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Exploring The Gambia

Getting Around The Gambia

The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, and most tourist resorts and attractions are in a relatively small area, along the coast on the south side of the River Gambia making it easy to get around.

Hotel transfers

Your holiday will include return transfers between Banjul Airport and your hotel and between hotels if you are staying in more than one.

Tourist taxis

The best way to get around while on holiday is by tourist taxi. The tourist taxis are green, and you’ll find them in taxi ranks in the main resorts. However, since most of the hotels we feature are more remote, you may need to ask your hotel to call you a taxi on request. Most journeys have fixed prices which your hotel can show you, but please do check the cost with the driver himself.

Private drivers

We can also arrange in advance to book you an experienced driver who will also act as a guide for a day out exploring the country in a Land Rover or 4WD.

Bush taxis and yellow taxis

In addition to the tourist taxis, there are also bush taxis (white vans) and local taxis (yellow cars), which are cheaper, however, we find our guests tend to prefer using the green tourist taxis which tend to be better maintained.

Car hire

You can hire a car in The Gambia, but we don’t recommend it. Driving is chaotic, there are few road signs, and many roads are unnamed.

Ferries

If you wish to travel to the north bank of the River Gambia, which you have to do to visit the Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal for example, you’ll need to catch the ferry at Banjul. The crossing is quite an experience in itself as vehicles, people and sometimes animal stream on to the boat. If you are transferring hotels, then a guide will accompany you, looking after your luggage leaving you free to go to the upper deck for a fabulous view of all the comings and goings.

Ngala Lodge
A unique, cliff-top boutique hotel with stunning ocean views and one of the finest restaurants in The Gambia. More
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
The elegant Moroccan inspired Coco Ocean, by a tranquil neverending beach, is one of the most luxurious hotels in The Gambia. More
Leo's Beach Hotel
This intimate, contemporary eco-friendly hotel boasts excellent sea views from it’s elevated position by a quiet golden sand beach. More
White Horse Residence
An eco-friendly, tranquil retreat with seven thatched lodges in a lush green tropical garden overlooking the ocean and a beautiful sandy beach. More
Ocean Bay Hotel
A well-established, family-friendly hotel by one of the best beaches in The Gambia. More
Mandina Lodge
A unique, tranquil hideaway, these stunning eco-lodges on a tributary of the River Gambia, lie deep in the heart of Makasutu Forest. More
Fathala Wildlife Reserve
See zebra, giraffes, monkeys, rhino and more while glamping at this wildlife reserve in Senegal, just across the border from The Gambia. More
African Princess Beach Hotel
A unique and contemporary hotel by a beautiful beach in South Kotu. We particularly love the swim-up ground floor rooms. More

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