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About Banjul

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, sits on St Mary's Island where the River Gambia meets the Atlantic Ocean. Compact, low-lying and administrative in character, it is a small capital with a busy port, colonial-era streets and close ties to the wider urban area of Kanifing, Serekunda and the coastal resorts.

The city is linked by road to nearby towns and by ferry across the river toward Barra and northern Gambia. International arrivals use Banjul International Airport, located near Yundum, with road transfers connecting the airport to the capital and the Atlantic coast.

Founded by the British in the early 19th century as Bathurst, Banjul became an important trading and administrative center and remains culturally significant as the seat of government. Visitors can take in Arch 22, Albert Market, the National Museum, King Fahad Mosque and the waterfront, while nearby beaches and nature areas add easy escapes beyond the city core.

Life in Banjul moves with the heat, the tides and the rhythm of public offices, markets and prayer. The climate is tropical, with a dry season and a rainy season, and the surrounding mangroves, river channels and ocean air give the city a distinctive coastal atmosphere.

Social life is centered on markets, cafés, family visits, football, music and trips toward the beach resorts at Kololi and Kotu. Local flavors include benachin, domoda, fresh fish, rice dishes, peanuts and spicy sauces.

Getting around Banjul is usually by shared taxis, private taxis, minibuses, walking for short distances and ferries for river crossings.