Banjul, Gambia

Explore the Smiling Coast of Africa

A tiny slice of Africa surrounded by Senegal, the country’s borders hug the shores of The Gambia River, and the capital city of Banjul is perched right at the river’s mouth on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The city is often overlooked by tourists to Africa—and that’s just fine with us, because it gives you ample opportunity to explore beyond the surface.

Close to the cruise port, Albert Market is always buzzing with the hum of local life, and it’s the best place to immerse yourself in Gambian culture. A symphony of local languages plays through the market stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to colorful fabrics, to authentic handcrafted souvenirs, to delicious food and drink. If you’re really curious about Gambian cuisine, embark on a home cooking experience with a local family that includes a trip to the market to shop for ingredients, time spent in traditional dress, and a cooking lesson at the family compound.

A visit to Old Town puts the city’s past and present into perspective. Sun-bleached colonial buildings showing their age line sand-blown streets next to Krio-style clapboard houses made with corrugated roofs and wrought iron balconies. Need an escape from the city? There are plenty of sunny, sandy beaches to plant yourself for the day. For fewer crowds, head to Gunjur, Sanyang, or Kartong Beach.