A small tip (20-50 GMD) is appreciated if you take several photos, especially of craftspeople.

Eating Like a Local: Food Guide to Banjul

Gambian cuisine remains one of Africa’s undiscovered treasures, blending West African staples with influences from the country’s colonial past and its position on ancient trade routes.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Domoda – Peanut stew with rice, usually containing meat or fish, with a slightly sweet, rich flavor
  • Benachin – The Gambian version of jollof rice, often cooked with fish and vegetables
  • Superkanja – Okra stew with smoked fish and palm oil
  • Akara – Deep-fried bean cakes, perfect for breakfast or snacking
  • Chicken Yassa – Marinated chicken in an onion and lemon sauce

I’ve grown particularly fond of superkanja over my visits. The slight sliminess of the okra took some getting used to, but the deep smoky flavor of the fish and the richness of the palm oil make it something I now crave regularly back home.

Where to Eat in Banjul

Eatery Type Price Range Specialty Why I Love It
Maroun’s Lebanese-Gambian 300-600 GMD Mezze platters, grilled fish The outdoor garden seating is an oasis of calm, and they make the best hummus in West Africa.
Banjul Kitchen Local food 150-250 GMD Benachin, domoda No-frills local spot where government workers eat lunch. Authentic food at unbeatable prices.
Laissez Faire Restaurant International 500-900 GMD Seafood, pastries Waterfront dining with colonial atmosphere. Their lobster (seasonal) is worth the splurge.
Asante’s Corner Street food 50-150 GMD Akara, fresh juices A street cart near Albert Market that makes fresh ginger juice and bean cakes to order.

Personal Food Story: During my third visit, I befriended Fatou, a woman selling peanut stew from a small cart near my guesthouse. After buying lunch from her three days in a row, she invited me to her home to learn how to make domoda properly. That cooking lesson remains one of my fondest Gambian memories, and I still make her recipe today—though it never tastes quite as good as it did in her tiny kitchen with ingredients from Albert Market.

Dining Tips & Etiquette

  • Communal Eating: Traditional meals are often served from a central bowl with people eating from their “section” using the right hand
  • Timing: Lunch (12-2pm) is traditionally the main meal. Many local places sell out of popular dishes by 1:30pm
  • Water: Stick to bottled water (20-30 GMD). The refillable water stations that appeared in 2024 are a more sustainable option (10 GMD to fill your bottle)
  • Tipping: Not expected in local eateries but appreciated (round up the bill). In tourist restaurants, 5-10% is standard

Shopping & Souvenirs: What to Buy in Banjul

Banjul offers excellent shopping opportunities with far better prices than the coastal tourist areas. I always save my souvenir shopping for the city.

Best Buys from Banjul

  • Batik Fabric – Vibrant hand-dyed textiles (500-1500 GMD per 2-yard piece)
  • Wooden Masks & Carvings – Ranging from small keychain-sized items (100-200 GMD) to large statement pieces (2000+ GMD)
  • Silver Filigree Jewelry – Delicate work from traditional silversmiths (500-2000 GMD)
  • Handwoven Baskets – Practical and beautiful with geometric designs (300-800 GMD)
  • Gambian Coffee & Honey – Excellent quality agricultural products (200-400 GMD)

Where to Shop

Albert Market

Best for: Everything at negotiable prices, particularly textiles and carvings

Bargaining tips: Start at 40-50% of the asking price and work up slowly. Walking away often results in a better offer.

Craft Market (near the National Museum)

Best for: Higher quality crafts with slightly less aggressive selling techniques

Price range: More expensive than Albert Market but still negotiable

Women’s Cooperative Shop

Located on Liberation Avenue, this cooperative sells handmade items with proceeds going directly to local women artisans. Fixed prices but excellent quality and ethical shopping.

Shopping Mistake I Made: On my second trip, I bought several wooden masks early in my visit, only to find better quality ones at half the price later in Albert Market. Now I always scout prices at multiple places before making larger purchases.

Sustainable Shopping Tips

  • Look for items made from sustainable materials like recycled glass beads, calabash gourds, and sustainably harvested wood
  • The new eco-cooperative near the ferry terminal makes beautiful items from recycled plastic bags woven into baskets and mats
  • Buy directly from artisans when possible—the workshops behind Albert Market allow this direct connection
  • Consider purchasing consumable souvenirs like coffee, spices, or baobab powder that don’t create clutter

Day Trips from Banjul

While Banjul makes an excellent base, some of Gambia’s most fascinating experiences lie just beyond the city. All of these destinations can be comfortably visited in a day trip.

Kunta Kinteh Island (James Island)

This UNESCO World Heritage site played a significant role in the slave trade and was featured in the famous novel and TV series “Roots.”

  • Getting there: Take the ferry to Barra, then a bush taxi to Juffureh (about 1.5 hours), followed by a boat to the island
  • Cost: 1000-1500 GMD for transportation and boat hire
  • Time needed: Full day (leave early, around 7-8am)
  • Highlights: Ruins of the former British fort, museum in Juffureh, boat journey through mangroves

I found this trip profoundly moving. Standing on the island where so many were held before being shipped across the Atlantic creates a visceral connection to this painful history. The site has been further developed since 2023, with improved information panels and a more comprehensive museum in Juffureh.

Abuko Nature Reserve

Just 25km from Banjul, this small but diverse nature reserve offers a glimpse into Gambia’s ecosystem.

  • Getting there: Bush taxi to Lamin, then a short walk (or taxi for 100 GMD)
  • Entry fee: 250 GMD
  • Time needed: Half-day
  • Wildlife: Monkeys, crocodiles, over 200 bird species, small mammals

Morning visits (7-10am) offer the best wildlife viewing. The reserve has added new elevated walkways in 2024 that allow better viewing of the canopy wildlife.

Tanji Fish Market & Bird Reserve

A sensory explosion and one of my favorite places in The Gambia:

  • Getting there: Bush taxi or shared taxi (500 GMD round trip)
  • Best time: Afternoons around 3-5pm when boats return with catches
  • Experience: Watch fishermen bring in catches, fish smoking, intense trading
  • Nearby: Tanji Bird Reserve (entry 200 GMD) for excellent birdwatching

Sensory Memory: The Tanji fish market engages all senses—the shouts of traders haggling prices, the smoke from fish-smoking huts stinging your eyes slightly, the rainbow of colorful fishing boats against the blue Atlantic, the feel of sand between your toes, and of course, the powerful smell of fresh and smoking fish. It’s chaotic, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.

Serrekunda Market

If Albert Market isn’t enough for you, Serrekunda Market in the nearby urban area is even larger:

  • Getting there: Bush taxi from Banjul (25 GMD)
  • Highlights: Larger selection of goods, more locals than tourists, excellent fabric section
  • Time needed: 3-4 hours

The market can be overwhelming, so I recommend going with a purpose rather than just wandering. The tailors here are particularly skilled—bring a photo of a garment you like, and they can often replicate it in local fabric for a fraction of what you’d pay at home.

Practical Information & Safety

Staying Connected

Internet access has improved dramatically since my first visit in 2016:

  • SIM Cards: Africell and Qcell are the main providers. A SIM card costs about 100 GMD, and 5GB of data is around 500 GMD
  • Wi-Fi: Most hotels and some cafés offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary greatly
  • Internet Cafés: Still exist on Liberation Avenue if you need to print documents (100 GMD per hour)

The new 4G network rolled out in late 2023 has made a huge difference in connection speeds, particularly in Banjul proper and along the coast.

Health & Safety

Health Precautions

  • Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry
  • Malaria prophylaxis is recommended (I use Malarone)
  • Bring mosquito repellent with DEET (expensive locally)
  • Stick to bottled or purified water
  • The new medical clinic on Independence Drive provides good care for travelers (consultation fee: 500 GMD)

Safety Tips

The Gambia is generally one of the safer countries in West Africa, but normal precautions apply:

  • Avoid walking alone at night, particularly along the beach or unlit streets
  • Use registered yellow taxis after dark
  • Keep valuables secure and not visible
  • Be wary of unofficial “guides” offering services
  • The Tourist Security Unit (in distinctive green uniforms) can assist with any issues

Personal Safety Note: In seven visits, my only negative experience was having my phone snatched near the market in 2019. I reported it to the Tourist Security Unit, and they were incredibly helpful, even taking me around to check with local phone sellers. While they didn’t recover my phone, their professionalism was impressive.

Cultural Sensitivities

The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative social norms:

  • Dress modestly, especially in Banjul (shoulders covered, no short shorts)
  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
  • Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
  • Use your right hand for eating and greeting

Budget Planning for Banjul

Visiting Banjul can be as economical or luxurious as you choose. Here’s my breakdown of daily costs based on different budget levels (as of 2025):

Daily Budget Breakdown

Expense Budget Mid-Range Comfortable
Accommodation 1,000-1,500 GMD 2,000-3,500 GMD 4,000-6,000 GMD
Meals 300-600 GMD 800-1,200 GMD 1,500-2,500 GMD
Transportation 100-200 GMD 300-500 GMD 800-1,200 GMD
Activities 200-400 GMD 500-800 GMD 1,000-2,000 GMD
Extras/Souvenirs 200-500 GMD 500-1,000 GMD 1,000-3,000 GMD
Daily Total 1,800-3,200 GMD
(36-64 USD)		 4,100-7,000 GMD
(82-140 USD)		 8,300-14,700 GMD
(166-294 USD)

Money-Saving Strategies

  1. Eat where locals eat – Small local restaurants offer meals for 150-250 GMD versus 500+ GMD at tourist establishments
  2. Use bush taxis – At 10-25 GMD per ride versus 150-300 GMD for private taxis
  3. Visit during shoulder season – November and May offer good weather but lower prices than peak December-February
  4. Buy a transport card – Save 15% on all public transport with the prepaid card (200 GMD)
  5. Negotiate accommodation for longer stays – Most places offer 30-40% discounts for stays of a week or longer

Sustainable Tip that Saves Money: Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. The new water refill stations in Banjul charge just 10 GMD to refill a liter bottle versus 30 GMD for a new plastic bottle—saving money and reducing plastic waste.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Action Plan for Banjul

After seven visits spanning nearly a decade, Banjul continues to surprise and delight me with its unpretentious charm, rich cultural heritage, and the genuine warmth of its people. While it may lack the polished tourist infrastructure of other destinations, that’s precisely what makes it special—a place where authentic experiences happen naturally, not as staged attractions.

If you’re planning a visit to Banjul in 2025, here’s my recommended 5-step action plan to make the most of your experience:

  1. Book accommodations strategically – Choose a place in central Banjul for your first 2-3 nights to explore the city, then consider splitting your stay between the capital and a coastal location for variety
  2. Prepare culturally – Learn basic greetings in Wolof or Mandinka, pack modest clothing suitable for a conservative Muslim country, and bring small gifts if you plan to visit local homes
  3. Balance your itinerary – Mix the must-see sights (Albert Market, Arch 22) with immersive experiences (dawn at the fish market, ferry to Barra) and day trips (Kunta Kinteh Island, Abuko Nature Reserve)
  4. Connect with locals – Whether through organized home cooking classes, visiting craft workshops, or simply chatting with market vendors, these interactions will be the highlight of your trip
  5. Travel responsibly – Support local businesses, minimize plastic use with a refillable water bottle, respect cultural norms, and consider contributing to community initiatives like the Banjul Literacy Project

Remember that Banjul operates at its own pace—something I’ve learned to appreciate over multiple visits. Build flexibility into your plans, allow extra time for transport connections, and embrace the occasional surprise or delay as part of the experience rather than an inconvenience.

The Gambia’s tourism slogan is “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” and nowhere is this more evident than in Banjul. Behind the city’s modest exterior lies a wealth of experiences, stories, and connections waiting for travelers willing to look beyond the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banjul

Is Banjul safe for tourists?

Yes, Banjul is generally very safe for tourists. The Gambia has one of the lowest crime rates in West Africa. Normal precautions apply—avoid isolated areas after dark, keep valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings. The Tourist Security Unit officers in green uniforms are helpful and can be approached with any concerns.

When is the best time to visit Banjul?

November through May is the dry season with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. December through February is peak tourist season with the best weather but higher prices. I personally prefer November and early May, which offer good weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.

Do I need a visa to visit The Gambia?

This depends on your nationality. As of 2025, citizens of many Western countries including the UK, EU members, and the US can obtain visa-on-arrival for stays up to 90 days. The current cost is approximately 3,000 GMD (60 USD). Check with the Gambian embassy or consulate before travel as requirements can change.

What currency is used in Banjul, and can I use credit cards?

The Gambian Dalasi (GMD) is the local currency. Banjul remains largely cash-based. Major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards, often with a 3-5% surcharge. ATMs are available in central Banjul, and currency exchange offices offer better rates than hotels or the airport.

Is English widely spoken in Banjul?

Yes, English is the official language of The Gambia and is widely spoken in Banjul, especially in businesses that deal with tourists. Local languages include Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula. Learning a few basic greetings in local languages is appreciated but not necessary for getting around.

How many days should I spend in Banjul?

I recommend at least 2-3 full days in Banjul itself to explore the markets, museums, and experience the city’s rhythm. If you plan to use it as a base for day trips, add 2-3 more days. Many visitors combine Banjul with a stay in the coastal resort areas for a balanced experience.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Banjul?

No, stick to bottled or purified water. Bottled water is widely available (20-30 GMD), and the new water refill stations (10 GMD per liter) are a more sustainable option if you have a reusable bottle.

What power adapters do I need in Banjul?

The Gambia uses the British-style three-pin rectangular plug (Type G) with a standard voltage of 230V. If you’re coming from North America, you’ll need both a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Banjul?

Traditional Gambian cuisine often includes fish or meat, but vegetarian options are increasing. Look for benachin without meat, peanut stew with vegetables, or bean dishes. Lebanese restaurants in Banjul offer excellent vegetarian mezze options. Communicate your dietary requirements clearly, as the concept of strict vegetarianism may not be fully understood in some local establishments.

What should I pack for a trip to Banjul that I might not think of?

Based on my experiences, these items are particularly useful: a headlamp or flashlight (for occasional power outages), a universal sink plug (often missing in bathrooms), a lightweight scarf (for women to cover shoulders when needed), a reusable water bottle with built-in filter, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small gift from your home country if you plan to visit local homes.

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