The Gambia is divided North and South by the river Gambia, this major water way was the main trading route into the country. There are a number of ferries but the most important is the one between Banjul and Barra on the northern bank.

Walk down (old Wellington Street) Liberation Street as it now is and to your left are the various port buildings, container depots and docks. The ferry terminal is quite a way down past Orange Street

Two roll on roll off ferry boats make the trip each hour, though there can be delays. Along side the terminals at both ends much smaller canoe like boats called pirogues make the trip much quicker but you often have to wade through the water to get on and off, better to enjoy the spectacle from a far.

I think this is one of the BEST days entertainment in The Gambia, arrive early in Banjul and get the feel of the place before the tourists arrive, look at Albert Market and work your way down to wards the ferry, to get an early crossing
( the first is at 7pm and costs 3D each way for foot passengers )

The terminal is full of people with children or animals, vehicles of all types wait to make the trip, it is a fascinating to just look and play peek a boo with the kids, (ask before offering sweets or taking pictures - some will ask for money if you photograph them, decline or pay up and have a photo shoot)

The trip is comparable with the crossing to the Isle of Wight, you are never out of site of land. Just occasionally you will see dolphins playing, you can watch the smaller pirogues and fishing boats going out to sea or returning, on hot days the breeze is great.

You arrive at Barra in about 30 minutes. The terminal is uninteresting but there is a small market, but mainly more expensive than Banjul, but fresh produce is often cheaper. The closest place of interest is the old fort a walk away but in the midday sun you might want to take a taxi there and walk back.

Take your own drinks and snacks, the service available is intermittent.

A small drum factory on the walk back to the terminal can be visited, here they manually carry out the rough hollowing out of the trunks ready to send these for finishing elsewhere. There is also a wood carver nearby making what I describe as 'plank chairs', watch the weight of these and the price, there is greater choice at Brikama but here you can see the product actually taking shape.

Then wander back to the terminal for the ferry back to Banjul.