Getting Around

Getting Around by Water

There are nearly a dozen points where travellers can cross the River Gambia by boat. Vehicle and passenger ferries between Banjul's commercial port and the town facing it across the river mouth, Barra, run at least once an hour in each direction until late evening. Tour operators run adventure and fishing trips using small motor boats or large converted pirogues, and offer day cruises along the river with lunch or dinner and a live band.

Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right. In the districts around Banjul, the main roads are tarmac. Outside the Greater Banjul area, a much-needed highway building and repair programme has been underway for several years: some main roads are newly surfaced but others are in very poor condition. Throughout the country, most minor roads are unsealed.

Bus: All local services are suspended indefinitely.

Bicycle hire: Available at many hotels and resorts.

Car hire: Greater Banjul has a few local and international providers. Driving can be difficult due to variable road conditions; some minor roads become impassable during the rainy season (June to October).

Bush taxis: Apart from private taxis, shared taxis (cars, minibuses or vans) are the only form of public transport between towns and villages. They wait at their starting point until full then travel along fixed routes, stopping wherever passengers want to get on or off. Fares are fixed.

Private taxis: There are two types; neither have meters. Tourist taxis are painted green and are licensed by the Gambian Tourist Authority to operate from ranks in the resort areas; each rank has a noticeboard listing tariffs by destination. Local taxis are painted yellow with green stripes and can be hailed in the street; fares are lower and should be agreed in advance.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit will be accepted for a period of three months. A temporary licence is available from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK licence.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Bush taxis (shared cars, minibuses or vans) and private taxis are the only form of public transport in Gambian towns (see Getting Around By Road above).

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Banjul to other major towns in The Gambia.