last edited Aug 19, 2020
What to See in the Gambia
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Location Map of Gambia
Gambia
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Gambia has two sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Senegambian Stone Circles (2006)
This UNESCO-listed site spans Senegal and Gambia. It consists of a thousand small monuments spread across a 100 km-wide strip running 350 km along the Gambia River.
This UNESCO-listed site spans Senegal and Gambia. It consists of a thousand small monuments spread across a 100 km-wide strip running 350 km along the Gambia River.
James Island (2003)
Now renamed Kunta Kinteh, this small island at the mouth of the Gambia River was once a major slave-trading post, as evidenced by the remaining ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby trading posts of Albreda and Juffureh.
Now renamed Kunta Kinteh, this small island at the mouth of the Gambia River was once a major slave-trading post, as evidenced by the remaining ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby trading posts of Albreda and Juffureh.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Albreda-Juffureh
Albreda, a former French trading post on the north bank of the Gambia River, is one of the UNESCO sites linked to James Island, along with nearby Juffureh and the remains of several forts that also bear witness to the colonial era and the slave trade. Today, Albreda-Juffureh is home to a museum dedicated to slavery.
Albreda, a former French trading post on the north bank of the Gambia River, is one of the UNESCO sites linked to James Island, along with nearby Juffureh and the remains of several forts that also bear witness to the colonial era and the slave trade. Today, Albreda-Juffureh is home to a museum dedicated to slavery.
Bakau
This coastal town near Banjul is known for its Cape Point beach, botanical garden, and sacred crocodile pool.
This coastal town near Banjul is known for its Cape Point beach, botanical garden, and sacred crocodile pool.
Banjul
Gambia’s capital is located at the mouth of the Gambia River. Beyond a few museums, colonial buildings, and small nature reserves nearby (Abuko, Bijilo, Salagi...), the main attraction remains the beautiful beaches on the outskirts of the city, particularly around Serrekunda.
Gambia’s capital is located at the mouth of the Gambia River. Beyond a few museums, colonial buildings, and small nature reserves nearby (Abuko, Bijilo, Salagi...), the main attraction remains the beautiful beaches on the outskirts of the city, particularly around Serrekunda.
Senegambian Stone Circles
This UNESCO-listed site spans Senegal and Gambia. It consists of a thousand small monuments spread across a 100 km-wide strip running 350 km along the Gambia River.
This UNESCO-listed site spans Senegal and Gambia. It consists of a thousand small monuments spread across a 100 km-wide strip running 350 km along the Gambia River.
James Island
Now renamed Kunta Kinteh, this small island at the mouth of the Gambia River was once a major slave-trading post, as evidenced by the remaining ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby trading posts of Albreda and Juffureh.
Now renamed Kunta Kinteh, this small island at the mouth of the Gambia River was once a major slave-trading post, as evidenced by the remaining ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby trading posts of Albreda and Juffureh.
Janjanbureh
A town built on an island upstream on the Gambia River. You can see hippos in the surrounding area, as well as the Senegambian Stone Circles.
A town built on an island upstream on the Gambia River. You can see hippos in the surrounding area, as well as the Senegambian Stone Circles.
Tanji
This former fishing village is home to the Tanje Village Arts and Crafts Museum, as well as the Tanji Bird Reserve, renowned in ornithology circles. Beautiful beaches further south, such as Sanyang Beach.
This former fishing village is home to the Tanje Village Arts and Crafts Museum, as well as the Tanji Bird Reserve, renowned in ornithology circles. Beautiful beaches further south, such as Sanyang Beach.
Natural Heritage
Bijilo Forest Park
Monkeys and birds in this small coastal park just a few kilometres from the capital. Right next door, Tanji Bird Reserve is an ornithology area.
Monkeys and birds in this small coastal park just a few kilometres from the capital. Right next door, Tanji Bird Reserve is an ornithology area.
Kiang West National Park
One of the country's main parks, located on the south bank of the Gambia River. It is particularly popular for birdwatching.
One of the country's main parks, located on the south bank of the Gambia River. It is particularly popular for birdwatching.
Niumi National Park
Along the northern coast, between the river and Senegal, this mangrove area is home to numerous birds, as well as hyenas, leopards, and a few crocodiles.
Along the northern coast, between the river and Senegal, this mangrove area is home to numerous birds, as well as hyenas, leopards, and a few crocodiles.
Bao Bolong Reserve
This is a marsh and mangrove area where you can take boat trips to observe birds and, occasionally, monkeys.
This is a marsh and mangrove area where you can take boat trips to observe birds and, occasionally, monkeys.
Abuko Nature Reserve
Abuko is one of those small protected natural areas near Banjul. Very popular, it offers visitors the chance to see monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, and birds.
Abuko is one of those small protected natural areas near Banjul. Very popular, it offers visitors the chance to see monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, and birds.
Worth a look / Other
Albreda-Juffureh
★★ Albreda, a former French trading post on the north bank of the Gambia River, is one of the UNESCO sites linked to James Island, along with…
Bakau
★★ This coastal town near Banjul is known for its Cape Point beach, botanical garden, and sacred crocodile pool.
Banjul
★★ Gambia’s capital is located at the mouth of the Gambia River. Beyond a few museums, colonial buildings, and small nature reserves…
Fajara
★★ One of the main beach resorts on the coast, west of Banjul.
James Island
★★ Now renamed Kunta Kinteh, this small island at the mouth of the Gambia River was once a major slave-trading post, as evidenced by the…
Kiang West National Park
★★ One of the country's main parks, located on the south bank of the Gambia River. It is particularly popular for birdwatching.
Niumi National Park
★★ Along the northern coast, between the river and Senegal, this mangrove area is home to numerous birds, as well as hyenas, leopards, and a…
Tanji
★★ This former fishing village is home to the Tanje Village Arts and Crafts Museum, as well as the Tanji Bird Reserve, renowned in ornithology…
Senegambian Stone Circles
★ This UNESCO-listed site spans Senegal and Gambia. It consists of a thousand small monuments spread across a 100 km-wide strip running 350…
Janjanbureh
★ A town built on an island upstream on the Gambia River. You can see hippos in the surrounding area, as well as the Senegambian Stone…
Bijilo Forest Park
★ Monkeys and birds in this small coastal park just a few kilometres from the capital. Right next door, Tanji Bird Reserve is an ornithology…
Bao Bolong Reserve
★ This is a marsh and mangrove area where you can take boat trips to observe birds and, occasionally, monkeys.
Abuko Nature Reserve
★ Abuko is one of those small protected natural areas near Banjul. Very popular, it offers visitors the chance to see monkeys, snakes…