Banjul - Capital Visit

Banjul is the administrative capital of The Gambia, it is built on St Mary's island and is connected to the rest of Gambia in the north by a passenger and vehicle ferry and to the south by a dual carriage that runs along the coast to Serrekunda (the largest town with the greatest population) At Denton Bridge, 4 km from Banjul, the 'new bridge' crosses a wide Bolong called Oyster Creek, that separates the island from the mainland, the old bridge is still there and is used by fishermen.

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Use Capital Trip - Home to return to this page or click the back button on your internet browser. A Map of Banjul may help, copy it and paste it into Word, resize it and then print. It is actually very detailed.

At Denton Bridge, there is a police check point on the left and there are usually stalls selling baskets of natural salt, on the right a short road leads down to the boat moorings and it is possible to get trips from here to Banjul, James Island, Albreda as well as through the creeks to Lamin Lodge and fishing trips in the creeks and out to sea. The boat yard is not very organised with a number of rival boat owners competing for business and tempers can get frayed if you are trying to organise a trip. Motor boats cost around 100D an hour, but make sure the arrangements are clear before embarking - trips are best arranged the day before.

If you stay on the main road to approach Banjul you pass Radio Syd which is in danger of being washed into the sea - coastal erosion is bad along this strip and the old Muslim and Christian grave yards are also being washed away.

The landmark building of Arch 22 faces you as you enter Banjul from this direction.

To the right at Arch 22, 'Box Bar Road' cuts down past the new King Fahad Mosque before turning left into Old Banjul and through town to the ferry terminal.

To the left at Arch 22, the Hotel Atlantic (the only prestigious and most expensive hotel in Banjul) is a few hundred yards down 'Marine Parade' which also houses most of Gambia's official buildings, the new Supreme Court, The Royal Victoria Hospital, The State House and the National Museum and leads finally to MacCarthy Square, the centre of Banjul.

Many of these are old colonial buildings 100 or so years old and from the time of British rule when Gambia was a colony and Banjul was called Bathurst after the first governor. A British fort was first built here in 1816, but the then 'River Gambia Protectorate' was governed from Sierra Leone until 1888 when Gambia became a full British colony. In 1965 it became an independant country under President Dawda Jawara who ruled until July 22, 1994 when a bloodless coup took over the country under the leadership of Yahya Jemmeh, who has been the leader ever since. This recent history is dealt with in detail elsewhere on this site.

lt is worth visiting the National Museum and the small Anglican Cathederal both on Gloucester Street. The buildings in the old town are facinatingand built of Bamboo, some say the name Banjul is derived from 'Bamboo Island as the area was once covered with bamboo. To get to the old town go from the southern corner of MacCarthy Square down Clarkson Street, then bear left down Dobson Street - a slight detour left at the first crossroads with Picton Street will bring you to the wonderfully decorated Catholic Cathedral on your left near the next junction.

The next road south of Picton Street is Anglesea Streetand if you heqd left again you will come to Wellington Street and on you left at this junction is the brilliant African Heritage Centre, a definite place to stop and browse round at the objects of art from all round the Gambia - all are for sale - all are labelled with prices. The loos are great and this is an excellent place to stop for refreshments both food and drink.

If you fancy a quick ferry crossing (subject to both ferries operating go right from the African heritage centre to the Ferry, otherwise go left up Wellington Street. The main Postoffice is here where all of Gambia's very rich collection of stamps are for sale and beyond and behind the PO, Albert Market.

At the very back of albert Market there is the shore of the River Gambia and along that shore there is a small village of makeshift huts, old boats and sheds that house many of the fishing and boat workers who operate from Banjul. This is a real culture shock but a fascinating walk along the shore line is something we don't think should be missed.

Before you leave Banjul, you should really see the new King Fahad Mosque, it is a beautiful building to look at and can be stopped at on your out of the city.

A day in Banjul can be tiring, so get there early and take it slowly, we think having a car for the day makes itmore enjoyable but you can hire a Banjul taxi for the day at between 150 and 250 dalasi, but this will not take you back to your hotel unless you pay around another 100D