Description

Banjul beach is located on St Mary’s Island, near the Gambia River in Western Africa. Banjul is a capital city and has a host of historical, cultural and ecological attractions. The country is recognized as a good beach and sun destinations. Banjul Beach is where the main hub of economic activities takes place and is the headquarters of the peanut and fishing industries; two of Gambia’s important products are located here. Tourists who like to worship the sun and those who like adventure are the main visitors. Banjul Beach tourists can visit Albert Market which is a bustling market place with small stalls where visitors can pick up local crafts, batiks, silver, clothes and exotic fruits. Hotels are located outside the Banjul town on the beach near the Gambia River.

Shopping

Banjul Beach has markets where various crafts and jewellery are sold. The African Heritage museum has a collection of African art and visitors can buy the works of art, from the dynamic exhibition and support of the local artists. The nearby town of Serekunda is a large buzzing marketplace, where the serious trading and bargaining happen. Banjul Beach has a supermarket for visitors to pick up basic necessities like a sun protection cream. Visitors can also buy souvenirs, woodcarvings and batiks from the Bakua market. Visitors can also take home yards of tie and dyed material from the Gena Bes batik factory.

Restaurants

There are a few restaurants in Banjul Beach which serve both African and international cuisines. For authentic African cuisine visitors can visit the African Heritage Restaurant where visitors can have a midday snack or a main meal with a cold beer. At the Pam Restaurant visitors can have value for money meals. The shawarmas are a specialty here.
At Al Basha, visitors can enjoy a Lebanese meal. For a steak and Austrian dinner, the
Braustuble Restaurant is the place to go.

Night Life

There are a few nightlife spots in Banjul Beach like the Melicana Nightclub where tourists can enjoy the music and dance to some African beats. At Soto, tourists can jive with the local Gambians after midnight and use their acquaintance to smooth over any potential hitches. At the Mariam Ceesay Bar and Restaurant tourists can have an evening nightcap on the edge of the Gambian River. At Arch 22, visitors can sip a coffee in the shop upstairs and get a good view of the city.

Activities

Tourists go to Banjul Beach for the sunny and sandy beaches, Markets and to see the various birds and animals of Gambia. Visitors also love to shop for the local crafts, batiks, silver, clothes and the exotic fruits in the markets. One of the activities that visitors should is to take a ride in the local boat, or "Pirogue" along Oyster Creek. Gambia is famous for its collection of 500 species birds, making it an ornithologist's delight. For the Real African Experience, Safaris organized by tour operators and hotels should be taken by tourists to cover the major attractions here.

Communications

The International Direct Dialing is available and the country code for The Gambia is +220. The outgoing international code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). No area codes are required. There are GSM mobile telephone networks, but not all countries have roaming agreements; US mobile phones will not work. Coverage is limited to Banjul and a few other areas. Internet cafes are available in Banjul and the major tourist resorts.

Contacts

Gambian Tourist Office: +220 462 491 or www.visitthegambia.gm
Gambian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 785 1399.
Gambian High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7937 6316.
Gambian Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 785 1399.
Australian High Commission, Accra, Ghana (also responsible for The Gambia): +233 (0)21 701 2961.
Gambian Consulate, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 784 1059.
United States Embassy, Banjul: +220 439 2856.
British High Commission, Banjul: +220 449 5133.
Canadian Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for The Gambia): +221 889 4700.
South African Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for The Gambia): +221 865 1959.
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations, New York, United States (also responsible for The Gambia): +1 212 421 6934.
Emergencies: 17 (Police); 16 (Ambulance)

Currency

GMD

Attractions

Tourists to Banjul Beach should visit the Albert Market which is the main market in the heart of Banjul. The place is a heady mix of colors and sounds, and shoppers can bargain anything from African music tapes to fresh fruit and art pieces in the Craft Market. Tourists can also grab a quick lunch at one of the many food stalls.

Language

English

Language Description

English is the official language of the country. English is widely understood by majority of the people in the cities. There are numerous tribal languages, but overall the use of English prevails.

Tipping

A 10% service charge is typically added to hotel and restaurant bills, and further tipping is optional. Generally all services rendered require a small 'cadeau' (gift or tip).