Best Places to Visit in Banjul

Banjul—- A place that combines nature, culture, and adventure.

Banjul is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and at the mouth of the River Gambia on Saint Mary's Island. It is a small but beautiful city that offers many appeals and activities for travellers of all tastes and budgets. Banjul has something for you, whether you are interested in wildlife, markets, monuments, museums, mosques, or boat tours.

Let's help you plan a trip here by listing important places in this country. 

Top Places to Visit in Banjul

1. River Gambia National Park

Also known as Baboon Island, this wildlife sanctuary covers five islands in the river and is home to hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, chimpanzees, and many other animals. Bring your camera, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, and water for the best experience.

Things to do at River Gambia National Park

• You can explore this park by taking a boat trip. Boating allows you to see the animals up close without disturbing them. The boat trip usually lasts about two hours, costing around 1500 dalasis (about 2000 rupees) per person.
• You can also learn about the park's conservation efforts and history from the guides.

2. Bijilo Forest Park

If you love nature, visit the Bijilo Forest Park, also known as Monkey Park. This nature reserve covers 51 hectares of forest and is home to several species of monkeys and birds. You can see green monkeys, red colobus monkeys, patas monkeys, and vervet monkeys, as well as hornbills, parrots, woodpeckers, and more.

The park has many walking trails that lead to different habitats, such as savanna, woodland, and coastal scrub.

Things to do at Bijilo Forest Park

• You can enjoy the views of the ocean and the beach from the park. 
• Visit nearby attractions, such as the Katchikally Crocodile Pool, the Bakau Fish Market, and the Banjul City Tour.

3. Albert Market

This is the primary market in Banjul. It sells everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes, jewellery, crafts, and art. You can find unique and authentic items like batik fabrics, wood carvings, masks, baskets, and more.

The market is also a place to learn about the history and heritage of Banjul, as it was established in 1821 by the British colonial administration and named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. 

Things to do at Albert Market

• Bargain with the sellers and get the best deals on the items you want.
• When exploring this place, try some of the local food and drinks, such as Domoda (peanut stew), Benachin (rice and meat dish), Baobab juice, and Wonjo (hibiscus tea). 

4. Arch 22

If you want to see a landmark and a museum, visit Arch 22, the tallest structure in Banjul. This monument was built in 1996 to commemorate the military coup that brought President Yahya Jammeh to power. The arch has a museum and a panoramic view and symbolises Banjul's history and politics.

The museum is located on the arch's ground floor and exhibits the Gambia's history and culture from pre-colonial times.

Things to do at Arch 22

• Enjoy the excellent views of the city and the river from the top floor of the arch.
• You can see artefacts, photos, documents, and stories that illustrate the past and present of the country. 

5. King Fahad Mosque

This mosque was built in 1988 with the help of Saudi Arabia and named after King Fahad, the former King of Saudi Arabia. It has a capacity of 10,000 worshippers. It is a symbol of the Islamic faith and culture in Banjul.

The mosque has a white and green colour scheme, a gigantic dome, four minarets, and intricate decorations. It also has a library, a school, and a conference hall. 

The mosque is free to enter, but you must dress modestly, remove your shoes, and cover your head. You can also ask for permission before taking photos or videos.

Things to do at King Fahad Mosque

• Visit the large garden that faces the Khobar Corniche and relax in the greenery.
• Admire the beautiful Saudi architectural design.

Conclusion

Banjul is a city that has a lot to offer to its visitors, from nature and wildlife to markets and monuments, to museums and mosques, to boat tours and cultural tours. Banjul is a city full of surprises, diversity, and charm, which will make you fall in love with it.

So, what are you waiting for? Get travel insurance and book your trip to Banjul, Gambia's capital, today.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.