Cheap flights to the Gambia from $411

Gambia Travel Guide

It may be a small African country, but its attractions are grand. Travelers booking flights to The Gambia will be mesmerized by the country’s culture, traditions, art, food and music. 

The Gambia’s capital city, Banjul, is a high-trafficked tourist area that provides travelers with a hint of African indulgence thanks to its street markets and festivals. A quick trip up the River Gambia offers tourists an expedition through villages and forests brimmed with welcoming residents. When you step off your flight to The Gambia, you’ll learn that the country’s heart is in its music and the people here are passionate about both music and dance.

The Gambia is one of the tiniest countries in Africa, but also one of the friendliest. The people place great emphasis on greetings and welcome travelers deplaning Gambia flights with a warm “Salaam aleikum” (“Peace be with you”). Take a travel guide and pocket dictionary with you on your flight to The Gambia and learn a few responses to this greeting. The people will be appreciative of your efforts. If you’re planning a visit to The Gambia, our guide will help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

How to get around The Gambia

Banjul International Airport (BJL) is located 15 miles from the city of Banjul. Airport taxis are on hand to cater for all scheduled flight arrivals to Banjul International Airport. You’ll easily spot them; they’re yellow with a green stripe down the side. The tourist taxis in town are green and more expensive. It takes around forty minutes to reach Banjul by airport taxi and the main destinations have a fixed rate price. Check if your hotel provides a shuttle bus as these circulate to coastal area accommodations. A few car rental companies are available at the airport.

Transport around the country is limited as it is very small. There are no domestic Gambia flights or trains. For travelling inland, there are only two main roads, one on each bank of the river. Both are in poor condition, though the North bank is slightly preferable. Bush taxis, or tankatankas, are the cheapest and easiest way of getting around. They have yellow number plates and are mainly used by locals. Don’t expect “unnecessary” luxuries such as upholstery or wing mirrors, and be prepared to hold on tight.

Hiring a car is possible, but the state of the roads is so bad that many people would prefer to leave the driving to those accustomed to it. Many tourists who have hired cars report immediate punctures or other breakdowns due to bad maintenance.

Tips for your stay in The Gambia

• The sleepy capital city of Banjul has hardly been altered by tourists and is still a good place to see the “real” West Africa. One of its main draws is the sprawling market, the clientele predominantly locals and not tourists. Vegetables, fruit, meat and fish are all on sale here, along with clothes and household equipment.

• Kololi and Kotu are the two most popular beach resorts. Though The Gambia is not top on a beach-lover’s destination list, the beaches here have everything you could ask for: white sand, hours and hours of sunshine and a cool breeze from the Atlantic. Windsurfing and sailing are both possible.
• The resort of Bakau is on the northern point of the coast. Along with the tourist hotels and beaches, it is still an important fishing town and one of its most interesting spots is the fishing market, where the boats come in to every day.
• It may be pricey, but don’t leave the country without taking a river cruise along the River Gambia. There are a number of operators offering cruises – book before you arrive, or you can find local cruises in Georgetown. You’re guaranteed to see some fascinating wildlife, such as hippos, chimpanzees and birds, as well as the country living along the riverbanks.
• For more wildlife, visit the Abuko Nature Reserve, which is easily reached from the main beach resorts in a day trip. The reserve is home to crocodiles, monkeys and lots of lizards, as well as an animal orphanage with enclosures for hyenas, antelopes and a solitary lion. It’s nothing compared to the nature reserves of East Africa, but a half day guided walk through the forest can be a welcome break from the beaches.
• Three African tribes are predominant in The Gambia: the Wolof, the Mandinka and the Fulua. Because of their prevalence in Banjul (almost 50 percent of the population), the culture and language of the Wolof is the most widespread.

Finding Flights from The Gambia

The Gambia’s convenient West African location puts it close to numerous other tourist destinations. You can fly to Morocco in a mere three hours. It is surrounded on three sides by Senegal, which is home to numerous historic, cultural and wildlife viewing activities. The Gambia is also fairly close to Ghana, one of West Africa’s most popular tourist destinations due to the widespread use of English as well as the bustling culture and amazing historic sites.

Despite being on different continents, The Gambia is also fairly close to many European destinations. It’s a mere six-hour flight from London, and five hours from Barcelona. This close proximity makes it a popular destination for European tourists, but it also lets Americans easily incorporate it into an amazing trip that spans multiple continents. It is important to plan ahead if you intend to visit multiple destinations, as The Gambia often requires tourists to have a return ticket before allowing entry.

When taking a flight from The Gambia, you’ll want to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to board your flight. The availability of flights from Banjul varies depending on the season. The dry season, which lasts from November to May, is often the most popular time due to the area’s pleasant temperatures and sunny skies. June, July and August tend to have fewer tourists due to the heat and rain, so your options may be somewhat more limited. You can check flight availability at https://www.cheapflights.co.uk to help you plan your itinerary.