We recommend planning a day for one activity. The reason for this is that although the number of kilometers seems small, the journeys take quite a long time. The speeds on the streets are sometimes a maximum of 50 km/h, as well as police stops and traffic jams in the larger cities with long waiting times.
Bijilo Forest Park (Monkeypark)
Bijilo is considered the last natural western Atlantic coastal forest with a variety of plant species, some of which exist in the last major stands in The Gambia. Here you will also find a large number of vervet monkeys and Temmink’s colobus monkeys, which are very trusting and harmless and like to be fed bananas and peanuts.
Katchikally Crocodile Park (Bakau)
In Gambia, the crocodile is considered a sacred animal and symbol of fertility. White crocodiles in particular are revered. However, these are rarely seen.
In this small park there is a pond with numerous crocodiles, which are fed with over 200kg of fish every day. So they lie motionless throughout the day and give us the chance to touch them
With approximately 102 hectares, the Abuko Nature Reserve is the most famous nature reserve in The Gambia. Here you will meet a variety of birds, with luck crocodiles and of course lots of monkeys. Vultures and hyenas are also represented here.
Germany, among others, was involved in setting up Gambia’s largest national park in 1987. Initially, an area of around 11,500 hectares was designated. In 2014, the area was expanded by another 8,000 hectares to 19,000 hectares.
James Island (UNESCO World Heritage)
The old fort of James Island (renamed Kunta Kinteh Island in The Gambia) is about 30 km upriver on the river and houses the ruins that once belonged to colonial Britain. Reminiscent of the slave trade that lasted into the 19th century, this landlocked island was the last piece of African soil many slaves saw before they were sold to America by the French and English
Located in Banjul on Liberation Avenue, Albert Market is the capital’s main urban market. It was named after Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. It is a lively and traditional street market with colorful textiles, handicrafts and fruit and vegetables. All of this is arranged in a maze of alleyways and hundreds of rickety stalls and purpose built shops.
Opening times: daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m
Similar to the Albert Market, inside the market building is a maze of workshops, trade stalls and restaurants that fill the Serrekunda market building. Inside the main building, the grandstands are delimited by small alleys. There is also a large outdoor sales area at the back where mostly women sell vegetables, fish and accessories. Adjoining shops sell all kinds of dried and packaged foods.
Here, too, the market with 57 stalls offers everything your heart desires. Here you will find the usual items such as djembe drums, painted gourds, necklaces and a dazzling array of masks and other wood carvings.
Distance from SR Monkey Lodge: approx. 22km
More information can be found at: accessgambia.com
Sanyang
One of the most beautiful stretches of beach in The Gambia. Only about 1000m from our front door is a beautiful bathing bay. There is a small cute bar on site, which also offers small dishes.
Tujareng
Brufut Beach
We could recommend any number of restaurants. No matter where you eat – it’s simply a treat for the palate.
The African cuisine offers a wide selection and it also tasted damn good. From fresh fish to beef, chicken and lamb, there is also a large selection for vegetarians and vegans. In addition, everything is freshly prepared, so serving the food takes a little longer.
Of course, there is also the question of costs here. In the tourist area, prices are the same as in Europe. If you eat in a typical African restaurant on the side of the road or on the beach, the prices are much cheaper.
Typical Gambian dishes with fish, chicken; salads, sandwiches; Breakfast (How Ba – at our place)
This restaurant offers mainly Italian dishes. But even a typical Italian cook cannot compete with this dish. (tourist area)
Gambian dishes – the pure culinary delight! (tourist area)
Gambian dishes, pizza, salads; Breakfast (Turntable)
Soulmate Bar & Restaurant
Small kitchen for small prices – e.g. you can get a plate with chicken, fries and salad for 100D (approx. €1.80); Breakfast (Sanyang)