Anyone been to Banjul, Gambia?

Question

We have taken the plunge and are being very adventurous and are going to Gambia with our kiddies, 15, 6 and 3 years old. Has anyone been and if so was it fun, any hints and tips for a good time??

Answer 1

Hi. I went to the Gambia in April. I thought it was fantastic! Although it isn't really a place I take kids to...The people are really friendly and more interested in making contacts abroad then getting money although who doesn't want to make a fast buck?Senegambia is good place for restuarants with cheap and nice meals although it does take a while for food to arrive and loo roll should be taken with.
The beaches are beautiful and clean clean in the tourist areas so the kids should enjoy themselves there and the nature reserves are really good. You must go to the crocodile park and meet Charlie the croc!
For a kid free evening I would strongly recommend going to Lama Lama it is a 'club' where local music is performed it is more like a pub but a really fantastic night out, everyone gets up and dances, joins in and are normally jolly.
There isn't a great deal to do in Banjul but if you go for a afternoon there I would recommend this place down one of the side roads owned by Lebanese that makes fresh fresh juice for you (really yummy). If you want to buy things then go to Serekunda market but once again do not take the kids because it is extremely busy with lots of people and things everywhere!
The Gambia is a very interesting place and please do not be put off by the hasseling of the locals, I know this sounds cruel but you must completely ignore it then they leave you alone. Being locked away in your hotel would just be a wasted trip. The hotels also offer lots of trips that may be more kid centred...
And finally....DONT FORGET THE SUNCREAM!!!!!

Answer 2

Banjul itself is a dump,but,if you are staying on "The Strip" they call it Kololi, or perhaps in Bakau,Kotu etc there is plenty for you all to see & do however as with other Africa countries the usual Bumsters are around so, be careful,if it`s your first time summer runs usually from November to June virtually no rain exceedingly hot temps so, sun hats cream etc & very important make sure you have had your innoculations & take when advised by your Doctor your Maleria tablets apart from all that "Have a great time "I shall be there in November again, it becomes infectious after some visits just like ice cream, Oh! try & avoid drinking the tap water outside of the hotels & eating ice, it is common to get Banjul Belly. Don`t be put off, it is a great place I`m getting hitched that`s another story!!

Answer 3

I spent a week there two years ago, I really had a good time there but beware of dull sellers... they could give you their mothers for a few dalasis... If you go to Kololi Beach, you can make a good deal with a taxi driver who could take you anywhere in and around for about 5 dollars a day per person.

Answer 4

Yes, was there in Jan., this year. Not a place for small children, you get hassled on the beach by 'beach bums' trying to sell just about anything. Stick to the hotels and; dint travel too far off the beaten track. It's very cheap, dirty and a bit tacky. You get hassled just walking along the street, people asking you for money, sex etc.
European middle aged women with young local men picked up for pleasure, this is not a place I would take young children.

There is not much to entertain children, the locals are friendly and of course willing to take your money, not many restaurants or places of interest. Since your children are between the ages of 3-15 you maybe as well to take them to Florida where they are sure to have a ball.

Happy holidays.

Answer 5

one of my friend has lived in there for around 2 years, he keeps on saying the things he has done and enjoyed there. so far to his interpretation, it a good place to be but quite HOT place during summer.

Answer 6

go to tripadvisor.com, they will have all the info you need, fantastic website.

Answer 7

not me

Answer 8

someone has--