Why Visit The Gambia

Resort Areas

Many people have the perception that The Gambia is a destination which is really hotel based and whilst a few years ago the only real ‘Resort’ as such was Kololi, this is now not the case. Although nowhere near as large and over developed as you may find in say The Canaries, many more areas have been growing outside the hotels giving tourists a greater choice of things to do and places to eat and drink. In most of the resorts there is a taxi rank, bank and exchange bureaus, telephone centre, supermarkets, craft market bars and restaurants, your representative in resort will give you a resort map. All areas are busier during the winter as some of the restaurants will close during parts of the summer however the following descriptions will give an idea of the resort that is right for your holiday.

Bijilo – Quiet & Relaxed

The beauty of Bijilo is there is very little here! Situated about five minutes south of Kololi there are no bars, restaurants or nightclubs to disturb the peace, just a long stretch of beach with very few people on it.

Beach: Long stretches of empty beaches.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: Bijilo Beach, Coconut Residence is located half way between Kololi and Bijilo

Kololi – Lively & Busy

Kololi is by far and away the most established resort area. ‘The strip’ as it’s known locally, consists of a number of bars and a couple of nightclubs, frequented by both locals and tourists. A large number of restaurants serving a variety of cuisine styles plus a casino, banks & exchange bureaus, an ATM, a taxi rank, internet cafés, supermarkets and shops. Fairly relaxed in the day and busy during the evening through to the small hours. The beach at Kololi is large and sandy although caution is needed due to strong currents.

Beach: Sandy and large but caution needed due to strong currents.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: The Kairaba, Senegambia & Sarge’s Hotel

South Kotu – Compact cluster of bars & restaurants

There are only a couple of hotel’s here but there are a number of restaurants, bars and a nightclub on the road leading down to the beach.

Beach: Flat sandy beach.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: Palma Rima

Kotu – An up and coming area

This is an area that has really developed over the past couple of years with a number of new bars and restaurants being built. The Bakotu hotel now offers Tiger Tiger bar, Boss Lady restaurant and coffee shop in front of their hotel and past the Bungalow Beach hotel there are now a couple of beach bars; Sailors and Paradise and Destiny’s nightclub. At the crossroads that lead to Kotu there is also a new complex with a couple of restaurants and bars and a supermarket. The beach is ideal for families as it is flat and sandy.

Beach: Flat sandy beach, better for families.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: Kombo Beach, Bungalow Beach, Bakotu Hotel & Sunset Beach

Fajara – Chic residential area

A popular residential area for both Gambians and expats with some modern and exclusive buildings and home to the British High Commission and MRC (Medical Research Centre). Located between Kotu and Bakau, Fajara boasts a number of very good restaurants a short taxi ride away. The coastline is rocky interspersed with secluded beaches.

Beach: Red Rock cliffs and secluded beach – though care needs to be taken when taking a dip in the ocean.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: Ngala Lodge is located between Bakau and Fajara

Bakau – An authentic African town

Bakau is a bustling town and is a maze of small dirt roads, guests staying close by here can experience the real Africa. There are a few restaurants serving traditional Gambian dishes along with banks, supermarkets, post office and the popular Kachikally crocodile pool located deep into the heart. There is a very good craft market and local fruit & vegetable market. Bakau has a rocky coastline.

Beach: Manmade beach – not good for swimming in the sea.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: African Village

Cape Point – Quieter area with fantastic beach

With the large Sun Beach and Ocean Bay Hotels opening there are far more tourists in this area than in the last few years. There are a small number of restaurants here along with craft stalls, supermarket and taxi rank. The beach at Cape Point is one of the best beaches in The Gambia and the Sun Beach Hotel has an established watersports centre with a good reputation. Bakau is a 10 minute walk from here.

Beach: Large and sandy, good for watersports.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: Sun Beach, Cape Point & Ocean Bay Hotel

Banjul – The Gambia’s capital

Contrary to many people’s perception there is very little for tourists to do in Banjul as it is mostly an administrative centre. There are a few restaurants serving lunches and a very large market (not for the faint hearted) where Gambian’s barter for their everyday needs.

The Gambia Experience Hotels: Corinthia Atlantic Hotel within the city boundary with seafront location and Palm Grove Hotel is about 3km outside Banjul again on the coast.