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Despite being the smallest country on mainland Africa, The Gambia offers easy travel around its main tourist areas along the coast, south of the River Gambia.
Enjoy included return transfers between Banjul Airport and your accommodation, as well as between hotels if you’re moving.
Green tourist taxis are the recommended way to explore. Find them at taxi ranks in major resorts. For more remote hotels, simply ask for a call. Fixed prices are common (check with your hotel), but always verify with the driver.
Enhance your exploration by pre-booking an experienced driver who can also guide you for day trips in a Land Rover or 4WD.
White “bush taxis” and yellow local taxis offer cheaper fares. However, most tourists opt for the better maintained green tourist taxis.
While car rental is available, it’s generally not advised due to chaotic driving conditions, limited signage, and unnamed roads.
To reach the north side of the River Gambia (essential for visiting Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal), take the ferry from Banjul. This bustling journey involves vehicles, people, and occasionally animals. If you have a hotel transfer, your guide will handle your luggage, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant upper deck views.
Embarking on an adventure in The Gambia promises vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, but navigating its roads requires a touch of patience and preparedness. While main tourist areas often boast reasonably well-maintained tarmac, venturing beyond these hubs reveals a different story. Expect a mix of paved roads with varying degrees of repair, unpaved dirt tracks, and sandy stretches, particularly inland. Potholes can be frequent and sometimes significant, so careful driving and a sturdy vehicle are recommended. Road signage can be limited, and it’s not uncommon for roads to be unnamed, making local guidance or reliable GPS navigation essential.
Due to The Gambia being Africa’s smallest country, everything is in fairly close proximity. However, road conditions dictate local travel speeds and times. Expect to travel between 30-60 km/h, thus most of your destinations can be reached within an hour or two. Embrace the journey – the rewards of exploring The Gambia far outweigh the occasional bumpy road.
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